Characterization of Informal Urbanization in Soacha and Monterrey: Understanding the Gradients of Informality

This study examines the phenomenon of informal urbanization in the municipalities of Soacha (Colombia) and Monterrey (México) through a comparative methodological approach, building on Dovey’s morphogenic logic and field data, which enable the analysis of the spatial and morphological dynamics structuring informal settlements. The study also examines the provision of basic services and housing materiality, underscoring the challenges posed by insufficient infrastructure and precarious materials. Through a comparative approach, the research seeks to characterize the growth patterns and challenges associated with informal urbanization in these areas, highlighting both the similarities and contextual particularities of each case. The findings suggest that while informality is driven by similar socioeconomic factors, the geographic and political contexts of Soacha and Monterrey shape distinct urban forms and challenges. Through a situated approach, our work foregrounds the importance of supplementing morphogenetic approaches with outreach to community and territories, to deepen the understanding of informal urbanization that resists dichotomic approaches and recognizes its different gradients.