The International Union of Architects (UIA), through its Informal Settlements Work Programme, is launching an international survey addressed to architects, academics, policy makers, public authorities, NGOs, civil society actors, and all professionals engaged in the upgrading of informal settlements.
Why This Survey?
Informal settlement upgrading practices are diverse and deeply context-specific. Across regions and cultures, initiatives vary significantly in scale, approach, governance models, and community participation. Architects contribute in a wide range of roles — from leading large-scale international programmes to facilitating community-driven, site-specific interventions — working alongside public institutions, local communities, grassroots organizations, and interdisciplinary teams.
While many of these initiatives have resulted in measurable improvements in public space and overall quality of life, there is a growing need to better understand how these transformations take place.
Access the survey here
What the Survey Seeks to Document
This survey aims to collect, document, and disseminate good practices at an international level. Particular attention is given not only to final outcomes, but also to:
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Project processes and implementation strategies
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Institutional and social challenges encountered
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Lessons learned and adaptive solutions
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Monitoring and evaluation methods
By focusing on these dimensions, the initiative seeks to build a shared body of knowledge that illustrates how informal settlement upgrading is carried out in practice — highlighting obstacles, innovations, and collaborative models.
Climate Resilience and Environmental Justice
Special emphasis is placed on practices that integrate climate resilience and environmental justice into upgrading processes. Beyond physical improvements, the survey seeks examples that address environmental risks, resource management, social equity, and long-term sustainability.
Understanding how these dimensions are incorporated into projects is essential for strengthening professional practice and advancing more inclusive and climate-responsive approaches.
Supporting International Dialogue
The findings of the survey will contribute to the ongoing work of the UIA Informal Settlements Work Programme and will be presented at the UIA 2026 World Congress of Architects Barcelona.
By participating, contributors will support international dialogue and global knowledge exchange, helping to reinforce the role of architects and allied professionals in shaping equitable and resilient urban futures.
Practical Information
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Languages available: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, and Arabic
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Deadline for submission: Monday, 16 March 2026