COMMUNITY INFORMED INCREMENTAL HOUSING IN KABILA C: LEARNING FROM MATERIALITY AND TEMPORALITY OF INFORMAL HOUSING IN HAVANA, WINDHOEK

Abstract

Informal settlements are characterised by their multi-functional nature and a strong sense of community, which has the potential to foster housing incrementally. The purpose of this study is to design incremental housing informed by the community in Kabila C, assessing the materiality and temporality that affect informal housing in Havana, Windhoek. Materials are not only connected to people physically, but also through their minds, experiences, and cultures. Temporality plays a crucial role in people’s way of living and the structure they occupy, which impacts the sense of place. Materiality affects the sense of place, but temporality determines the type of experience people associate with that place. The housing could represent the user’s individuality and identity, which is an essential part of representation in space. The research applies various methods, including mapping, precedent studies, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, community workshops, photographic surveys, and observation to achieve this goal. The study assesses intangible aspects such as informality, temporality, and culture that influence informal housing. It also highlights the importance of the housing process in informal settlement upgrading, which is often neglected by municipalities, local authorities, and NGOs during the upgrading process.