Political democratic transformation processes that have been taking place in different Arab countries since 2011 deeply impact on cities and urban transformation in the region.

The impact of political and societal transformation on the residents of informal neighbourhoods will be explored. Change has created many opportunities for more local involvement and participation in urban upgrading, but also new challenges.

During an excursion, students will conduct research and field work in local informal areas, with a special focus on the area of Hay Ettadhamen. Based on the findings we will analyse successes and failures of local policies and propose new inclusive tools and approaches for participatory neighbourhood upgrading. A key focus will be to question how governments and local residents can engage in new forms of (unorthodox) arrangements and partnerships to build a more inclusive, better serviced, resilient and just city.