Roofscape and Spatial Housing Improvement for Sustainable Low-income Settlement along the Riverbanks in Yogyakarta

Cities are home to 56% of the global population, projected to increase to 70% by 2050. Urbanization, particularly among economically disadvantaged populations, often occupies vacant and underutilized urban spaces. This trend is prevalent in major Indonesian cities, notably along riverbanks. Kampung settlements, established by low-income communities, exhibit distinct roofscapes characterized by their linear alignment with river channels. Yogyakarta, intersected by three rivers, exemplifies this phenomenon, with low-income communities developing housing along these waterways. These housing areas’ environmental quality and spatial configuration are often poor and unhealthy. Consequently, the roofscapes of these impoverished residential areas appear spontaneous and disorganized. This article presents research on the sustainable development of roofscapes and spatial housing areas along the riverbanks in Yogyakarta.