Forum: "Participatory Planning in Informal Settlements, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic"

City planning in the Dominican Republic is shaped by complex relationships between neighborhood groups, activist organizations, and local and national state agencies. Planners assume different and sometimes conflicting roles as state representatives, community activists, and educators as they navigate between these different actors. This is particularly true for planners working in informal settlements, which suffer from extreme social and economic inequalities and environmental risk.   

Juan Torres, planner with the City of Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, will discuss his complex position as planner/activist/educator and his work as facilitator with the CRP Planning Studio. He has degrees in architecture and urbanism from Colegio Dominicano de Ingenieros, Arquitectos y Agrimensores, and is responsible for community planning and the participatory budgeting process for the Distrito Nacional. CRP students who have participated in the Planning Studio will also share their unique experiences as student planners in a participatory and politicized context.    

Lunch will be served on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, contact Heather Frambach.