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Cultural and Technological Transformation in Villa Otoch Paraíso: Innovations in Fablab-based Economic Empowerment, Circular Economy, and Media Activism

By Marília Goes – Brazil, Rico Kanthatham – Japan, Sofia Ochoa & Sarah Dominguez – Mexico

This article recounts the “Regenerating Neighborhood Perspectives” Fab City Challenge held in Cancun from May to July 2024. Organized by the Fábrica de Artes y Oficios (FARO), which has operated in Villas Otoch Paraíso (VOP) for two years, the Challenge focused on urban regeneration in VOP, the city’s most dangerous and stigmatized neighborhood. The initiative aimed to empower the community, especially women and youth, who are particularly vulnerable to recruitment by organized crime.

Understanding VOP’s Socioeconomic and Cultural Landscape

An international six-member team collaborated with FARO to explore VOP’s socioeconomic and cultural landscape. Through interviews and weekly Zoom meetings with locals and leaders, we heard stories of resilience and a strong desire for positive change. The women of VOP emerged as vital community leaders, driving initiatives for economic empowerment and creating vibrant public spaces. FARO serves as a critical hub for these activities, providing a safe space for meetings and personal development.

Background of Villas Otoch Paraiso (VOP)

VOP began as a social housing project in 2007, designed to house workers from the tourism and construction industries. The apartments, sized at 32 and 42 m², were meant for single workers or small families.

Current Situation of Villas Otoch Paraiso Apartments

Originally designed for small households, the VOP apartments are now inadequate for current needs. Cramped living conditions lead to a lack of privacy and frequent neighbor conflicts.

With around 14,000 apartments and an estimated 40,000 residents—although the actual number is likely higher due to unsafe conditions and organized crime keeping government agencies out—VOP faces severe overcrowding. This situation exacerbates issues like labor exploitation and violence, both in public and private spaces.

Ideation and Planning

Armed with our findings, we brainstormed viable solutions, identifying three main projects: personal empowerment through a Fablab, revitalization of community spaces, and a media activism application.

The Fablab project focused on teaching 3D modeling and fabrication skills to youth, enabling them to enter the global “Art Toy” market. We believed that improving economic productivity could empower individuals and inspire them to take control of their destinies.

The community spaces project sought to contribute to the work of revitalization of public spaces that the women of the neighborhood and other local organizations (including FARO) had been working on for a year. This initiative focused on promoting the creation of new gathering places for VOP residents to engage in positive, social and collective activities. 

The media activism application was envisioned as a tool to amplify the voices of VOP residents, allowing them to reshape the negative narratives surrounding their community.

Development and Prototyping

The Fablab Empowerment initiative consisted of a four-day workshop. Participants learned about the global “Art Toy” market and engaged in hands-on sessions covering 3D modeling (Blender), 3D printing, and molding techniques. Simultaneously, we sketched revitalization plans using recyclable materials. The media activism application began to take shape, enabling VOP to share its stories online.

Finalisation and Presentation

The final day was a celebration of achievements. The youths’ “Art Toy” creations were fully developed, and plans were made for them to sell their products online. A lecture highlighted potential career paths in 3D modeling. Participants agreed to form a “Blender Club” to teach others in the community.

We refined designs for urban furniture aimed at rejuvenating underutilized spaces and successfully launched the media activism application, which quickly gained traction among residents.

Conclusion

The Fab City Challenge highlighted essential truths: community solutions must be rooted in listening to residents, and collaboration is vital for transformation. FARO’s initiatives demonstrated effective, sustainable, participatory regeneration, showcasing the convergence of art, culture, and technology.

Corollary

In the weeks following the Challenge, the youth maintained the Blender Club and FARO plans to equip its Lab by year’s end, maintaining connections with the international team. A new chapter for FARO and its communities has begun.