Argentina’s economic crisis has deepened levels of poverty and made housing inaccessible for many. In Buenos Aires, the rapid wave of profit-driven redevelopment has made this issue even worse, pushing low-income residents to the fringes. The Occupants’ and Tenants’ Movement (MOI, also known as Federation of Self-Managed Cooperatives), challenges this trend with La Fábrica, a housing cooperative, offering affordable and high-quality homes for those in need in the heart of Buenos Aires’ central Barracas district.
La Fábrica is driven by its members – the residents – who actively participate in decision-making. They also contribute their time and labour to build their future homes, in a system known as ‘ancestral mutual support’.
Through its Interdisciplinary Professional Team (EPI), the Federation contributes architectural, social, legal and accounting services. The project also creates job opportunities for the organisation’s members through “Casa Base”, its work cooperative. This collaborative approach empowers the associates, builds community, and ensures the project’s sustainability.
The Federation is also a community hub, offering childcare, education, and support programmes. The focus on residents’ well-being and emphasis on economic opportunities helps to lessen the effects of poverty and inequality. La Fábrica is an impactful and sustainable model for affordable and beautiful habitat and housing. Its success is underpinned by MOI’s political advocacy for a self-management model, which promotes community-led housing and participation. By building replicating the model in other parts of the country, and through policy reform, MOI is creating a more just and equitable habitat and housing landscape for Argentina and beyond.
