The chapter discusses a participatory planning approach utilised for informal (slum) settlement upgradation. A review of approaches identifies the failures of top-down processes and demonstrates the challenges of bottom-up processes. A middle-ground planning approach, where top-down spatial solutions grounded in disciplinary knowledge mesh with the bottom-up spatial, economic, social and ergonomic constraints of slum dwellers, is proposed. When the appropriate balance is achieved, design creativity and inclusive participation result in greater capacity for the slum dwellers.