ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights urban characteristics that are prominent within informal urban contexts, such as flexibility, temporality, adaptability, and incrementality, and how these provide viable solutions towards a more equitable and sustainable city. These characteristics cut across cities in both developing and developed economies and are discussed through three case studies: kampung urbanism in Bandung, Indonesia; multicultural urbanism in Melbourne's suburb of Footscray; and Melbourne's temporary kebab stall phenomenon.
Within the Indonesian context, informal urbanism is often underappreciated for its value and viewed as “messy urbanism” that manifests through accretions over time, materialising in the forms and practices of kampungs and street commerce. Underneath Melbourne's formal veneer exists an often overlooked, fluid, and constantly evolving network of multicultural communities that play important roles in the city's valued social and cultural fabric. Both are examples of “invisible” networked practices that tacitly resist the powerful forces of gentrification and homogenisation.
A key commonality observed is that informal urbanism provides more equitable access to the city for minorities and marginalised groups and individuals. Consistent with Lefebvre's “right to the city”, each case study affirms the notion that through accessing and appropriating the city, fringe groups identify with and help co-define the city.
