INFONAVIT (The National Housing Fund for Workers Institute) is the state agency behind almost one-third of Mexico Citys workers housing. The group was founded in 1972 and, today, many of its early works suffer from a lack of maintenance and government neglect. INFONAVITrecently organized a competition to revitalize four original multifamily housing complexes by INFONAVIT: Iztacalco, Santa Fe, Culhuacn El Rosario, and Ignacio Chvez. AMASA Estudio, a Mexico City office founded by Andrea Lpez and Agustn Pereyra, won the multi-project commission. The firm recently completed a project at the Iztacalco Complex, the state agencys first, completed in 1972. The local office repaired a 13,000-square-foot semi-sphere, converting it into a usable shared space for the community. This project exemplifies the transformative potential of public investment in Mexico Citys housing complexes, AMASA Estudio shared. Thoughtfully designed interventions, rooted in resource efficiency and strategic planning, can revitalize common areasturning them into spaces for gathering, recreation, learning, and community engagement.The architects added color and structurally reinforced a 13,000-square-foot semi-sphere. (Zaickz Moz/Courtesy AMASA Estudio)Splash of ColorCumulatively, AMASA Estudio has developed four individual, tailor-made proposals for each of the four complexes. This started with in-depth site analysis, culminating in an innovative organization strategy between the architects, construction team, INFONAVIT, the Social Prosecutors Office, local government groups, and the residents committees. The Iztacalco Complex was damaged during the major 1979 earthquake that rocked Mexico City, leaving its central element, a semi-sphere, unfinished. AMASA Estudio worked on a proposal to revamp the central common area of the housing complex, where the 40-foot semi-sphere is located.The corrugated metal offers refuge from the sweltering heat. (Andres Cedillo/Courtesy AMASA Estudio)The renovation will wash the circular structures gray concrete with color, featuring pigmented concrete in warm tones, complemented by turquoise-green steel supported by corrugated metal panels in a dynamic, polychromatic finish. Structural reinforcements were added at the column bases of the steel joints to support the semi-spheres enclosure, consisting of a suspended, inclined roof system formed by a steel grid and lightweight metal sheets. These elements were secured with tensile steel cables.In addition to work on the semi-sphere, the project also brought new playground equipment to the housing complex. Also realized in chromatic shades were bars ideal for climbing and strength training.The architects also designed new playground spaces. (Zaickz Moz/Courtesy AMASA Estudio)These improvements provide residents with opportunities for exercise and neighborhood interaction, fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion, AMASA Estudio continued. Ultimately, this project demonstrates that large budgets are not always necessarywhat matters most is a well-planned, well-managed, and well-designed public investment strategy that breathes new life into communal spaces and strengthens the social fabric of Mexico Citys housing communities.Other recent projects backed by INFONAVITinclude, a 9-acre Housing Laboratory project in Hidalgo that realized 32 prototype homes.