Alternative Housing Delivery for Slum Upgrades: Perspectives from Architecture, Engineering, and Non-governmental Organizations

Influencing physical, mental, and social well-being, our home’s physical character is one of the most critical elements of our lives. Extensive research has proven the dramatic impact of poor living environments on health. Informal settlements, therefore, must be one of the extreme examples exposing the critical influence of architecture on health. Such poor living conditions are increasing worldwide, despite record levels of global wealth, advances in architecture and construction technologies, and urban development. This chapter postulates strategies for improving health and well-being amidst the constraints and challenges of informal settlements.