ABSTRACT
The opportunity-based approach is more controversial. The controversy owes much to the myths and ironies associated with the role of opportunities in people's lives, especially in developing countries. The fundamental skepticism and stigma in the negative public perceptions toward opportunity-based planning in general and squatter settlements in particular arise from the ways in which the society views opportunities in the demand-side housing. Developing countries with dual economy and housing sectors have witnessed one or many such symptoms in their recent urbanization history. The first stage of Local knowledge is typically criticized for using ad hoc and primitive planning and design principles. Densification constitutes the second stage of the local knowledge placemaking. The lack of green or public space in Pinar, some argue, persists not because people fail to recognize its value and significance in placemaking. One of the aspects of ad hoc planning practices of local knowledge is making certain planning decisions collectively.
