This handbook provides a detailed examination of LUDAs and aims to help you understand what LUDAs are, where and why they exist and how to identify them. Previous interventions on urban distressed are analysed, limits and lessons to be learnt described. The materials also outline the approach taken by the LUDA Project in meeting the challenges they pose and are based upon theoretical analysis as well as experience in case study examples.

Handbook 2 addresses the following frequently asked questions:

• What is a LUDA?
• How and why do LUDAs emerge and where they can be found in European cities?
• What are LUDAs' key problems and potentials?
• What are the limits of previous interventions and what can be learnt from previous attempts to tackle urban distress?
• How can a new approach to LUDAs help bring about improvements in the quality of life?

The material is aimed at politicians, citizens, professional experts and NGOs who want to develop their understanding of LUDAs and learn about the new approaches being developed at European, national and local levels tackle large-scale urban distress.