Half the world's population now resides in cities, which are expanding
at an unprecedented rate. Close to one billion people live in crowded,
unhealthy, informal settlements--commonly referred to as slums--many of
which lack security of land tenure, adequate housing, sanitation, clean
water and electricity. Experts estimate that by 2030, more than two
billion people will be living in these slums. In 2007, Design for the
Other 90% explored design that helps provide better access to food,
water, shelter, health, education and energy to those who most need
them. Design with the Other 90%: Cities is the second installment in
Cooper-Hewitt's ongoing and acclaimed exhibition and book series. It
looks at some of the myriad challenges created by accelerated urban
growth and presents design solutions that address the consequences.
Exploring the multidisciplinary, overlapping relationships between urban
planning and design, education, social entrepreneurship, climate change,
sanitation and water, migration, public health and affordable housing in
these communities, Design with the Other 90%: Cities looks at the
efforts of international and locally based organizations, designers and
communities collaborating with settlement residents to give them a
chance at a more prosperous life.
