Lateral Housing:

Informal Settlements in Syria

Sarah Bridges
Roof scape in Jeremana
Affiliated with Architects for Peace
(www.architectsforpeace.org)

In 2009’s social-political environment where such intense focus is placed on the

economic policies of the past, there is definitely room for questions to scrutinize systems
of old to pro-actively engage in the future solutions. With ‘bailout’ plans being
implemented around Australia and the world to fund public projects such as education,
housing and infrastructure, a close eye should be cast on these existing systems so we
don’t make the same mistakes. Particular attention is needed on social housing, where
lags in the top-down system have led to a notorious history of long waiting lists and
many simply going without. This article attempts to prompt such questions, by presenting
a ‘lateral’ approach to social housing issues. One approach that no doubt has many
flaws yet highlights not only the need of housing in the greater population, but also
possibilities of an earnest collaboration between communities to achieve results.

Social housing, in its simplest form, is a government managed system that provides
affordable living environments. Yet imagine a state where the bureaucratic principle of
social housing never emerges – instead it embraces a
community-regulated system. This exists in many
communities around the world, from developing nations
to some of the world’s oldest cities. This phenomenon
is recognized in the less diplomatic term: “Informal
Settlements”; a system that breaches the “formal”
conventions of urban development and is often
supported by the existence of “Informal Economies”.
Unfortunately, it also means that those so served –
while gifted with a dwelling that a bureaucracy would
be unable to deliver – live in sub-standard housing.

Research shows that most countries have an over

demand for social housing, suggesting operational
flaws in the top-down system employed. The result is
either an unrealistic waiting period, (as in Australia), or the manifestation
Localof a non-
plasterer
 regulated ‘informal’ or ‘illegal’ system. Through a field trip conducted in Damascus, Syria
in 2003, it became apparent that there is a possibility for dialogue between the formal
and informal sectors – a possibility that both systems could learn from each other and
expand on the current approaches to social housing around the world. We travelled to
Jeremana, originally a green area in the oasis (Ghuta) located on the eastern fringe of
Damascus. Today formal and informal dwellings dot the desert floor, slowly devouring
what remains of the precious oasis. Jeremana attracts a range of people; from less
privileged Damascenes and national
and international migrants, to, in
recent times, refugees; all looking to
build a future for their families.
Harbouring a hearty mix of culture,
religion, language, innovative
building and entrepreneurial spirit,
Jeremana is truly alive, and
functions like any other developed
suburb. It is however, classed as an
“Informal Settlement”, and as such,
doesn’t receive the equivalent
governmental support afforded to
suburbs classified as lying within the
formal sector. Thus, a process has
Orchard only sign of greenery from the Oasis emerged that involves inhabitants
taking this responsibility into their own hands.

Today, a sophisticated informal system exists, where locally operated businesses from
both sectors collaborate to drive both financial and urban development. So how did this
come to pass? How is it that buildings are
built and economies are developing on
land which does not belong to the
occupiers, in an arrangement that exists
entirely outside of the normal systems of
regulation? In Syria, the law once stated
that, if the government evicts anyone from
a home and demolishes it, alternative
shelter must be provided.
Correspondingly, for the past 50 years in
Syria, a house is officially deemed
inhabitable when four walls, a roof, and
working plumbing all exist. One can only
imagine with housing in such high
demand that building inspectors would
often find dwellings erected literally
overnight by groups of families and
friends. Needless to say, this has led to a
series of sub-standard developments and
slums, putting many occupants at risk.
The exploding population in Damascus
needed an answer, and the government’s
normal bureaucratic channels had proven Typical apartment block in Jeremana
ineffective. The Syrian government was forced to stand back and re-evaluate the
 situation, and in doing so, implemented an unwritten 30 day grace period for houses to
be built in lieu of the previously recognized 24 hours. This, in turn raised the standard of
some houses, but, paradoxically promoted the development of multi-story informal
developments. Consequently the government is faced by a situation where almost 1
million “informal” dwellers live on the outskirts of Damascus in predominantly sub-
standard housing. This situation has continued to escalate over the years while the
government slowly struggles to arrive at a solution.

Jeremana’s long history of housing informality has

given rise to a mixture of housing types. There are the
low rise tenements – the original, quickly built “informal
houses” – and the multi storey apartment blocks built
by locally run developers working in the community
with local estate agents. The key building material is
concrete block, which is also made locally and as
imagined varies in quality. Many of the roofs have their
reinforcement exposed and protruding, giving the
distinct impression of the possibility of future vertical
expansion. There is a lack of basic amenities, as well
as daylight and ventilation, a disregard for earthquake
proofing, and very often shortcuts have been taken in
construction methods and materials. However, for
many, there remains no alternative.

Whilst on the field trip to Jeremana, we conducted

interviews with the inhabitants— seeking an idea of
Problematic construction techniques how they came to reside in the area, and what they
thought of the lifestyle. To our surprise, families had earnest stories of how they were
part of a community financial pooling system, wherein a number of groups had combined
finances to purchase apartments systematically for each other. This was a sophisticated
system, building strong community spirit and the potential for sustainable future
development. It was also interesting to note that those families who had input into the
way their houses were built, had developed a certain “pride of place”. They had then
gone on to continually upgrade their own houses, adding to the character of the area,
changing an atmosphere fraught by the temporary and transient, to one characterised by
a sense of permanence.

We were able to see a number of

positives in the way development had
occurred.
• Compensation for the formal
sector’s failure to provide basic
shelter, goods and services;
• Use labour intensive methods of
construction providing employment
within the local neighbourhood;
• Use local materials, and minimal
imported goods;
• Contribute to the national economy
quite significantly; and Jeremana Street scape
 • Have a certain growth pattern that encourages pride of place, developing a
particular identity and street culture which is not seen in the ‘formal’
developments Although these aspects are good for the social nurturing of the
area, the environmental consequences are less advantageous.

Major concerns are:

• The overrunning of the oasis in the area;
• Deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, desertification, water pollution;
• Increased scarcity of potable water due to pollution, an exploding population and
high demand
• Sub-standard housing in general due to lack of government infrastructure
• Abuse of the individual within a non-regulated system

This discussion has highlighted the increasing severity of the situation in Damascus due
to the shortcomings of an exhausted social housing system. It is no doubt a system
which has unfortunately followed the trajectories of urbanisation and development,
characteristic of the contemporary Third World. However, even here, there are lessons of
both flexibility and tolerance which can be applied in the developed world.

Families interviewed in
Jeremana

The article was based on a study undertaken in an ‘Informal Settlement’ which has developed
over time on the outskirts of Damascus. The photos and comments are based on a study trip
undertaken in September 2003 and coordinated by Dr. Sonja Nebel from the Technical University
of Berlin. The trip was made possible through collaboration with the University of Damascus and
the works of Dr.Ghassan El Badwan. Tasks carried out were: a basic drawing survey of an
informal settlement (Jeremana), interviews with the inhabitants, liaison with the local authorities,
and further theoretical strategizing for urban planning upgrades to initiate a change for the future.
Whilst the situation described is relatively current, it is important to note that it has no doubt
changed due to the recent influx of refugees from Iraq, Lebanon and Israel since the study was
undertaken. This influx has made such a huge impact that, due to the expanding Iraqi refugee
population on the area, Jeremana is now dubbed “Karrada”, after the Baghdad district.