Community Upgrading: La Esperanza

Graduate Report

Contents

Introduction

The Upgrading Approach

Community Development

Sustainable Development

First Layer: Existing Situation

Second Layer: Design Proposals

Introduction

Usually one of the most frequently asked questions regarding the adoption of different approaches that deal with the issue of informal settlements is: relocate or consolidate? What are the advantages of upgrading and when should this approach be adopted? What are the lessons from the past that we should bring into consideration? It has been said that the relocation approach increases land use efficiency and improves the physical condition of houses by resettling the community in areas that are "more suitable" to urban living standards. Very often, governmental housing agencies rely on purely orthodox methodologies in order to identify the problems faced by poor communities and select proper strategies. Most plans call for removal or relocation of informal settlements without taking in account important social and cultural aspects. Undoubtedly the social costs of resettling are enormous, often leading to a process of disruption of existing social structures and inter-related economic systems, eventually affecting the natural environment. Geoffrey Payne suggests that despite their somewhat deteriorating physical conditions, informal settlements can provide an acceptable living environment. It is precisely because of their unplanned characteristics and immediate response to cultural aspects that these settlements achieve such an intangible spatial quality, which comes from personal interpretations, resulting in a rich variety of typologies, and also in the choice of building materials.

The 'colonia' La Esperanza, located in the area of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, state of Guerrero, west coast of Mexico, is an informal settlement that was recently recognized by local authorities and selected for the upgrading process. This community houses about 170 families in a site that can be described as 'difficult', due to its somewhat deteriorating physical characteristics. Nevertheless, the settlement is already consolidated, with several houses being built with durable, permanent materials. The community has continuously shown its willingness to participate in the process, by organizing themselves in committees and electing representatives to work with the local agencies. The local government, along with the college of architects of Guerrero, has also shown the necessary will to work towards an effective upgrading process, which would eventually benefit other poor communities of the state. The Minimum Cost Housing Group of McGill University is collaborating to this process through the issuing of upgrading proposals, which are meant to be part of a broadened, or holistic, undertaking. The proposals for upgrading contained in this upgrading report are the result of studies carried through two semesters, from September, 1995 to April, 1996. The study is based on a survey conducted during the summer of 1995, which includes socio-economic and physical data regarding the conditions of La Esperanza. With the understanding that these conditions vary from one informal settlement to another, this report will attempt to present alternatives that focus on this particular community, but at the same time keeping some key-elements open to the possibility of replication in other areas. The objectives, therefore, of this report are as follows: to study the potentials of upgrading as it is applied to a "squatter settlement"; to evaluate and discuss the previous approaches and techniques of upgrading; and to assess the viability of upgrading in terms of its replicability and sustainability. The report is organized in four sections, which include: a literature review on the upgrading strategy; a general background on Mexico, Guerrero and La Esperanza; an analysis of the existing situation in La Esperanza; and the resulting physical upgrading proposals.

The Upgrading Approach

Upgrading

Literature Review

Some agents define upgrading as a strategy or an approach to reduce the ever pressing problem of informal settlements. In this report, however, we support the World Bank's definition of upgrading as "a traditional pattern of small-scale-filling-in of, and marginal additions to, existing communities". This definition implies that upgrading is more of a process for achieving a higher degree of community development, rather than simply a singular strategy or approach.

Before the value of upgrading was realised, it was often the desire to start afresh and create a new township to which the whole community could be moved. These attempts brought about inefficiencies and ineffectiveness described by a PFDA research report as follows:

Loss of investment in the existing structures;

The invisible community "fabric" is often irreparably damaged;

Access to community facilities, jobs and public amenities enjoyed from the original settlement is most often not available from the new site.

Therefore the advantages of upgrading, as stated by Martin Rodell, are as follows:

It preserves existing economic systems and opportunities for those most in need, the urban poor.

It preserves a low-cost housing system usually at advantageous locations thus, enabling the inhabitants to retain the maximum disposable income.

It preserves a community which has many internal linkages and safeguards the interests of individual families.

The alternative to upgrading is reallocation, in one form or another, which is socially disruptive since residents are usually moved to less favourable locations, resulting in higher transport costs and less access to informal employment opportunities.

Projects emerging from upgrading policies have had a wide range of impacts from the physical, to the social and the economic, to the organisational. The slum and squatter upgrading schemes, though they have been successful in meeting their design objectives, have not had substantial effects in terms of reducing the magnitude of urban problems at large. There are many instances of existing settlements that were difficult and costly to improve because of their location on hillsides, tidal flats, or in ravines. Improvement after settlement, though often inevitable, is a second-best solution.

To start an incremental process, upgrading has to rely on two elements: governmental support and participation, and the community involvement. Because the process of upgrading can take a number of years, various aspects of upgrading have to be considered fully. The physical aspect, which relies upon the participation of all involved, cannot be separated from the non-physical issues, such as those of a socio-political and socio-economic nature.

It is also important to consider the context of existing shelter and infrastructure conditions in order for upgrading to be effective. Control over the location of settlements and the way in which they are developed can mean lower costs of servicing.

Since upgrading happens on an incremental basis (i.e. staging the level of improvement of each service to suit the affordability potential of the community) it is imperative to consider at each stage the value of replicability of the process for other communities, and the sustainability within each community.

Upgrading Strategy

A comprehensive proposal for the upgrading of an informal settlement, as in the case of La Esperanza, should define components that address both physical and non-physical aspects. Progressive and sustainable development, along with community participation, are key elements in the process.

Therefore the upgrading proposal should:

Understand existing systems: By observing popular patterns of settlement, surveying existing households and recording feedback from the community.

Implement user participation: By promoting community involvement, adopting Self-Help and mutual aid approaches, incorporating training and development of skills and providing incentives for social activities and recreation.

Propose scale of priorities: Based on the observation and analysis of physical structures, such as existing patterns of circulation and transportation, public infrastructure, open spaces and house conditions, as well as non-physical aspects, such as health conditions, levels of education and culturally appropriate activities. The establishment of priorities, though, should be considered a collective task.

Propose strategies for sustainability and replicability: Support existing economic activities, stimulate development of small scale enterprises, provide training and subsidies for the production of building components, etc.

Define framework and management strategies for the project: Define the role of each participant in the process and provide support for the first stages of the project allowing direct input from the community through group discussions. Strategies and timetables should have an 'open' concept, thus allowing participants to determine their basic priorities and set their own pace.

Definition of Terms:

Squatter Settlements

The term 'squatters' is generally used to describe persons who dwell on a piece of land that does not belong to them legally. This term is perhaps too narrow for the purposes of this study, as it excludes legal land owners who may be dwelling on the land along with squatters, but who have failed to meet required housing standards (and therefore live in an illegal structure). Squatting has strict legal connotations, referring either to the illegal occupation of land, or to the illegal erection or occupation of a dwelling. It is considered to be 'uncontrolled' and 'temporary', or 'spontaneous'. The term 'slum', on the other hand, relates to the physical condition and appearance of the structure. The word 'informal' may also be used in place of what are popularly known as squatters and/or slum.Squatter settlements are the most prevalent form of non-conventional housing constructed by the urban poor, largely because they tend to be a very visible element in the urban landscape of the Third World. Squatting has appeared wherever cityward migration has reached unusually high proportions.

Even in deteriorating conditions, poor dwellers of squatter settlements tend to consolidate their homes, either through land invasion or illegal subdivision. Squatter settlements, therefore, serve as a basis from which the poor try to seek work, raise their families and improve their living standards. Throughout this report the term 'squatter settlement' is used specifically in reference to non-regulated housing constructed by urban poor migrants on a piece of illegally occupied land.

Since World War II when the term community development first came into use, its use has spread rapidly and been interpreted in different ways throughout the world. A United Nations report on community development in rural areas has emphasized two components: community Self-Help and technical assistance.

The term 'community development' defines a process by which the efforts of the people are united with those of governmental authorities to improve the economic, social and cultural conditions of countries, to integrate these communities into the life of the nation, and to enable them to contribute fully to national progress.

This process is made up of two essential elements: participation by the people in efforts to improve their level of living with as much reliance as possible on their own initiatives; and the provision of technical assistance and other services in ways which will also encourage initiatives, and make these more effective.

Through this report, the term 'community development' is used to describe a process of gradual improvement of the overall living conditions of the population, through use of community organizational tools, such as:

Community Participation: This term encompasses such diverse spheres as financing and payment collection, materials production and distribution, maintenance, planning, employment generation, estate management and health care, education, apart from the more obvious sphere of collective labor. Community participation is potentially feasible in almost every activity in a self-help project. It can assist people with the compromises necessary in systems which are neither 'free enterprise' nor fully 'state controlled' but lie, instead, somewhere in between. Community participation in the case of La Esperanza refers to all the communal activities, that occur either in the community centre and its several branches, such as builder's yard, planting nursery, workshops, training classes, etc., or even at the individual household level.

Self-Help: The concept of Self-Help underwent a remarkable transition between the mid-sixties and mid-seventies. The traditional concept was understood in a technological sense. Self-Help housing meant houses constructed by low income families with their own, unpaid, labor. After the publication of Charles Abraham's 'Man's Struggle for Shelter in an Urbanizing World' in 1964, and John Turner's 'Housing by People' in 1976, the contemporary Self-Help term refers to a from of social decision-making about construction rather than to a particular technological ingredient in the construction of houses. The redefinition of Self-Help comprises two major elements: families making decisions and direct investments by families, either in the form of their unpaid labor or cash savings. In most existing squatter neighborhoods, both of these elements would be present. By using Self-Help techniques, inhabitants of the community can potentially reduce the cost of construction and develop better living conditions based on their own initiatives.

Therefore, in the case of La Esperanza, self-help refers to upgrading at the level of both the individual dwelling and of the community, to be undertaken by the inhabitants themselves, with the participation of governmental agencies. The inhabitants will invest sweat equity and income into the improvement of their dwellings and public facilities which directly benefit them. The participation of the governmental and professional agencies, such as the local college of architects, is related to the financing, management, land tenure definition and technical assistance in the construction process.

According to the World Commission on Economic Development (WCED), known as Brundtland Commission, Sustainable Development is a "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

The origins of the concept of sustainable development originated two bodies of literature which, in the 1960's, were quite separate: that based on the environment and other on the development. Aristotle, some two thousand years ago, used the spirit of sustainability in defining the term oikomia - root word of economics, and the term chrematistics - economic development, which today is defined as the manipulation of property and wealth so as to maximise short term monetary exchange value to the owner. Certain cultures, like that of the Mohawks, were able to integrate some of the spirit of sustainability into daily practice. The Mohawks would always appoint a representative of the seventh generation "to consider how the decisions discussed today may be viewed seven generations from now".

First Layer: Existing Situation

Physical Aspects

La Esperanza is located in a valley settlement which is part of the great Sierra Madre del Sul. At an approximate elevation of 80 meters above sea level, the luxurious green horizon of the Sierra, dotted with several narrow mountain heights, is promptly recognized towards the north. The Coastal Highway 200, that runs to and from Acapulco and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, is also a major component of the scenery, this busy highway marks the southern boundary of the settlement and provides the main vector for urban inter-connection.

The site of La Esperanza does not exhibit any presence of plains or plateaus. Undulating terrain, with degrees of inclination ranging from ten to eighty percent, dominates the entire settlement. The access to the community is made through a small entrance which links it to the highway. It is located next to one of the few flat sections of the entire area, and therefore is the place chosen by most for gathering and commerce. Most of the streets located next to the south part, with has a summit of about 84 meters above sea level , are sloped, some of to a very high degree, which makes vehicular access impractical, and in some cases virtually impossible. The southeastern section of the colonia is indeed the most lush with vegetation. Root crops and other agricultural produce are planted by the villagers at this location. The use of plantation, mostly corn fields, as a form of slope retaining has been fairly spread throughout the community. This fact itself reflects the general concern of the inhabitants with the hazards which could result from earth slides due to rain storms or even seismic phenomena.

The valley where La Esperanza is located has a great variety of vegetation, both edible and non-edible. This mountainous region provides a suitable climate for crops, which give sustenance for the residents of the settlements. Crops like corn, fruit bearing trees such as papaya, almond, and palm trees are growing on the edges of the settlement, indicating that the soil is fertile and has a great potential for agricultural activities. One can spot flowering trees and shrubs, either on clay or plastic pots, or even being used to adorn plot edges or as shading. Green leafy vegetables can are also cultured locally, either on open spaces located within the plots or planted on the periphery towards the highest point of the valley. This suggests that there is great potential for income-generating activities, in terms of vegetable planting that could serve as additional supply for the village or could be sold to neighbouring towns. The intermittent appearance of large trees like the Jacaranda behind the settlement, a few meters away from the major highway, creates not only a defined background for La Esperanza, but keeps the soil base intact thus protecting the whole settlement. This combination of uses within the settlement and around can be attributable to the quality of minerals present in its soil, which exhibits rock formations that are strong enough to be used as foundation in the construction of dwellings and that have the potential of withholding surface water run-off, offsetting the frequency of erosion. Although water resources may not be present within the settlement, its location on the proximity to the Agua de Correa basin makes it technically possible to access water beds to serve the community.

La Esperanza is located in the south-east suburban area of Zihuatanejo, next to the Federal highway 200, known as Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon. This highway serve as the main link between the city of Acapulco and Zihuatanejo, stretching for approximately 236 kilometres. A new 540 kilometre highway, passing through extremely rugged and mountainous territory, was recently built to connect Zihuatanejo and Mexico city. It is a vital link in the transportation system from the west coast to Mexico city and a new alternative to the old route via Acapulco.

Cars, taxis and buses run through the Federal highway 200 between the settlement and Zihuatanejo's downtown, 6 kilometres away, where is located the principal commercial zone of the region. Since bus companies schedule stops in La Esperanza, the majority of people goes to the city through this mean of transportation. Moreover, there are now links to the north, east and south of the state by modern highways. Another way of reaching the area is by air. Passengers are transported from the Airport, located at the eastern corner of the city, about 10 kilometres from La Esperanza, to Zihuatanejo's downtown or to Ixtapa hotels, using an avenue that is part of the Federal highway 200.

Infrastructure

Water Supply: As a result of the analysis about the existing conditions in La Esperanza, we noticed that there is not a consolidated water supply network. In the surveyed area, only 56 % of the households have a water tank or a well, while the rest the plots do not have any constructed deposit. In those cases people store water in small buckets or drums.

During the periods of higher rates of precipitation, in June and July, people store rainwater in a communal well which was built by the community. The well is located beside the open space next to the school, but unfortunately this water do not fulfil the necessities of the whole community and, in addition, is used only for cleaning purposes. Thus, the main problem is the drinking water. People have to pay for water that is delivered in plastic containers, which the poorest families cannot not afford.

Sanitation: In La Esperanza, sanitation conditions are very poor. In fact, sanitation is one of the main problems because waste disposal is not provided as a public service. In the analysis of the site survey we could observe that only 32% of the plots have septic tank or latrine, while the rest of the dwellings discharge the excreta into open channels or through natural infiltration into the soil.

Open Spaces

There are several pockets land at the periphery of the settlement which have a reasonable flat surface. Two of these are areas actually used by the community for recreational purposes, the rest is mostly untreated land, which serves as garbage dump and for sporadic cultivation of crops. The largest open area is located near the highway. It is separated from the main street by a fence made with old tires and contains a wooden shack at its edge. Surrounded by large trees, this space is one of the most suitable for its size and location. Kids love to play soccer under the shades of an open structure which is also used for several public activities. The other major open space is located at the school's grounds, its basketball court is actually the only sports facility for the community.

Circulation

The road network of La Esperanza was laid out in a traditional gridiron pattern. There is no system of classification or even definition of hierarchy. The width of streets is about 6 meters, with the exception of street 21 which is about 8 meters wide. In general, streets are in very poor conditions, unlevelled and unpaved, many of them are located in slopes and lack a proper storm drainage system. There is no activity node for the main access street and other main streets. The mixed use of streets by vehicles and pedestrians, especially next to the school, is indeed an undesirable situation. The streets have no sidewalks, and there is no clearly defined area for commercial activities and house extensions of small shops.

Housing Conditions

Houses in La Esperanza are no different from the average informal settlement of Latin America. The problems inherent to the precarious physical conditions of the site and the general lack of urban services are just some of the obstacles that have to be addressed in any upgrading process that focuses on the enhancement of the physical standards. What makes this small community a distinct example, therefore allowing for a process of upgrading, is the will of their inhabitants and government in participating and adopting viable and realistic strategies to improve their living conditions.

The analysis of the physical condition of housing in La Esperanza shows a somewhat heterogeneous environment, some houses are nothing but shacks made of scrap timber, cardboard and waste materials, while others are very elaborated, using concrete slabs and brick walls. Dwellings range from small, sixteen square meters one-room structures, to larger houses that occupy the entire plot area. The spatial subdivision analysis, though, shows a different situation, with a more homogeneous solutions. The basic typology of dwelling in La Esperanza reflects the overall sensibility of its inhabitants with reference to the climate and traditions of the region. The outdoor areas, semi-private extensions that link the public realm with the household sphere, are common to almost all dwellings. The Varanda, or roofed porch, is the main identifiable living space.

With its multipurpose character - it can be used for cooking, sleeping and socializing, as well as for storage and commercial activities - the verandah is usually inexpensive to build, it can be made with lightweight, temporary materials, allowing even to the poorest the comforts inherent to its shadowed nature. The observation of patterns of spatial development in low income settlements of Zihuatanejo has shown that usually space takes precedent over quality. People will change their houses as their family grows and more space is needed, only then they will consolidate and improve the quality of their dwellings. This pattern can also be observed in La Esperanza, where the larger dwellings often are built with temporary materials.

Another intrinsic feature of La Esperanza, although not permanent in its character, is the vegetation used by residents. The simplest, smallest house, benefits from the luxurious quality of some plants native to the area, in which jacaranda, papaya and mango appear among the most popular ones. Plants are used throughout for decorating, providing shading, intimacy and ultimately helping to raise the overall micro-climatic comfort at the residential level.

Second Layer: Design Proposals

Objectives

The main objective of these proposals is to provide the community of La Esperanza, as well as the local governmental agencies, with a sound base from which they can, in a progressive and self-sustainable manner, improve the living conditions of the settlement. The role of the upgrading process, though, should be defined not by itself, but by the end users, which must participate in all stages of its planning and development. The methodology for implementation assumes that people will be willing to take most of the action in their hands and invest part of their time, labor, and incomes in an effort that will eventually benefit all. Therefore, the main requirements for the overall success of the undertaking are its sustainability, accessibility, affordability, fostering of income generation activities, integration with social and cultural activities, etc. The processes of implementation must be regarded as community affair. The understanding of these basic premises is fundamental for the understanding of the proposals which are presented herein.

It is the interest of this upgrading proposal, with the concept of progressive development, to create an understanding and appreciation of the participatory methods to empower the residents of La Esperanza and make them self-reliant. The intention of imparting skills in every development phase is crucial for the upgrading process, as much as the responsibility of enhancing their awareness and capacity. The proposal promotes and encourages collective action towards community self-management keeping the underlying principles of sustainability, convergence and cost-effectiveness always in view. The design proposal is pegged to the existing social conditions, residents' aspiration and cultural changes, as such, it shall proceed incorporating these elements. Propagating user-oriented, community-participated activities resulting from a bottom-up design approach would enable communities develop that sense of pride and self-worth needed for a cost-effective and realistically time-framed implementation of the upgrading process.

Methodology of Implementation

Considering the residents as prime beneficiaries of the upgrading process, the initial step to be taken is to organise the participants and increase their awareness to establish a self-help centre where community participation, government intervention and professional advice are recognised and incorporated into the upgrading process. As the proposal proceeds from different entry levels, its cost-effectiveness and technologically appropriate means in delivering every aspect of community development would always involve the collective action of the residents.

The proposals for physical upgrading were structured in several layers of intervention. The use of minimum cost, entry level solutions, reflects the preoccupation with the primary stages of the undertaking, in which results must be achieved with minimum investment. The strategy for progressive development, therefore, provides the users with several stages of intervention, delivering construction methods and other solutions which are accessible to all income levels within the community.

Strategy

By maximizing the element of community participation, the upgrading strategy incorporates the idea of a Self-Help Centre, which is regarded as the main component, the place where discussions are held and decisions are taken, a place envisaged to promote and stimulate the participation of users and planners. The physical location of the Centre, next to the main access to the colony in an area already identified by locals as the main gathering place, reflects its level of importance in the context.

The main role of the Self-Help Centre is to serve as a focal point, a physical reference that congregates the administrative and organizational functions, from which other specific branches would eventually grow. Some of the branches already incorporated in the proposed methodology, such as the Builders' Yard and the Planting Nursery, are very specific in its functions, serving as a base and providing the foundation for the development and growth of branches that relate to other areas, such as social and cultural. It should be noted that, although this upgrading proposal does not include actual strategies for non-physical aspects such as health care, education, employment, etc, it is a common understanding that the local governmental agencies must realize the importance of these fundamental issues, thus taking them in account and incorporating them into the physical structure that is been proposed for that matter.

Proposals for Non-Physical Aspects:

The non-physical aspects of the upgrading proposal encompasses, socio-economic conditions, changing cultural attributes, education, health, recreation and other communal amenities. Upgrading this particular aspect of community development requires intensive community participation, without which efforts would all be futile. To begin the process, it has to rely on the existing community organisation which is comprised by dedicated individuals, resolved in helping themselves and their community achieve a better life. The self-help centre would be instrumental in this regard.

Health Factor

To increase the residents' awareness of the existing health issues that affects them, teaching modules would be presented at the self-help centre, in collaboration with local government agencies, private health institutions, professional volunteers and the NGOs. Health awareness belongs to top priority in the upgrading process, since it is only through it that the individual learns to take responsibility of their family's physical welfare and well-being together with that of their surroundings. Sanitary education is one important factor that is complimented by the physical aspect in the upgrading process. Community participation, with special regard to its women, would be strongly encouraged through proper scheduling of lectures on selected topics and health seminars within the self-help centre.

Income-Generating Factor

Proposals for income-generating activities which would be presented either in the self-help centre or via door to door method, would definitely be welcomed by the residents. The informal sector workers know very well that skill training that would be imparted in every phase of the upgrading process could generate increase in thair incomes. The strategy is first to organise people, then enhance their awareness and collective action, encourage community self-management by providing them access to community training seminars and to the physical components in the upgrading process like the planting nursery, where they can grow edible plants that could later be sold, thereby making it an income-generating activity, or they can have access to the builders' yard where construction skills are practised. The same skills could be use for services in nearby towns who require it. The physical aspect of the proposal encourages income-generating activities through the appropriation of two meters along the street 21 to allow for home extensions to use for commercial purpose.

Proposals for Physical Aspects

Community Level

Community Self-Help Centre

The proposed Community Centre would be located on the current plot along street 21 and street 7. This vacant plot has large trees, which shall remain, and also an existing open shed. This is where the school was formerly located. The area being accessible from the main entrance to the community by primary streets makes it an ideal place for important social gatherings. Several community activities would be encouraged to be held there:

Education and Training: A self-help centre was located within this area, catering for the residents' needs and helping define the upgrading process. This is where education and training on the community development programs takes place such as primary health care, early childhood education, communication skills and methods, and other modalities, of training the resident community volunteers. The self-help centre has an open plan concept using the existing shed and extending it to render the place less intimidating and be able to encourage community-involvement in the whole upgrading process. The centre would use readily available materials and low mode of technology in order to keep costs down.

Commercial/Economic Activities: Commercial activities like mobile markets would be encouraged within this area. Home-made goods like crafts, food and agricultural produce can be sold here to augment neighbourhood income. Alternatively they could sell goods bought from nearby towns.

Social Gathering : A plaza designed to accommodate social gatherings and major community events would be located on this area. As focal point, a traditional gazebo would be strategically located, as to represent the neighbourhood spirit which is deep-rooted in the Mexican culture. The upgrading process intends not only to enhance the physical attributes of the community but also its sense of neighbourhood and pride.

The entire Community Centre would be progressively developed ensuring that at every stage the outcome is user-controlled, managed and maintained. Simple materials that are readily available would be used to encourage a user-built product. Each phase in the upgrading process would be cost effective, commensurate to the financial capabilities of the inhabitants.

Open Spaces

The concept of developing community open spaces by promoting the "user-built and maintained" approach, would lead the upgrading process to its gradual implementation. By promoting participatory planning and design, the environment can become be culturally rich, organically evolved and more responsive to people's behavioural, economic and ecological needs.

We adopted "traditional'' patterns for the design of open spaces, which are usually small in its scale, have low-cost development, are user developed and maintained, utilise appropriate technology, and are a result of 'bottom-up' design approach. For community spaces like the plaza, where local social gatherings take place, and the market place where residents buy their daily supply, should be managed and maintained by local residents for their own use and enjoyment. Participation would usually breed self-worth and a sense of brotherhood within a community. Through participation, individuals develop useful skills that bring about self-reliance, political clout, and discourages crime and vandalism. Gateways promote an increased sense of local pride and identity. Community participation in the construction and the use of local materials that are readily available such as timber would make it cost-effective. Daily commercial activities happening on primary streets are encouraged through proposing designs with the understanding that these very same activities could generate income for community development. In enabling the approach to the community open-space upgrading process, the concept is based in progressive development and must be user-oriented.

Circulation

Considering usage hierarchy both for community open space and circulation is an important factor for the upgrading process. Understanding these classifications helps one identify which entry-level solution would be implemented, and at what cost. Progressive development of the circulation areas can be done simultaneously with that of the open spaces. Development of the circulation areas would definitely be an incremental process because of the intimate relationship between the plots along the street bordering these block of plots.

Primary Access Streets: Street classification have not evolved yet in the community of La Esperanza. No sidewalk and curbs to identify street usage giving a homogenous street structure. The upgrading approach proceeds from these street classifications: the primary access street, secondary street and purely pedestrian street.

Primary streets includes 21st street and 7th street which have an existing 8 meters width. This width would be taken advantage of by giving 2 meters of plot owner along these streets to accommodate extension for commercial activities. These roads are primarily for vehicle traffic. Paving these roads would be an immediate task in the upgrading process since they are the main thoroughfares that would channel faster and easier mobilisation of the upgrading activities within the community.

The strategy would be done in stages whereby the first stage will be just the levelling the rugged condition of the street and consolidating a sloped cross-section for storm water drainage. Second stage would have to enhance and define street edges by participatory landscaping engaging plot owners along the streets to be involved. In the future stage these streets are to be paved with more durable materials.

Pedestrian Streets: The existing condition of these streets are poorly located on steep slopes rendering it unsuitable for vehicular traffic and are even difficult for pedestrians. The proposal is to turn these streets into purely pedestrian streets, suitable for walking, children playing and small social gathering. The street then becomes a semi-public space where a whole range of street activities can take place. Construction of steps to help negotiate the slope by the residents is essential. Plantation can help prevent soil erosion and storm water run-off can be drained along the centre of the street. Vehicular traffic is not encouraged in these streets but the design proposal is such that in case of emergencies vehicles can access the dwellings.

Green Streets: Green streets are streets set parallel to the streets 21. The existing road conditions, with undulating, rugged, steep and narrow cross sections, shows that vehicular access through these roads would be very difficult. The upgrading proposal suggests that these streets be identified, incorporating small recreational open spaces for children to play and landscaping the edges of the streets. This design would encourage relaxed walking. Gateways would be installed at boundaries of these streets to enhance the sense of pride within the neighbourhood. These streets can be upgraded in the same pattern, in stages. The first task is to level the streets so people can walk safely. Treatment of slope would be done immediately at this stage. The final stage is the incorporation of street furniture and landscaped treatment. Finally it can be paved with durable materials such as asphalt or concrete blocks. However difficult these streets are for vehicles, the design does not impede through-traffic.

Infrastructure

Water Supply: According to the necessities of the community, one of the objectives of the upgrading plan is to provide the water supply to the whole community. The proposal is divided in different stages, following the progressive concept. The first step is to provide a pump house where water can be extracted and pumped to a tower tank that would be placed at the top of the mountain, in order to allow the necessary pressure in the pipes through use of gravity, thereafter two communal taps would be built to service the community at the entry level. Once the water is deposited in the communal taps, the second stage is to provide a main water network along the spine street, and the third stage is to expand the water network to the all streets of the community. The proposed network has been designed in such a way as to allow poor families to have access to piped water at affordable rates. Furthermore people won't have to walk long distances to fetch water from communal wells or taps.

Sanitation: Pit latrine was found the most suitable option for the proposal at the entry level, as it offers several advantages over the conventional sewerage system. The second stage is to improve this latrine into the pour-flush toilet, which require only two litters of water for flushing. Furthermore the system permits re-use of waste-water as agricultural fertiliser. For the long term plan, it is proposed that latrines be incorporated into the sewerage system to be provided by the municipal Government.

Drainage System: The drainage system proposed incorporates an open channel to be built in the centre of the streets as an entry level solution. The profile of the slopes facilitate this approach because water rain can easily run through the channel. Moreover, water from washing and cooking activities (grey waters), in the dwelling can also be collected and deposited into the channel. The second stage is the improvement of materials and construction methods of the channel, for instance the construction of the channel with bricks and mortar which would be covered with a cement layer.

Residential Level

The design of the open space in the plot is based on a module of 3.00 by 3.00 M. The maximum width allows is 6.00 M. which gives a 2.00 M. lateral set back. In these three main open spaces we propose the plantation of trees, low plants and shrubs like: Coconut, banana, papaya, palm trees, bamboo and corn; as well as slope retaining walls made of bamboo, dry stone, solid stone and boulder banks. To enclose the plot area we propose the creation of fences made of Bamboo.

Depending to the inclination of the terrain, in the front yard is proposed the creation of steps to access the dwelling. The lateral set back is thought as a porch space that can be placed in front of the streets on corners of blocks. And the back yard where all the planting of bamboo, corn and trees will be seeded, as well as flowering and vegetation.

Dwelling Level:

Construction Method 1- Bamboo: The first construction method proposed deals with indigenous materials, some of which are easy to get from the vicinity, resulting in a very low cost option. The main material, for both structure and enclosures is a type of bamboo, known as otate in the region.

The foundation proposed is built with the traditional concrete footing, which is then tied using thin beams, giving the foundation the necessary rigidity and structurally a good resistance. Within each footing is placed a steel bar of about one meter, embedded with concrete to hold the bamboo column on top. Each bamboo column must have a diameter from 10 cm. to 15 cm. of diameter. The beams must be thinner than the columns in order to fit on top. The span that holds all the load must be reinforced with a double bamboo layer, in order to create enough resistance to torsion, which is the only weak side of bamboo.

In two-story buildings the upper floor is made of several bamboo beams that are secured with screws and nuts to the main beam. Then the unrolled bamboo is placed on top, secured with nails and wire. The last step is to plaster or tile the floor. To plaster columns and beams is necessary to cover the bamboo with a wire mesh, in order to give adhesion to the bamboo's surface.

To build the walls, it is necessary to reinforce the structure with diagonal bamboo posts, then the Esterilla or unrolled bamboo is extended along the surfaces of the structure. The last process is to plaster and pain the wall with lime, or with paint, if the resources are enough. The pipes and electrical features are placed within the wall in the empty spaces between the inside and outside esterillas.

This type of construction method is very useful for use in sloped terrain. It is here that bamboo shows its best quality: the compression resistance.

Construction Method 2 - Small Pre-Cast Components: The second option presented in this upgrading proposal is the pre-fabricated method of construction, consisting of a small-scale building component, which is the concrete block. The block whose configuration resembles a cube, with a .20 x .20 x .20 m dimension. Its shape however, can be modified according to structural application. Production of this building material could be done on the builders' yard by self-help centre trained individuals thereby keeping the production cost to the minimum.

The resident who chooses this option will have to proceed first to the self-help centre for guidance and for their needs to be quantified. Choices of how to build the new structure or how much additional space is required would be given to the resident/client. The method of construction for this particular option does not require high technology. The product could be user-built, so construction cost could be kept low. At the site, foundation is laid out first, cast on site. The concrete blocks, that are usually open on two opposite sides like a doughnut, would be placed on top of another, forming columns and beams. For sloped site conditions the flexibility of these blocks can be taken advantaged of because of the fact that the builder can actually choose the height appropriately without cutting or bending the materials. The technique would be just to add or subtract blocks , depending on the height required. Next step would be to provide the floor and roof slabs which could come in pre-fabricated form or traditionally laid out, since the system is categorised under the open-system of pre-fabricated construction. This choice depends on how much time the resident/user has and his income capacity. Wall infill could be put next, with opening for the fenestration. Incorporating the sanitation system can be done simultaneously with the wall or floor construction. Water supply and electrical supply can be installed at appropriate construction stage. The blocks can also be used for drainage as it forms a c-channel with its one side off. Productions of these blocks and its various usage does not only help to provide shelter but could it has also the capacity to provide potential for economic growth. Skills gained from the training provided for in the production of these blocks, could create jobs for some of individuals. By offering these skilled services to nearby towns could be an income-generating endeavour, helping the upgrading proposal realise its intention of sustainability.

Construction Method 3 - Conventional and Pre-Cast Concrete: The Construction Method proposed here incorporates the idea of mixing traditional building materials, familiar to local people, with pre-fabricated elements. The structural system is made of conventional reinforced concrete cast on-site, for both columns and beams, as well as for the foundation blocks. The concrete slab, used either as roof or floor slab, is made of pre-cast "T" beams which hold concrete blocks or clay bricks and are then covered with a thin layer of cement and sand mix. The necessity of scaffolding for a pre-cast beam is minimum, which helps reduce the number of wood planks required. The beams can be produced in different sizes, but to keep expenditure with costly metal molds the lowest possible it is suggested the adoption of modular construction.

The whole concept is fairly simple: the base of the construction is a method already in use by locals, the pre-cast components can be produced at the Builder's Yard by the homeowners and their families with minimum training, the assembly of the lightweight components requires few workers and can be carried out in a progressive manner. The families can start producing the components for their house on their own pace, stocking their produce until they have enough for the initial stage of construction. All the other elements that complement the building process, such as plumbing, sanitary and electrical installations, are also based on solutions already in use by locals.

The method is proposed as an open ended solution, which means that several stages of the construction can be exchanged and/or mixed with options taken from both construction method 1 and 2. This openness in inherent to the independent nature of reinforced concrete elements in relation to other building components.

Table of Typologies: The table of typologies was conceived as a tool to illustrate the flexibility of the building methods proposed. It shows several types and sizes of dwellings being upgraded in a progressive way, either by addition of area or by upgrading the quality of the materials used. The dwellings were chosen from a sample of the actual dwellings of La Esperanza. Their size and their position within the plot reflect the pattern of occupation adopted by the community in the first stages of the settlement. Table 1 shows examples of houses located in slopes ranging from 0 to 25%, Table 2 shows slope ranging from 25 to 50% and Table 3 illustrates the extreme cases of slope occupation, from 50 to 80%.

Two samples were then taken from each table and further developed, showing the progressive upgrading of six of the dwellings, each pair of dwellings was illustrated using one of the three building methods proposed. The tables should be used only as a reference, the actual planning of the upgrading of the dwellings should be carried out by the owners with proper instruction from the Self-Help Centre coordinators.

Cost comparison: The three systems proposed have been studied and analyzed according to the building materials found in this region. The results found reflected each system's nature and identity. For instance the pre-cast system which is a good, fast and simple method was the one with higher cost, US$ 680.00 however it is the system that most of the people of Zihuatanejo would like to have as a temporal and definitive home. The other system studied was the block system which is more manual and better known by people in this region, got the medium price, US$ 576.75 The pre-cast and the block systems are proposed to be made in the builders yard. The Otate system, which is the most economic of the three, uses indigenous organic building materials, however in this region it still has not been used in the way it is proposed here. The simplicity and reasonably faster construction make it a good alternative as an entry level, mostly for the poorest families whose resources are very limited. The cost for this system was US$ 493.50. All three systems were analyzed and quantified based on the module of 3.00 m by 3.00 m, as shown in the tables.