Identifies major problems and concerns to be addressed at the upcoming Habitat II conference in Istanbul, Turkey. Details a number of recent significant developments, all of them related to emerging patterns of economic productivity, demographic concentration, and environmental pollution. Proposes a dual-definition of "habitat" as both…

Profiles the English Midlands city of Leicester, an industrial center with a growing immigrant and minority population. Discusses the city government's response to problems concerning jobs, housing, and a racist backlash. The outlook is optimistic as the minority citizens assume new roles in the social and economic community. (MJP)