Rich Seedlings for the Urban Revolution

Over the next few decades, half of global economic growth is predicted to come from the slums of developing world cities. Gaia Vince believes the key to the coming urban revolution is how these shantytowns evolve.

2 minute read

January 16, 2013, 8:00 AM PST

By Jessica Hsu


"[A]lthough scenes of squalor, accumulation of rubbish and polluted waters look like destitution, slums are rich seedlings for the vibrant cities of the future," says Vince. "Many of today's established capitals, including London and New York, launched from similar embryonic beginnings." There are currently 1 billion dwellers in informal housing around the world and the United Nations predicts that one in four people will become an urban squatter by 2030, increasing to one in three by 2050.

When slum dwellers organize together, they can create transformative innovations. For example, in Delhi, the Children's Development Khazana is run by street children and allows 1,000 youth to safely store their earnings. In Pakistan, residents of the Orangi slum built their own sewerage system in the 1980s and successfully reduced infant mortality. "Cooperation, whether to achieve wider policy change and improvement in working conditions or build essential infrastructure, is a slum’s biggest strength and is essential to nurture as cities 'upgrade' their poorest areas," says Vince, though he warns, "That's not to glorify life in these communities."

"Governments are beginning to accept the social wealth of these existing communities," continues Vince, "and realising that the best way to capitalise on that is to incorporate these dynamic, lively parts of the city into the established whole, by providing the tools for growth, integration and citizen strength." Medellin, Colombia, the former murder capital of the world, was transformed "from terrible conditions to light modernity" and "the murder rate has plummeted." However, only those with independent governance and strong finances may have the resources to implement large-scale change.

Vince concludes: "As most of the urban growth in coming decades will be in poor countries, particularly in Asia and Latin America (Africa’s urbanisation is stark and rapid only in a few countries, although this could change), it is associated with a general rise in global resource use as people improve their standard of living. The challenge then is to create the most sustainable cities – ones where people lead dignified lives without generating excessive waste and pollution."

Monday, January 14, 2013 in BBC

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City