Day three was the end of the programme, barring the closing ceremony. I met a lot of people, so can only report on a few sessions. Here are the highlights for me.
The SIGUS programme of MIT ran a session looking at lessons from incremental housing over extended time periods. The case of Lima was fascinating as it traced the changes over time related to political and economic shifts. The development was informal, but based on a technically sound plan. The case is interesting for me as what happened in Peru had been an important influence on the project in Ismailia, discussed elsewhere on the site. There was a link via John Turner and MIT.
A case from Chile highlighted the changing forms related to economic development and expectations. For me important points were:
1) The approaches were capable of responding to changing circumstances over time, a link to need for robust planning frameworks;
2)The planned framework allowed for a good and efficient development;
3)The long-term review allows us to learn and apply lessons.
Unfortunately I could not stay for the other presentations which included, from Egypt, the informal expansion of social housing and new efforts at incremental housing.
The second memorable point was during an award ceremony organized by IHS alumni. The former mayor of Medellin, Dr. Sergio Fajardo, could not attend to receive his award. This at first was disappointing, but long-term was very good thing. The former mayor, now Governor of the state, sent a video message explaining how and why he had entered politics and their strategy to help turn round his city and make it again livable. This was one of the most inspiring communications I have heard from a mayor, and deserves a wider audience. I hope that IHS or the alumni will make it available on YouTube. If so, I will post a link.
Update: I received links from Julia Skinner of the IHS Alumni Association. The first was prepared for WUF in Naples, the others were filmed during the alumni awards presentation in Medellin in 2014
Presentation at awards ceremony in Medellin. Good to catch the passion the former mayor shows!
Thanks, I would like to experience what an inspiring speech is like. I might learn something!