As the saying goes, "Home is where the heart is.” In all cultures and throughout history, human beings have sought a home of their own, regardless of available resources and hardships. Researchers have found one of the oldest vestiges dating back to the Neolithic period in a Turkish city of 9,000 years old. The evolutionary process has turned us into skilled builders, … [Read more...] about Housing as Home: The Less Explored Side of Urban Development
Beyond the Urban/Rural Territorial Categories
There is consensus in considering Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) as the second most urbanized region in the world, with around 80% of its population living in cities and the remaining 20% in rural areas. However, what would happen if we were to change, or adapt, the parameters for defining what can be considered urban territory? The dualistic classification (if it is … [Read more...] about Beyond the Urban/Rural Territorial Categories
Improving neighborhoods in Paraguay through social engagement strategies
Our planet will be home to more than 6.7 billion people by 2050. The main population growth will take place in cities, accounting for 75% of the total population. We can therefore conclude that our future will be eminently urban. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) things are very similar. Did you know that 90% of Latin Americans and Caribbeans will reside in urban … [Read more...] about Improving neighborhoods in Paraguay through social engagement strategies
Ten blog posts to celebrate ten years of Ciudades Sostenibles
Ciudades Sostenibles just celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Since May 2012, more than 800 blog posts have informed our loyal readers every week about the challenges, opportunities, trends and urban projects with the greatest impact on urban development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). From the IDB's Housing and Urban Development Division, we would like to … [Read more...] about Ten blog posts to celebrate ten years of Ciudades Sostenibles
Six innovative alternatives to reduce the housing deficit in Latin America
Affordable housing is that in which citizens or families can live in security, peace and dignity. Although it is a right enshrined in Article 25 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, almost half of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) still lacks access to it. How can this problem be solved? At the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), we are … [Read more...] about Six innovative alternatives to reduce the housing deficit in Latin America