SIGUS: Special Interest Group in Urban Settlement

Massachussetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue
SIGUS Office 9-369
Cambridge, MA 02139

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Phone Number:
(617) 253-2402

Fax Number:
(617) 253-8993

Email: 
sigus@mit.edu

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The Special Interest Group in Urban Settlement (SIGUS) links housing and community interests in the Department of Architecture and Department of Urban Studies, focusing on developing areas worldwide. SIGUS explores the new professionalism emerging for architects and planners, and concentrates on service, participation and non-traditional client groups. We offer workshops and short courses, and carry out research and outreach programs stressing participatory methods in promoting affordable and equitable housing. Established in 1984, SIGUS grew out of the rethinking of method, practice, and teaching driven by the rapidly expanding informal sector in both developing and developed countries.

  • Annual International Development Fair | 2008
  • Illac Diaz presents “Liter of Light” recycled water bottle projects
  • 5th Annual International Development Night
  • TowerPower – New Research Initiative
  • Informal discussions on shelters in disaster situations | January 2011
  • China-US Smart Slope Cities
  • Lima 2005 Workshop | 2005
  • ‘INVENTOR, DREAMER’, ALUMN ENRIQUE ESPINOSA ’74 OF MEXICO PRESENTS HIS WORK AND HIS RECENT BOOK ‘Distancias Caminable’ (Walkable Urban Design).
  • Incremental Housing Workshop: Suva, Fiji 2013
  • SIGUS Attends Cairo Conference on Responsive  Urbanism in Informal  Areas
  • SIGUS invited to participate at MIT Energy Night
  • SIGUS Solar Updraft Strategies Presented at ECOCITY Summit in Abu Dhabi
  • Incrementalize It!
  • Reunion of Alumni from ’70-’71
  • SIGUS Attends International Disaster IDCE Conference and EXPO in New Orleans

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