Thesis (M. Arch.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1981. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Bibliography: p. 103. / Tenements are significant systems that provide habitation to the poor in most of the urban areas of the developing countries. Yet, tenements are practically ignored if not prohibited by the public sector and consequently banned from any public housing program. This study, which is the first attempt to consider tenements as a viable option, describes, compares, analyzes and evaluates diverse tenement situations in twenty-eight case studies from twelve cities, in seven developing countries. It attempts to focus attention on a housing system that with a few improvements can provide an acceptable/appropriate shelter for a substantial sector of the income groups that otherwise have no better alternatives. In terms of evaluations, the goal of this study is to single out the critical aspects of tenements that can be/should be improved in order to meet adequate health, sanitary and social requirements. / by Isam Mohammad Alimam. / M.Arch.A.S.