I totally agree about the lack of vertical density, but I think in this case Chile and Mexico's tendency for earthquakes might have a lot to do with it.
Plus, it looks like the regions in which the projects are sited are not dense cities, but have similar low-rise 2~3-story buildings.
I guess adequate earthquake resistance with deeper foundations and specialized core would be more expensive. However building vertical should be cheaper per unit than a horizontal equivalent. I think the trade-off could optimized...
Plus, it looks like the regions in which the projects are sited are not dense cities, but have similar low-rise 2~3-story buildings.