Sinclair, Brian R.vander Hoek, Christopher Mark2017-12-182017-12-182011http://hdl.handle.net/1880/105277Bibliography: p. 79-80Thesis is in colour.This masters degree project (MDP) offers an alternative to the buildings that have traditionally been deployed in attempts to develop the informal city. It seeks to design a community centre that encourages its occupants to be involved in its planning, functioning and completion. The deployment of this 'infrastructure' is in the informal settlement of Pensil, in Mexico City. Through an agile structure and building logic, the project develops a system that has the ability to respond to feedback from its occupants, both through the initial design process and over time. The inherent dna of the building is adapted to the climate, site conditions, culture and urban landscape, however it remains adaptable to variety of program, and to the actions of the eventual occupants. Through numerous site visits, living in the city for a short time, and tours with local professionals, a greater understanding of the informal community is obtained. Working with, and building upon the site research of Martijn Slob, has allowed a greater understanding of the neighborhood of Pensil, and in informal communities in Mexico City. The result of this project is a building system that functions like an infrastructure element in the informal community; it is adaptable to various sites and this document shows one possible iteration. It creates buy in from its users through its adaptability and mutability. The proposed design is a manifestation of this system that is unique, inspiring and above all, designed to serve it's community.vi, 80 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.master thesis10.11575/PRISM/4276