Hello New Followers

Just wanted to maybe introduce  myself, as it might not be clear exactly what this blog is.

My name is Rachel, and I am a graduate student at Ryerson University working towards a Masters of Architecture.  These last 6 months (or so) I have been investigating informal settlements, or “slums.”

I’ve found that the perception of the “slum” is just a stereotype, many are productive, lively, and full of people who are just working towards a common goal of living a better life, the same goal you or I might have in a drastically different setting. 

My thesis has taken many turns. At first I was talking about water, and then transportation (visiting Bogota and Mexico City to investigate), and now I’ve finally found that there’s much to do in just finding ways in which Architects can engage in the existing fabric of the informal settlement without disrupting the existing social, economic and cultural networks.  Yes, they need much improvement in terms of sanitation and general safety of construction, but the communities that exist there are legitimate; preservation and augmentation will be the means to make that clear. 

Hopefully that explains that for you all.  If you’d like to comment on my work or pass along information, feel free to submit content or ask a question. I appreciate your interest in this blog, but please, don’t expect flashy interiors, you can find those here sometimes. 

Thanks,

Rachel