Most studies and research addressing the issue of informal housing tend to approach it from angles and perspectives that do not fully grasp its essence or its requirements (Bardhan et al., 2019; Schneider, 2002), typically focusing on certain aspects rather than others (Connolly, 2009; Lehmann, 2020; Moser, 1978; Roy, 2009; Soyinka et al., 2021). Consequently, the issue of informal housing has become subject to fragmented views[1] according to areas of expertise (Parnell & Oldfield, 2014), leading to a fragmented approach and hindering the possibility of truly understanding its essence and proposing a comprehensive and sustainable solution.

Moreover, the challenges associated with informal housing are not limited solely to the study and analysis of housing precariousness itself or its specific contexts but encompass a much broader and complex range of aspects and manifestations (Alves, 2018; Deuskar, 2019; Ho, 2014). Indeed, these challenges unfold across all urban environments, taking various forms influenced by a multitude of surrounding economic, social, cultural, and political factors (Harris, 2018), which in turn vary across regions and countries.

Thus, in analyzing the issue of informal housing and urban informality, a perspective specifically oriented towards Southern countries has been favored, leading to a trend where available data seem to favor an emancipation of Northern countries from these issues[2], highlighting a predominance of the Southern perspective on informality compared to that of Northern countries[3] (Angel, 2000, p. 329; Arnott, 2009; Durst & Wegmann, 2017; Neuwirth, 2006).

For a better understanding of urban informality, it is essential to approach it from a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating a diversity of approaches. This allows for the exploration of collective imaginaries, involved actors, and social, economic, and political processes that underlie and shape informality.

From this perspective, we can achieve a broader and more precise understanding of the issues raised by identifying how the phenomenon of informal housing influences and is influenced by urban dynamics on a larger scale. This approach will deepen our understanding of this global phenomenon and shed light on its geographical and social characteristics. This is essential for developing more inclusive and adapted urban policies that reflect the reality of all societies, whether located in Southern or Northern regions.

In this context, adopting a multidisciplinary approach methodology offers us the opportunity to address both urban and informal housing issues by overcoming the limitations and restrictions imposed by fragmented approaches. This approach will thus allow us to understand the complexity of this crucial phenomenon, which, it is important to emphasize, plays a fundamental role in the social and economic fabric of cities, equally.

The conference proposes an in-depth exploration of the complex interactions between housing, urbanity, and informality in various geographical contexts. The objective is to understand to what extent these three elements engage in dialogue or confrontation, how they are defined or redefined, and under what modalities and temporalities specific to each country and city.

By focusing on the impact of informal constructions in urban and peri-urban spaces, the conference seeks to probe the new faces of informality and explore the associated imaginaries (perspectives), with particular attention to the role of informal housing in this process. It aims to better understand how informality is expressed in these specific environments, and how the representations and perceptions surrounding it influence its manifestation.

Simultaneously, a thorough analysis of the temporalities linked to informality in urban contexts will be conducted. Understanding how informality evolves over time and adapts to social, economic, or political changes is essential for grasping its effects on urban dynamics.

The conference also aims to emphasize the perceived risks and opportunities on the ground resulting from the processes of the issues raised, both regarding urban issues and/or informal housing. By examining how these informal activities are perceived and experienced by local actors, it will be possible to identify the challenges and advantages related to the issue addressed in this conference.

Furthermore, this conference will seek to highlight the areas, axes, and levels of interaction with stakeholders and actors involved in these processes, whether governmental, community-based, or from the unofficial private sector. Emphasis will be placed on those who can play a role in promoting or organizing urban issues, as understanding the interactions generated among these actors is crucial for developing more effective policies and strategies in addressing the problems.

In summary, the conference aims to provide a space for in-depth reflection on the complex links between housing, urbanity, and informality, drawing on case studies, notably in Algeria, to enrich the understanding of these phenomena. By adopting a comparative and multidisciplinary approach, it aims to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities posed by these interactions for Southern societies and to formulate informed recommendations for more suitable and inclusive urban policies.