2008/9/14 Sanjay Rana <[log in to unmask]>:
> I also like the fact that you have turned the question around on its head -
> what is truly a slum? Is it the sardines packed in a tin can situation in
> most cities of India i.e. primarily a third-world phenomena, or is it in
> general about poor housing in overcrowded situation?
That is the point. We know that there a some forms of housing, built
literally with garbage. These still exist in some areas in Brazil, as
they do in Peru and other "underdeveloped" countries (another
terminology that would not survive close inspection). But they are
temporary and these areas tend to improve quickly (at least they do in
Brazil), in the same way the slums (using a more conventional
definition) of Barcelona no longer exist (though the London-like ones
are still there).
Once they are consolidadated and the houses are rebuilt with proper
materials, they no longer fall shy in comparison with the building
stock of London (I am not mocking the Londoners, you have to come and
see). They may look ugly, but I would say that they are 1) more
spacious, 2) they tend to be occupied by a single family (a very
important factor) and 3), in the areas that are already integrated to
the city, they are definitively, definitively, more salubrious.
The good news: in Brazil people continue to improve their houses (they
can afford, they are allowed to do so). I think factors 1 +2 (proper
space, single family) tells more about whether or not a place is a
slum than the proper looking or value of a building. London is the
biggest slum of Europe.
Obviously there many other factors behind the scenes. For instance,
last year it seems that some in the city receive some extra cash:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23437676-details/What+crisis+City+workers+handed+£7billion+bonuses/article.do
By coincidence (pure coincidence), prices of houses (and rents)
increase in the order of 17% in a year.
> However, I wonder if it is this
> ugly, consumer culture-oriented, dirty, edgy, overcrowded, and always
> thirsty nature of London that gives its vibrancy and attractiveness.
> Clearly, there are gentler alternatives available outside London.
When joking with Brazilians, I defend an alternative theory of Natural
Movement:
Streets in London are crowed of pedestrians because people cannot
stand staying in their houses! Why else one would make an effort to go
out in such weather?
Best Regards,
Lucas
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