Architecture of Rapid Change and Scarce Resources
Residents of transitional, informal urban settlements on the edges of expanding cities face significant challenges in sanitation and education.
Prof. Maurice Mitchell’s and Dr Bo Tang’s research on Architecture of Rapid Change and Scarce Resources (ARCSR) promotes a policy of incremental upgrading rather than one of demolition and resettlement.
Residents collaborated with NGOs and researchers through ARCSR projects in India and Sierra Leone to find sustainable solutions for health and well-being.
ARCSR projects contributed to resident-led work installing internal toilets in Kachhpura, Agra and connecting households to water and sewage infrastructure in Savda Ghewra, Delhi. Permanent classrooms completed by ARCSR in Navi Mumbai improved education and early childhood care, while a primary school built by ARCSR in Kaningo, Freetown has provided education for hundreds of children each year.
Through collaborative work promoting the health, well-being and civic engagement of communities in informal settlements, ARCSR has influenced NGO working practices and informed official city policy.
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