Learning from the Informality. Using GIS Tools to Analyze the Structure of Autopoietic Urban Systems in the “Smart Perspective”

Abstract

This paper explores the link between the current vision of the “smart city” and the notion of urban autopoiesis understood as self-organized/managed urban systems. It seeks to highlight how the use of GIS analysis, applied to the study of informal settlements, can provide useful information to understand the smart city paradigm. The paper argues the key idea that a smart city should not be seen only as a high-tech urban environment because the transition to smartness will need major changes in its inner structure. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative GIS analysis methods, this study examines the case of the BaSECo Compound, one of the densest informal settlements in Metro Manila (Philippines), with the aim of both generating a comprehensive morphological analysis of this dynamic urban area as well as contributing to the configurational theory of the smart city. The results suggest that the analysis of autopoietic urban systems could expand our understanding of how the structure of the city could evolve to accommodate the needs of its citizens and creating more resilient and inclusive communities.

The paradox of informality and sustainable human settlement in Botswana

“…Samper et al . (2020) as well as Di Pinto et al . (2021) pointed out that informal settlements have proved to be resilient to destruction through demotion, floods, and fires, to mention but just a few.…”

“…However, very little has been achieved so far in the quest to get rid of informal settlements, as more informal settlements keep on sprouting after the initial ones were cleared (Amba, 2010;Okyere and Kita, 2015;Mwaniki et al, 2015;Oyalowo et al, 2018;Fuentes, 2019;Silva, 2020). Samper et al (2020) as well as Di Pinto et al (2021) pointed out that informal settlements have proved to be resilient to destruction through demotion, floods, and fires, to mention but just a few. This also supports the notion that informal settlements are sustainable in their unique ways as they have survived many fierce battles for centuries.…”

“…Also, Pasquettiand and Picker (2017) and Arfvidsson et al (2017) urged town planners to accept the fact that informality is a way of life which deserves to be recognised and accommodated in the urban environment through revised zoning and town planning standards. Supporting this view, Di Pinto et al (2021) as well as G€ urnand and Y€ uksel (2011) argued that informal settlements must be considered as an alternative model of affordable housing which can be used to house the urban poor. They went further to point out that:…”

“…(2021) as well as Gürnand and Yüksel (2011) argued that informal settlements must be considered as an alternative model of affordable housing which can be used to house the urban poor. They went further to point out that:They can be seen as living laboratories where the needs and requirements of the community can be expressed more easily and clearly (Di Pinto et al ., 2021). …”

“…They can be seen as living laboratories where the needs and requirements of the community can be expressed more easily and clearly (Di Pinto et al ., 2021).…”