ARCH-670AP Mexico City Field Work
3 Credits
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ARCH-670AP-01
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
9:00 am – 4:20 pm
Higgins Hall Center, 320
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ARCH-670AP-02
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
9:00 am – 4:20 pm
Higgins Hall North, 304
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ARCH-670AP-03
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
9:00 am – 4:20 pm
Higgins Hall Center, 320
Mexico City stands as one of the most densely populated urban centers globally, with over 9 million inhabitants within its core and nearly 22 million in the greater metropolitan area. In recent decades, the city has confronted a series of critical challenges, driven by both the aging of its urban and civic infrastructure and its rapidly growing population. Climate related pressures including water scarcity, air pollution, biodiversity loss, and extreme heat have further compounded these issues, underscoring the urgent need for innovative urban strategies to address the complex and evolving needs of its residents.This course will explore the concepts of Public Commons and adaptive reuse through fieldwork in Mexico City. Students will investigate the intersection of existing structures and contemporary alteration strategies actively shaping the city's urban fabric. Site visits to mixed-use developments, emphasizing housing and public spaces, will provide insight into Mexico City's pressing need for more equitable access to housing, public amenities, and resources. Additionally, students will engage with local fabrication spaces, makers, and manufacturing sites, fostering a deeper understanding of regional material practices and resources, both traditional and contemporary.