Disrupting Monotony

At the start of this project, I was confronted with a range of global issues that revealed the harsh realities many regions face in securing basic human needs, particularly shelter. One issue that stood out to me was the housing crisis in Mexico, where low-income families often struggle to afford homes while also meeting essential needs like food and clothing. Many of these homes are poorly constructed due to strict budget constraints and are built in such close proximity that both private and communal spaces are sacrificed in favor of maximizing land use. This often results in rows of identical houses distinguished only by their numbers, creating environments that feel impersonal and monotonous. After analyzing several sites affected by this issue, I began to ask key questions: How might residents respond to a break from monotonous housing design? Is the core problem the house itself, or could the inclusion of greenery, such as parks and plazas, foster stronger community engagement? Could a redesigned layout for low-income housing offer new possibilities through thoughtful master planning and innovative typologies? And how might the strategic use of color impact the atmosphere and livability of these communities? To explore these questions, I plan to draw inspiration from several influential architects. Alejandro Aravena’s work offers new approaches to adaptable and affordable housing. Luis Barragán demonstrates how color can transform space and bring life to otherwise dull environments. Tatiana Bilbao emphasizes the importance of community connectivity and inclusive design. Together, their work provides a foundation for reimagining housing in a way that is not only functional, but also vibrant and culturally meaningful.