Housing Paradox

Abstract

This thesis explores the abandoned housing in Reynosa, Mexico. Reynosa is the fifth highest city in Mexico with the most abandoned housing, with more than 8,000 abandoned dwellings. This study focuses first on the political changes and housing policies leading to the mass abandonment. Secondly, INFONAVIT, a Mexican institution in charge of administering a housing fund for workers since 1972. Finally, an ongoing drug war and rise in violence. Through a mixed methods case study approach, 4 zones and 18 communities in Reynosa Mexico become the center of this research. The research analyzes housing policies, architectural design of social housing, direct observations, document analysis, crime data statistics, and own photographs and architectural drawings. The findings of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the abandoned housing problem in Mexico. This thesis aims to be important not only for researchers, but also architects, policy makers and city planners as this can help in their decision-making.