Tyler School of Art and Architecture Associate Professor Pablo Meninato has released a new book titled Urban Labyrinths. Informal Settlements, Architecture, and Social Change in Latin America. Published by Routledge and co-authored with Gregory Marinic, the book explores how contemporary architects, researchers, and other stakeholders have developed innovative urban design tactics that enhance the quality of life in informal settlements built by migrants across Latin America.

These informal settlements, often situated on the outskirts of major cities, have been home to millions who migrated from rural areas since the mid-20th century, seeking better job prospects and access to services. While governments in Latin America initially worked to eliminate these communities, beginning in the 1990s, several cities began to advance new urban intervention approaches for improving the quality of life in these neighborhoods, known as favelas. 

In the book, Meninato and Marinic examine design interventions in informal settlements in five cities: Tijuana, Medellin, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Buenos Aires. The study reveals how urbanism, architecture, and landscape design can produce positive urban and social transformations for these underprivileged communities.

Urban Labyrinths is the culmination of a five-year research project supported by multiple grants, including Temple University’s Presidential Humanities Award, a Dean’s Grant, a Grant-in-Aid, and a Summer Research Grant.

Meninato will present a lecture on his research on Friday, May 3 at 6 p.m. in an event organized by the Society of Architectural Historians – Philadelphia Chapter at The University of Pennsylvania Architectural Archives, Fisher Fine Arts Library (Lower Level).