Architects and the Slum

This lecture by the instructor delves into the production of habitats in non-elite slums, focusing on construction practices and the actors involved in urban transformation. It questions the role of architects and sheds light on the self-built nature of these habitats, drawing on research in Mumbai. The lecture explores the global urban population growth, the challenges faced by informal settlements, and the various terms used to describe slums worldwide. It also discusses the portrayal of slums in media, the concept of slum tourism, and the self-ironic depiction of India. The presentation concludes by reevaluating the cinematic representation of slums and the definition of slums by UN-Habitat and various governments.