What if the poor were part of city planning? | Smruti Jukur Johari

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Almost a billion people worldwide live in informal communities and slums, often without basic infrastructure like clean water, toilets or adequate roads. Urban planner Smruti Jukur Johari breaks down myths about these communities and shares examples of simple, common-sense solutions that arise when governments and architects work together with the residents -- instead of around them.
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[@strictlysmart7132]

"poverty only changes affordability not aspirations" m someone who was raised in one of those slums.....and this is absolutely true....

[@taheraakterjolly3196]

Wow

[@sadoak8934]

That's one of the best TED Talks I've heard recently. The idea behind it can change the world (sad it's not already a part of reality). Also, speaker is incredibly smart and realistic professional and kind human being

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

sad oak it already is in existence. Ever heard of the Kalamazoo poverty tax as well as Kalamazoo Promise?

[@theresasquirestheresa]

Agreed 💚

[@sadoak8934]

@@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia I hadn't heard it before (I'm not from U.S), but I've read a little about it thanks to your comment and that's such an awesome concept!

[@KWifler]

Very true! It may be happening in some places, but I think the concept is basic enough that it could be applied in other countries. IMO one of the biggest myths she talked about is the idea that people in poverty have the same choices as anyone else. It simply isn't true, but it seems like everyone I talk to believes it.

[@taheraakterjolly3196]

sad oak ikr she is a nice person

[@CollaborativeVODS]

People seem to view "the poor" as a problem to be contained, not empowered

[@landonorris6]

Power to the people! ☭🚩

[@MrCrunch808]

Its a lot of capitalist propaganda and a lack of government oversight on these poor areas that make them into the victims of mafias or drug cartels which then give the poor a bad rap.

[@yeboscrebo4451]

And how exactly do you empower them? Give them money? Lol. See where that gets them

[@CollaborativeVODS]

@@yeboscrebo4451 You can improve the distriution of wealth and reduce the disparity between the poor and the ultra wealthy by focusing on providing essential services to give the poor a chance (funded schooling, free healthcare etc), you can fund this by taxing the rich as a 1% tax increase on $1billion is $1 million which goes pretty far, even if the rich wouldnt notice the change. You can also promote regulatory policy changes and anti slavery laws to address things like the treatment of amazon employees and promote the rights of the working class. Theres a lot we can achieve. the lie and propaganda is that americas are powerless to improve thier system because its always been somehow perfect...

[@yeboscrebo4451]

@@CollaborativeVODS your public education is showing. You can’t have “distribution of wealth” without empowering a distributor - government. When government is given power to take from some to give to others you are embarking down the well-trodden road to destruction. It’s 2023 for Pete’s sake, stop listening to your collectivist teachers and pick up a history book. The lie and propaganda is that progressivism is actually progress, that government actually cares about the poor, that you can legislate equality of outcome….

[@jasmingreen8414]

They used clothing to measure housing. Such a beautiful display of perseverance and love. Stories like this should be all over the news ❤️

[@JustOneAsbesto]

I don't think that's perseverance and love. It's intelligence and practical engineering. Using _anything_ as a standard measure is incredibly practical. Humans have been doing that for thousands of years. It's clever, but I don't get where love and beauty come into it. They just wanted a standard measure, and a sari was probably conveniently at hand.

[@MrChet407]

That sounds rederded

[@ranjanbiswas3233]

Rather wanting it, BE it.

[@lightonstillwaters6789]

"When poor people choose, they choose better, they choose what works for them. So choice is everything and power decides choice. We need those in power... and all of us in our everyday lives to respect choices. Instead of choosing what is right for people, for the poor, let's acknowledge and empower their choices. And that is how we can build better and inclusive cities for tomorrow, completing the imagery of cities built by the choices of its own people." Smruti Jokur Johari - urban planner

[@xuwanglin154]

more money more choice,no money no choice. so those people just need more money

[@lightonstillwaters6789]

@@xuwanglin154 Any good ideas how the poor can make more money? Please share!

[@KlimovArtem1]

@@lightonstillwaters6789 work.

[@lightonstillwaters6789]

@@KlimovArtem1 Yes, work for sure, and save if possible. But the power structure has to allow for mobility between income groups with limited corruption. Look at the oligarchs in Russia and Ukraine who grabbed much of the wealth during the fall of the USSR or China's elite comprising mainly members of their Party. Work alone is not enough, unless we will accept that democracy is just a fad, and oligarchy, plutocracy and tyranny will dominate and triumph as they have for most of human history.

[@bryankokish5041]

LightOn Stillwaters Sorry But people - poor, middle class or wealthy - don’t always make The correct choice.

[@tjtampa214]

One of the best talks I've heard. There I. S. intelligent life on Earth and she just proved it.

[@MrChet407]

Who are you to recognize intelligent life HMMM!!!??

[@PauloGarcia-sp5ws]

@@MrChet407 lol

[@mozvidz]

I was about to question on why they always show slums in Kenya, but this was actually very educative. I'm Kenyan and didn't even know of this plan. Thanks for this talk.

[@jidujku_ff7westfalen13]

Many of countries has something like yours.... Dharavi And slums in Mexico is just. Few

[@jidujku_ff7westfalen13]

@@marinaaguas9219 hmmm

[@taylorbritt499]

This was a really great talk, and very beneficial for me personally. I plan, further in the future unfortunately since I'm only in college right now, to build a tiny home community for homeless people with various community centers for different things. Now, after seeing this, I will plan on going around my community and actually asking homeless people to be a part of the planning and development process rather than making the choices all on my own. Thank you for pointing out things that seem so simple and obvious but that many of us have never actually taken the time to think about.

[@nabormiranda]

How is that project going?

[@dzikrinasaira3475]

The government unfortunately likes to hide all sorts of problem (including the poor ppl) under the carpet, instead of tackling them effectively. Anyway, this is one of the best Ted talk I've watched recently. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@pietrovecchi2245]

This conference is really something. From the 70's' architectural experiments like PREVI in Lima, to the recent works of Alejandro Aravena, (some) architects have always found that the best solution to improve slum life quality is to let people decide how their houses should be; but the real problem remains the property issue. For example, people in the Las Margaritas slum of El Salvador don't have any right because there is no paper that confirms that they own their house; or their house doesn't even officially exist. And I was surprised to know that one of the most human city council, nowadays, seems to be the one of Nairobi, who acknowledged the slums. It is not something to take for granted, seen that in Italy politicians claim to the demolition of the gypsies' camps.

[@asgharkhan3257]

City planning matters alot for country development and make their people to feel ease of living.

[@jidujku_ff7westfalen13]

Yes well said that's what we do n't have

[@arindamsarkar411]

And city represents country in worldwide

[@maxt4874]

I've heard things like this from people before, but this particular lady empowers the poor and makes their lives better in their own ways. Much respect!

[@syifa4335]

Thats why participation is important in urban planning

[@hakim4876]

We are curently doing a similar project here, in Jakarta, Indonesia. We do a Community Action Plan, where slum dwellers sit with architects and other experts (from NGOs) to make a plan for their houses and neigborhood. Then with the support from the local government, we build it. I see it as a win-win solution for everyone. The government finaly have a more promising solution that everyone can agree with. While the people learn alot about regulations and the mindsets and reasons behind urban planing. Plus it gives the people more sense of belonging to the city they live in. I hope a humble solution like this is more known so a lot of people can live a better life.

[@nimmyr7714]

One of the best Ted talks I've heard, appreciate how she presented her ideas with examples. And she has a very soothing voice. Keep going 💕

[@justagreekinternetuser8998]

Unfortunately, everyone looks up the hierarchy and not down, everyone wants to find a way to become richer and have a better live for themselves. Noone cares for the less fortunate than them.

[@DrRohanDasgupta]

I am adding this video to my course material. My students need to know this beyond what they are learning about slum rehabilitation from the text book.

[@auridenna]

Amazing! I am inspired, hopeful and wiser after watching this! I will follow your work and ideas w keen interest, thank you for stepping on that stage.

[@lijonlee6186]

very nice to hear...meaningful, intelligent not just a speech and rhetorical... a problem AND a solution at the same time! Hope the powers that be...learn from this!!!

[@Lakshmi_kas]

Me Coming from the poor region of the city and wanting to change the situation always!!!!much needed video mam..tqs a lott!! Many who watch this will ignore it...bcz they hvnt experienced this..but be the one to atleast change the region surrounding u... Ultimately we all live as a society...Let's make this happen👍😊

[@akshaysaxena7254]

This is best talks I heard , the presentation is well documented and flow is amazing. So inspirational. If you want to know the value of single resource ask these people.

[@maxb4341]

This is the best TED talk I've ever seen. She is one of the most authentic people I've ever seen. Jesus this blew me away. The way she spoke about how to make decisions for others (let them consider the decision themselves) was mind-blowing. She's a special kind

[@lizziedollkaye3070]

Incredible! Thank you for sharing such valuable information and opening our eyes to the situations we aren't always aware of!

[@DeepaVasudevan111]

I havent heard a TED talk better than this one! Such an amazing,confident & passionate speaker,loved every word she uttered..message is as clear as crystal😘

[@TheThirdEYE07]

One of the best documentry . I have heard. I loved your way of speaking maam . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@gracemorganspeaks]

Whoever is reading this i pray for restoration in whatever you had lost whether it's relationships, health, marriage, finances or business. May the lord bless you to be a blessing to those around you.

[@tjtampa214]

And to you also. Thank you. 💜🌷

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Thanks Ghandi

[@darrenfreyauthor]

I don't know who you are, but I love you.

[@artsomniacv-logcitybydanie1249]

Whoa thank you and you as well

[@poignantunicorn2659]

To you as well

[@shaldar44]

One of the best TED talks. I wish there was a way in the description where those who want to get more involved with such projects could go to. The 21st century world needs to move beyond a slumdog millionaire movie...

[@SaschiaSlytherin]

The pure fact that they aren´t is a tragedy

[@SaschiaSlytherin]

@KAT if you take something to an extreme level, anything sounds stupid. But if poor people are part of society they should have a place in society. It´s that simple.

[@polomarco8773]

Great idea. The best recommendations for the beneficiaries must always come from them. I wonder now how we come up with actionable insights from getting everyone’s opinion. Do we let suggestions go through voting?

[@jomoljose7031]

This is the only one Ted talk which I watched without skipping. I really appreciated your presentation skills and more than the ideas which you brought for a equal city. You are really an amazing person. Your words directly enter in to my heart. Now I can be able to think more about planning, designing with the participation of people and can empower and encourage, acknowledge the choices for everyone.

[@montanah8034]

Great job, good insights thank you 💯

[@zarisikander8309]

Something that could really be implemented in reality. One of the best Ted Talk till now I loved her idea and the way she's described with examples. Leaders should now from local community for better ideas and solutions.

[@curious6190]

So natural......! Excellent Talks. Love from Calcutta.

[@udaan-letsflytoexplore9145]

Such a emphatic and heart touching presentation. She must have practically worked in those slums and viewed the slum planning from slum dwellers perspective.

[@TheVirtualJenesis]

What those women did for their community was incredible and so inspiring; it so important to LISTEN to and RECOGNISE those who society deem as 'unimportant' because they are some of the brightest people.

[@kudakwashebrianmuchini5674]

I'm definitely going to study this if I manage to start postgraduate studies...very insightful

[@nickyypedley8519]

Lovely....thanks for your dedication....

[@riazhossain580]

Really insightful discussion.

[@SoulfullySuky]

Superb talk. Humility is always inclusive thus more beneficial. The ego divides.

[@uclevan1002]

Thank you for your presentation , it's go great and meaningful !

[@avinashshinde9310]

Thank you 🙏 Madam... And appreciated the action towards it...

[@theresasquirestheresa]

LOVE this video and her perspective and views 💚 Thanks for sharing!

[@theresasquirestheresa]

@Karan Nice to meet u. Greetings from California 💚 Oh and I did read ur unedited 1st comment Karan... I luv u my friend 😁

[@theresasquirestheresa]

@Karan 🤗

[@IamYeshua2.0]

We NEED this woman here in California to assist with planning and prepoing and solving the homeless crisis here. She would understand my strategy to build a homeless community, or poor community where their choices are respected and empowered. She put exactly what I've been proposing to the L.A. Mayors and Governor. We have so much emoty land here where we could build these communities via Crate Modular. I've spoken to manybhomeless and poor and they are hapoy with their tents and their poor community. They have their own way of life being poor and homeless, and these individuals are highly intelligent and spiritual. They are loving and many are helpful. Given their own land and place of refuge would be ideal. With the basic necessities and services available to them as mainstream society. The fact of the matter is respecting these individuals choice to be poor and live off the land. Yet, they deserve safety and access to healthcare, etc in order to thrive in this community.

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

The L.A. Maestro agree

[@IamYeshua2.0]

I was making the same suggestion that homeless communities should be self sustaining and organized by those living in the community. Modeling the shipping container method for building suitable housing that would be ran and organized by the residents.

[@djchaiwallah]

They are: Cities plan how to hide them.

[@PauloGarcia-sp5ws]

lol

[@aneeshavijay864]

Such an eye opener ♥️

[@br2v]

at the end of the day the users (clients) know best what is working for them. I second that this was one of the best ted/ tedx talks I've been watching.

[@countriescontinentsgeograp8264]

Mind opening! 🔥

[@ManiramGaudofficial]

I live in Mumbai and I totally agree with you. Very nice presentation ma'am ❤

[@darrenfreyauthor]

I don't know who you are, but I love you and I'm here to help you. If anyone just wants to talk, needs an ear even, I am here for you.

[@kakumee]

Qujanaq! Kalaallisut Greenlandic for thank you!

[@darrenfreyauthor]

@@kakumee you are very welcome! ☺️

[@progers001g]

Awesome! I wish some of the politicians here in the US would hear this lesson. So many are obsessed with their "we know what's best for the poor" policies...policies which more often than not help few while leaving the many without any help or even made worse off _because of_ the policy.

[@chanduapoorva6017]

Impressive experience !

[@koustubhavachat]

We really want open-source design project for home designs, in fact, there is a desperate need for something like Linux foundation for health care and housing sector

[@user-wp8yx]

There are movements to make this happen in the Housing Industry, but it is difficult to create a open design that conforms to different building codes across different geographic areas. Furthermore regular changes to building code also contribute to the difficulty.

[@koustubhavachat]

@@user-wp8yx this can be handle by community participation in open source project

[@jozefdebeer9807]

Great video! I think this can be taken further. Like, if everyone was part of city planning. We are seeing this more and more. Like community FB pages, which do have our elected reps.

[@1atinlove]

Thank you for this presentation, we need more people who think, and want to act like this individual. Continue to raise awareness, but please at some point lets do more. "Lets" being the key word, not just this individual, but all individuals. Wouldnt that be a thing...

[@stephenmutimba4801]

Very informative talk, I will have.to check up Mukuru slums upgrade

[@Aflatoon947]

Love this talk show🇵🇰 from all of previous shows❤

[@bessiedeardorff361]

This is an incredibly intelligent TED Talk and a great idea, and I agree that we, as a society, should give poor people a voice. But by sort it making them choose and design housing, are we not normalizing being poverty stricken and almost confining them to a life of poverty?

[@RahulBhagatVlogs]

I like the way of talking / expressions / all the pronunciations of each and every words : very deep and real knowledge: very simple and effective way of understanding : I love to watch and listen ' Ted ' . You are doing really amazing things Thanks TED From bottom of heart 💡🕯📡🔎✉📍✂🔮🎤📣📢📻🎬📹📺📽🔬🔖

[@abbasimagfurulhasan9008]

Outstanding Presentation!

[@randomdude9135]

This is Direct Democracy in action. When people themselves decide what to do. And not vote for their leaders. This talk is a proof that it works wonders in small scale.

[@glendakillough6726]

Thank you.

[@shikaiji2574]

Thanks for sharing such informative and useful video. The poor choose what works for them, and that could be applied to everybody. Do not blindly be a follower of someone else, you always do the choice yourself because you are the one who knows yourself the best.

[@keshavjindal7395]

Amazing Talk

[@vthilton]

Sharing, Justice and Peace for All

[@themanwnoname3454]

Vance H 2020(G) “Respect and dignity.” Furthermore:

[@Kouyou160]

Wow I’ve been looking for a video like this for so long 😊

[@Eyiba07]

WOW! Thank You!

[@IamYeshua2.0]

I would love to network with this speaker. She could offer a world of knowledge to address the homeless crisis here in the States.

[@theflamethrower867]

You really think that compares

[@mayank974]

Amazing 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@fsamin011]

Good Presentation. I Want Translate This Video in My Language. I Permiss to Share This Video. 🙏

[@sauravsahaa]

Great job..

[@brycenmccrary4193]

This was incredible.

[@sheelamukkath9578]

This particular TED talk had some real substance in it.

[@granth537]

Kowloon is not an appropriate example of city-initiated "vertical housing". Kowloon was an ungoverned territory inside Hong Kong in which crime and drugs flourished, and was run by crime syndicates. People settled there to pursue illegal activity, live cheaply, or escape persecution.

[@surangaseneviratne5975]

superb talk

[@ucanhnguyen5077]

incredible idea

[@kristineleal6342]

I see this everyday when going to DTLA, its sad to see those that “the government gave up on”. Seeing that “poor people” get pushed to the side and/or overlooked is saddening to say the least. But with better support even those “poor people” would live better lives because of the resources provided to them.

[@wirecardauditingintern2020]

Interesting. I did not know the city of South Africa until now...

[@alterna19]

City planning can’t be called that anymore, needs to be called City Adapting.

[@chaitanyadandale4569]

Yea coz there's not much space for developing more and new cities

[@pedroroque8681]

'Placemaking' or Urban Innovation

[@HinnerkHesse]

She was really excited when she was giving this Ted talk sometimes. And that really is for a reason. I mean, this woman came out of em slums and now made it out and is such a wonderful woman, working on her thoughts and ideas in order to use the time she was given and create something helpful out of it. Now standing on stage, presenting her

[@GorrillaBruh]

Great talk!

[@JKVTrucking007]

I had this idea for years ❤ but I was ashamed to speak up because people underestimated me. ☹👍

[@arindamsarkar411]

Then go to hail.. slum is coming to your home

[@JKVTrucking007]

@@arindamsarkar411 ok "Arindem axhlabasha" 😁

[@arindamsarkar411]

@@JKVTrucking007 dude I am human not alian .. I know only English..

[@JKVTrucking007]

@@arindamsarkar411 sorry, thats how your name looks to me lol

[@spyderspic666]

Actually I am shocked that they didn't know how amazing a container home would be. This is 2020, container homes are just as good if not better than regular homes and they can look exactly the same.

[@RashidFaridiAziz]

wonderful

[@ndahkevinbungwe6135]

Beautiful

[@gulmirzekazimovofficial4022]

Wonderful

[@Christian-se5si]

The poverty and slums that some people have to live in is an issue endemic to capitalism

[@Sociotard]

Waitaminute, Kowloon Walled City was demolished in the 90s. Also, that wasn't a government designed vertical housing arrangement.

[@minjael]

Marvelous

[@lilyvalley5389]

So true and sad.

[@pritamsinghuk]

GOOD JOB

[@karikling8812]

I feel like this is a concept that could be applied to any aspect of urban development. Want to improve slums or low income housing? Ask the residents what they need. Want yo improve cycling infrastructure in the city? Ask cyclists what they need. Want to attract people to the small businesses and create pedestrian spaces? Ask local residents and business owners what they need. Community involvement is key.

[@stevenzhao2862]

Basically, we should respect everyone's opinion and their thought, because we are all human and it's everyone's right to do what they what to do if they don't bother anyone else.

[@giannasanzen5844]

It’d probably be better?

[@gordianplot9347]

this is great, but be sure to look at the situation carefully. where i live some of the homeless encampments are run by protection rackets. make sure the leaders have been chosen in a legitimate way.

[@AnhHoang-xg6zq]

She says correct ,she's wonderful

[@O6i]

Our roads would be better. Here in quebec a drive to the store can cause 100-500$ of damage to your car. -.-

[@karan_IV]

Roads are too small in Quebec ??

[@O6i]

@@karan_IV the roads disappear every winter and we are left driving in potholes. we have to avoid the giant chunks of concrete lol. literally every year mechanics profit like 15 billion $ just from damage to cars from the bad roads. and yes our sidewalks are wider than our roads.

[@hon3515]

This is solid proof that society can change for the better

[@gbatzul]

What was the 4th wish? I didn't understand when she said "Most importantly, not to be with them". 1 and 2 need to be together?

[@zainkhalid8739]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻