The Chabolas of Madrid

The word chabola refers to a self-built dwelling, often constructed from recycled or inexpensive materials. During the second half of the twentieth century, large chabolas settlements emerged on the outskirts of several Spanish cities, housing communities that lived largely outside formal urban planning and infrastructure.

When I first met the inhabitants of the chabolas, I was introduced to the leader of the Roma community.

He advised me to ask each family individually for permission before taking photographs.

I was deeply impressed by the way the interiors of the huts were arranged. They revealed a world of fantasy, individuality and creative improvisation. Few traces of the so-called modern world were present, a world in which design often produces a high degree of uniformity.

In many huts, Tetra Pak packaging was used as wallpaper, helping to protect the interiors from humidity. One resident told me that he also appreciated the colourful atmosphere created by the recycled juice cartons.

Each family had built its own home, often with the support of neighbours and relatives. The chabolas existed like small islands, surrounded by congested motorways and newly built suburban housing developments. Daily life was shaped by a strong sense of community and by rules and traditions established within the settlement itself.

The chabolas I photographed contrasted sharply with the stereotypical image often associated with informal settlements. Despite limited resources, many homes displayed remarkable care, ingenuity and personal expression.

Madrid, 2003. Commissioned by Colors Magazine.