An exploration of the vernacular theory and the informal production of public spaces: The case of Piura, Peru

Abstract

Unauthorised (informal) activities have been part of urban life for a long time. While a number of studies on urban informality have been conducted using different approaches, there is only a partial understanding of these settings; many of the studies focus on housing and few consider public space. Therefore, this study is aimed at explaining the production of informal public spaces arguing that the vernacular theory can be used as a point of view to reinterpret informal urbanism and discuss practices and small spaces involved. Using empirical data from Piura, Peru, this study uses a mixed approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Through a mapping activity, a database of 496 spaces was produced with floor plan drawings to help identify spatial characteristics. The discussion explores the commonalities between informality and vernacular architecture.