I don't know much about the MIT project, but a criticism of a related project is available in a nytimes op-ed at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/01/opinion/01srivastava.html

I have strong doubts that mass-produced anything is the key to solving poverty. Having people rely on outsourced production rather than encouraging the local construction industry is no way to empower them.

EDIT: That said, having such housing available for rebuilding after a natural disaster doesn't sound like such a bad idea.