Upgrading from Within: Incremental Solutions for Informal Settlements

Informal settlements and slums are home to millions, where residents often face overlapping challenges ranging from inadequate housing and overcrowding to limited access to basic services and secure tenure.  

This session highlights practical solutions for incremental slum upgrading that improve homes, infrastructure, and living conditions over time. It demonstrates how small, step-by-step improvements can build momentum for wider neighbourhood transformation, strengthening resilience and quality of life.

Featured Practices:

• Guardian Constructor: Incremental Housing Construction; Peru – Habitat for Humanity International
• Empower Upgrade Model; South Africa – Urban Think Tank Empower
• Canal-Side Community Upgrading at Scale in Bangkok; Thailand – Community Organization Development Institute (CODI)

Speakers:

• Gema Stratico, Regional Director LAC, Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, Habitat for Humanity International
• Benjamin Kollenberg, Architectural Director, Urban Think Tank Empower
• Thipparat Noppaladarom, Advisor, Community Organization Development Institute