February 27th, 2026

Led by researchers Larisa Ovalles and Nathan Phipps, the MIT Urban Risk Lab has launched a new project in collaboration with TECHO México over the next three years focused on advancing approaches to climate-resilient, affordable housing.

The project responds to increasing climate risks in communities across Mexico, where extreme heat, flooding, and high winds continue to affect vulnerable populations. Building on TECHO México’s existing emergency housing model, the collaboration will analyze and refine current designs, expoloring sustainable building materials, new construction techniques, and approaches that support the transition from temporary shelters to more permanent housing solutions.

TECHO México, a youth-led nonprofit working with communities in informal settlements across Latin America and the Caribbean, has developed a system of prefabricated wooden housing that can be assembled in a short period by families and volunteers. Through this partnership, the project aims to strengthen these housing strategies while contributing to broader efforts to reduce risk and improve housing outcomes in disaster-prone areas.