This course explores the divergent motivations and resultant dynamics among international funders, national ministries, local authorities, and project benefactors in housing project development. Issues of development are tested against actual projects in a comparative format. The course is intended as an introduction to further in-depth study and for students outside of the field to gain a basic overview and understanding of current issues in local housing policies and projects.

Description: Tensions and contradictions between the theories of developing projects for the low income are compared to the reality of compromise necessitated by real project demands, particularly when projects are supported by the international donor community. The underlying belief is that theory-building cannot be divorced from practice: both must be complementary for effective programs. Focus is at the project scale, with ongoing or planned projects as prime references. Case examples will provide a comparative basis for understanding the preparation and implementation of housing projects.

Topics covered: Project goals, features (implicit and explicit goals, scope, rationale, physical vs non-physical); organization (structure, tasks, staffing); affordability (determination, rationale, willingness to pay); cost recovery (items covered, subsidies, terms, equity); loans (terms, collection/defaults); user issues (selection, advertisement, allocation); land (location, competition, speculation, overflow); monitoring (goals, feedback, mechanisms); post-project (turnover, resale, long-term support, termination).

Learning objectives: Students should leave with:

- A basic understanding and background on Third World housing issues, particularly site and services and upgrading projects.

- Identification of issues and dilemmas when structuring projects.

- Exploration of tradeoffs and alternatives in practice.

- Understanding of the context in which projects are prepared.

- Awareness of the varied perspectives of the lender, government, local agencies, and user.

Assignments: A final paper is required which will consist of two parts: the first is a brief summary of each theme covered, prepared by the group; the second part is a paper of greater depth prepared individually, focusing on one of the themes arising from class discussions.

Format: The class will be divided into groups, with each group focusing on one project in depth. Each week will focus on a theme: the first session will outline the underlying theory, basic considerations and tradeoffs. The second session will be devoted to actual practice as seen through the case examples, with each group reviewing their projects according to the previous discussions. Guest faculty will present projects of particular interest throughout the course.