Masterplanning and Regeneration: Villa 31, Buenos Aires.

Urban tissue and morphological principles can be applied in a more systematic way to the task of masterplanning and urban regeneration. A fascinating example is a design research project undertaken by Marco Maretto et al for the regeneration of Villa 3, an informal settlement in Buenos Aires. The aim of the project was to use urban morphological analysis and principles to first understand the structure, character and logic of the settlement and then suggest a regeneration proposal that retains the positive characteristics of the settlement. The approach is founded on the recognition that the informal settlement contain many successful design solutions that were generated by and meet the needs of the residents themselves, 'uncontaminated' by formal top-down controls.