The UH INFONAVIT Iztacalco project by AMASA Estudio focuses on the revitalisation of communal space within a historic housing complex in Mexico. The intervention centers on a semi-spherical steel structure, originally incomplete and deteriorated, now adapted with a new roofing system that provides shelter and enhances usability. The project introduces a 260 sq m covered forum, integrated landscape elements, and designated areas for parkour and calisthenics, improving the functionality of the space while maintaining efficient material use.
The competition-winning proposal by AMASA architectural studio addressed the need to enclose the existing steel structure, providing protection from sun and rain while maintaining openness and adaptability. The intervention reinforces the structural system through additional supports at column bases and steel joints, optimizing the stability of the framework. A suspended, inclined roof composed of a steel grid and lightweight corrugated metal sheets was introduced, secured by tensile steel cables to maximize coverage while minimizing material use. The project also incorporates chromatic and textural modifications, enhancing the spatial experience through material contrasts.
The adapted space functions as a public forum while integrating recreational and social features. The covered area supports community gatherings, while adjacent sections provide informal seating and interactive zones. The inclusion of parkour and calisthenics areas introduces dynamic movement spaces within the housing complex, enhancing physical activity opportunities for residents. The reconfiguration of the existing structure aligns with contemporary needs, ensuring that the space remains adaptable over time.
The project illustrates an approach to housing complex revitalisation through efficient design strategies. By integrating structural reinforcement, material optimisation, and programmatic flexibility, the intervention demonstrates how underutilised communal spaces can be adapted for contemporary use. The project establishes a model for similar interventions in Mexico City, emphasising strategic planning and resource efficiency as fundamental principles in the enhancement of collective urban environments.
