19. Fulfilling the Historical Demand of Barrio Mugica with People as Partners

This document analyzes the implementation of a public policy in an informal settlement by working with dwellers as strategic partners for habitat improvement. It examines the case of the Housing Improvement Program implemented in one of the most emblematic informal settlements of Buenos Aires: Barrio Padre Carlos Mugica (former “Villa 31”). Through a participatory approach, it presents the evolution of an eradication model to provide a comprehensive and definitive housing solution in the territory. The process described in the paper was largely influenced by the historical events of the informal settlement. Barrio Mugica is one of the oldest and largest informal settlements in Argentina. Since 2016, the General Directorate of Housing Improvement (Government of the City of Buenos Aires) has been developing a participatory process led by transdisciplinary teams. This process based on a multi-scale approach aims to collect and manage information from social and urban assessments. As a result of data systematization, initiatives can be co-created with families to identify the most appropriate socio-housing solution and enhance the neighborhood’s identity. The document gives examples of how the territorial approach and participation are organized. Currently, the project has achieved more than 3000 interventions on the ground.