The legacy and topicality of John F.C. Turner on housing policy and lessons for community-led development

John Turner's pioneering research in Peru showed that people are capable of planning and building their own homes providing they are able to access land on reasonable terms. He influenced developments in Egypt and beyond and remains highly relevant.

Geoffrey Payne

Moderator

November 6, 2024 | 17:00 - 18:30

Multipurpose room 16

GPA

United Kingdom

English

Reference:

NE 16-06

WUF12

Networking Events

Summary

John Turner exerted a major influence over housing policy globally following his research on informal settlements in Peru in the 1950s. This event intends to assess his approach to community-led development at a time when the housing sector in countries at all levels of economic development is failing to meet the needs, not only of the poor, but increasingly of middle-income groups. With urban populations increasing more rapidly than formally planned development in many countries, this is an opportune moment to take stock and review Turner’s legacy and its contemporary relevance.

Objectives

The key objective of the event is to address the role of households and communities in the formation and implementation of housing policy. It will review the approach advocated initially by John F.C.Turner and others who support participatory approaches to development with contributions by a panel of internationally renowned experts.