Mexico City's "Multifamiliares": urban and architectural laboratories

Abstract

"Multifamiliares" emerged in Mexico due to the population explosion and the "Mexican economic miracle." The bet was to focus on highrise housing, thereby freeing up urban land through the creation of supermanzanas, which are small, semi-private, residential neighborhoods offering commercial services. The dual influences of modern European architecture and local tradition provided these spaces with a rich symbiosis. They were architectural and urban experiments that metamorphosed into social transformations, promoting a surge in the well-being of the working class; a Revolution. Thereafter, the State abandoned this social ideology, transferring the property to the tenants, who were unable to maintain the common areas, thus leading to neglect. Despite the aforementioned, and the tragedies of earthquakes, multi-family housing projects continue to be a source from which to increase understanding regarding the possibilities of residential building typologies throughout the different economic strata, their integration within the city, the blend of housing with complementary services, and their relationship with local traditions.