About IIUD

The IIUD is a research and consultancy agency with extensive experience in the fields of human settlements, urban policy, and international development cooperation. We analyze pressing urban issues, and develop evidence-based policy recommendations. Our work focuses particularly on the issues faced by marginalized groups such as migrants, tenants, non-standard employees, residents of informal settlements, and populations vulnerable to climate impacts. We conduct research not about these groups, but with them, following principles of inclusive, collaborative and participatory research.

IIUD's research and advice focused on various themes. Some examples are:

Urban inequality and poverty
Housing policies and institutions (laws/regulations)
Governance in urban development planning
Diversity & migration
Gender & Human Rights
Vulnerability to climate impacts

History

The IIUD began as a network of community architects and organizers in 2012, driven by the mission to improve the living conditions of urban poor communities and to uphold their right to an adequate standard of living. In 2017, this network formally established the non-profit organization, Architects for Society and People (ASP), continuing its work in participatory planning, advocating for community-led development plans, and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups in public forums. Over time, the network expanded its scope to include research-based advocacy. This evolution led to the transformation of ASP into the IIUD in 2023, a dedicated research group focused on analyzing pressing urban issues affecting marginalized populations and developing evidence-based policy recommendations.

2023

Institute for Inclusive Urban Development (IIUD)

2017

Architects for Society and People (ASP)

2012

Community Architects Network in Korea (CAN Korea)

Our Services

In-depth interviews

to identify pressing issues

With extensive experience and proven skills in building trust with research target groups, IIUD ensures reliable insights that reflect the genuine realities of the populations that policy concerns. We are also specialized in scientifically analyzing the interview results, transforming individual stories into meaningful data that can inform policy.

International comparison of urban policies and institutions

We provide international comparisons of urban policies, solutions, and institutions to inform policy recommendations. You can request a comparison of specific policies or solutions to address particular issues, such as rent control systems, housing for seasonal workers, or policies aimed at reducing vulnerability to heat waves.

Project design and evaluation for development cooperation

We assist you with project design and evaluation for international development cooperation initiatives, including ODA projects and NGOs' aid programmes in the Global South. Our expertise lies in results-based management, and in integrating a human rights-based approach and gender perspective into a project.

Capacity building

We design and deliver capacity-building programmes tailored to diverse groups. For public officers, we provide training to increase sensitivity to human diversity and inequality, as well as insights into best practices from other countries. For marginalized communities, we can enhance understanding of social welfare services, raise awareness of their rights.

Urban indicators and index design

We specialize in designing urban indicators and indices that focus on evaluating changes in people's lives, rather than merely tracking the distribution of material goods or monetary resources, ensuring that the indicators provide meaningful insights to inform policies aimed at improving quality of life.