Mapping in/e/qualitites : explorations of (in)formality along waterscapes of Buenos Aires

Abstract: The pace of which urban populations are growing put a lot of pressure on the urban sector to provide housing and serviced land. Today around 50 % of the world’s population live in cities, and according to United Nations Population Divisions latest report from 2014, the world will see continued global population growth. Large disparities can be found between the developed and developing countries in the world. Alarming figures show that more than a billion residents worldwide live in informal settlements, selfconstructed urban district that lack the same services, quality and infrastructures as the formal districts. In cities with informal urbanisation the segregation between formal and informal settlements often enhances the marginalisation and stigmatisation of the informal dweller. In informal settlements the lack of sanitation, infrastructure and services are immense problems for the dwellers. In addition, informal settlements are often established in precarious and unsafe landscape conditions; on residual industrial land, mountain slopes, floodplains and riversides. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, some of the most common hazards that informal settlers are exposed to are related to water, particularly flooding and contaminated water. This thesis sets out to investigate the spatial-aesthetic relationships of areas close to large-scale waterscapes of Buenos Aires. The focus of this study lies in how inequalities are consolidated through landscape and landscape representations of formal and informal places. Further this study explores how these spatial-aesthetic appreciations can be applied in transformation of informal settlements in Buenos Aires. This study is made with qualitative research with literature studies, field studies of Buenos Aires with two months immersion on site and the use of the investigatory method of the deviant transect. The purpose of this study is to help to support an urban development striving for equality. This study proposes spatial-aesthetic appreciation (mapping) and possible transformation (design) of landscapes for leisure, food and shelter. The thesis stresses the potential shift from a distinction between equality and inequality towards an inclusive landscape of qualities. Thus the focus of this study lies on finding and utilising site-specific qualities of Buenos Aires. Finally, in accordance with findings from this study, some future research on the topic of; site-specific design and informal settlements, interdisciplinary practice in urban planning; and landscape representations are suggested.