Rethinking Slum Planning: A Comparative Study of Slum Upgrading Projects

The stigma slums have of being an urban problem is influenced by theoretical and empirical knowledge. This article reports a comparative study on the failure and success of slum upgrading projects in the Gecekondu slum area in Ankara, Turkey and the Semanggi slum area in Surakarta, Indonesia. In both cases there were different orientations and approaches in planning influenced by the perspective on slums. Related to the result of the study, this article offers at least three key perspectives to understand slums in the context of urban planning. Slum upgrading projects are not always about space formalization, physical improvement, or economic enhancement. Slum upgrading projects are also about community empowerment and social transformation contributing to urban development. The success of a slum upgrading project depends on the approach and perspective toward these urban issues within the local context. Different methods andfocuses could result in different outcomes of the project. As such, those differences should be taken into account in the planning process.