Adaptation: Culturally Sensitive Housing for Mexicans and Universal Design

Abstract

The Mexican population in Minneapolis has a unique cultural identity. They struggle with negative influences: economic inequality, language barriers, discrimination, and the reality of being a displaced people. They have strong cultural links. Adapting to life in the United States can be challenging for these people. Creating an affordable housing solution that gives them pride, helps them integrate, and provides them the opportunity to express their cultural identity is important. Being cognizant of the unique needs of culturally sensitive populations and implementing universal design solutions into the design of a single family residence was the primary outcome of this project.