Leverage of change : social housing in Tijuana, México

Abstract

As a town that has heavy migration, Tijuana is in constant need of social housing for its lower income families. The demands of the population have created an overload on the government, and some third parties have begun addressing the housing issues. A study was carried out on two different types of social housing organizations that have presence in Mexico. An analysis of their policies and objectives, along with a brief statement of their purpose and creation accompanies the study. Surveys and interviews were conducted on-site with inhabitants from both projects, INFONAVIT and Habitat for Humanity. The former is government sponsored and the latter is funded by an international non- profit organization; these are factors that influence the magnitude and impact of their programs. Their relevance and pertinence to the socioeconomic group that they serve is reflected through architectural modifications that the dwellers make in their houses. An economic analysis of costs for the modifications yields a perspective of the beneficiaries' space needs and priorities. The results from the surveys show that inhabitants modify their homes with simple upgrades; those who do not have modifications plan to carry them out in the future. They have concerns for security and aesthetics. Although these constructions are built with the economic factor in mind, the owners always upgrade their houses for the sake of comfort, and they express their willingness to pay more for the constructions, if it guarantees them improved architectural finishes. In the final part of the thesis some suggestions and proposals are made in the interest of improving design standards and living conditions in the constructions that these social organizations produce; suggestions are also made for future adaptability of the base models that are built by each of the organizations under scrutiny.