The Architecture of Empowerment: People, Shelter and Livable Cities - Softcover

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9781854904935: The Architecture of Empowerment: People, Shelter and Livable Cities

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1854904930 ISBN 13: 9781854904935

Publisher: Academy Press, 1997

The Architecture of Empowerment People, Shelter and Livable Cities Edited by Isma�il Serageldin Foreword by Muhammad Yunus The architecture of empowerment is about challenging architects to do more than build for the poor . It invites them to rethink the premises of the process of design as much as the process of building. It challenges them to shed their assumed omnipotence and to become enablers for the poor. (Muhammad Yunus) In the wake of the second Habitat Conference, and with the urban population of the developing world set to treble in the next generation, Isma�l Serageldin argues that architecture must both widen its scope and reassess its processes in order to address the needs of the poor. He emphasises that the provision of shelter and infrastructure is most effective when undertaken in close collaboration with the community - from concept design through to construction - and as part of a broader socio-economic strategy. Essays by Charles Correa, Michael Cohen and Suha �zkan evaluate the need for this new approach, setting it in the context of current global forces - such as convergence and marginalisation - and preceding architectural solutions. Case studies from across the world demonstrate that the architecture of empowerment has already proved a successful and versatile solution to revitalising historic cities, upgrading slums and creating new settlements. A special section on micro-finance shows how the very poor can effectively improve their economic conditions. What is needed now, writes Isma�l Serageldin, 'is the will to implement what we know and the determination to succeed'. Contributors include: Charles Correa, Mike Cohen, Suha �zkan, Mohammad al-Asad, Selma al-Radi, Lailun Ekram, Rawia Fadel, Arif Hasan, Mona Serageldin, James Steele, Boguslaw Trondowski, Sameh Wahba, Muhammad Yunus. Other relevant titles published by Academy Include: Architecture Beyond Architecture, Cynthia C Davidson with Isma�l Serageldin (eds); Building for Tomorrow, Azim Nanji (ed); Architecture for a Changing World, James Steele (ed); Architecture for Islamic Societies Today, James Steele (ed); Hassan Fathy, James Steele; Architecture of the Contemporary Mosque, Isma�l Serageldin with James Steele (eds).

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About the Author:

Isma�l Serageldin is Vice-President of Environmentally Sustainable Development at the World Bank, and an Egyptian architect and planner who holds a PhD from Harvard University. He served on the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Steering Committee from 1984 to 1992, and chaired the Master Jury in 1983 and 1995. His books include Space for Freedom, which examines the 1986 awards, Architecture Beyond Architecture, which presents the 1995 awards, and Architecture of the Contemporary Mosque.

Review:

In The Architecture Of Empowerment Egyptian architect Ismail Serageldin details the similarities and differences between the cities of North America and Europe with those in the developing world, uncovering the dynamics of urban decay and unveiling the means of renewal. Serageldin argues that architecture must both widen its scope and process to address the needs of the poor. The Architecture Of Empowerment is a challenge to architects and others regarding the provision of shelter and infrastructure in collaboration with the community (from concept design through construction) integrated into a broader socio-economic strategy. The Architecture Of Empowerment features a wealth of insightful essays evaluating the need for a new architectural city planning in the context of current global forces. Case studies illustrate the points raised and premises assumed. -- Midwest Book Review

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