This text focuses on the complex challenges—from poor living conditions to troubled health care options—faced by those living in informal settlements in countries such as South Africa and Brazil, as well as by local and national authorities around the world seeking to alleviate this situation. Comprised of a selection of workshop papers from a two year study conducted by a group of educators at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, this resource analyzes the role national policies and municipal practices have played in attempts to improve the standard of living in informal settlements. Specific discussions on the growing reality of HIV/AIDS in informal settlements are also included.

Marie Huchzermeyer is an associate professor in the school of architecture and planning at the University of the Witwatersrand. Aly Karam is a senior lecturer in the school of architecture and planning at the University of the Witwatersrand.