Intervention III: Makerspaces catalyst for social change
The research I was developing mentioned integration and social inclusion as core themes, but during a review with Jana, it became clear that was too broad. So during the conversation, we realized that Public space and social inclusion are deeply interconnected and I had to focus on something accessible and implementable within my capacities.
This realization led me to narrow my research toward makerspaces as hubs of social inclusion, knowledge-sharing, and economic and social empowerment. Makerspaces act as catalysts for inclusion, providing a tangible space where cultural diversity is not just observed, but actively shaped through making. This shift allows me to explore how digital fabrication, participatory design, and grassroots initiatives contribute to community-led change.
With this refined scope, my research now investigates how makerspaces serve as platforms for cultural integration, self-determination, and economic independence, ensuring that communities gain visibility and agency through creation.
Research Questions
How do maker spaces contribute to economic and social empowerment in La Florida?
How does cultural diversity influence the creative and productive dynamics within makerspaces?
What role does hands-on learning and digital fabrication play in fostering skill development and entrepreneurship?
How can participatory design within maker spaces reshape perceptions of La Florida and its people?
Hypothesis
Maker spaces in La Florida act as catalysts for social and economic empowerment by providing tools, education, and a platform for cultural expression, helping residents integrate into the urban fabric while fostering self-sufficiency and local entrepreneurship.
Theoretical Framework
This research is grounded in social dynamics, participatory design, and digital fabrication as a tool for empowerment. It draws from urban sociology, interculturalism, and social inclusion theories to explore how makerspaces provide access to resources, technology, and agency for this communities.
Public Space & Social Inclusion → Examining how makerspaces function as micro-publics, spaces where people negotiate their cultural identity and economic roles.
Participatory Design & Ethnocognition → Investigating how co-creation processes allow communities to define their own development.
Makerspaces as Tools for Economic & Social Empowerment → Understanding how digital fabrication provides new economic and cultural opportunities.
Secondary Resources
Methods
Ethnographic Fieldwork
Participant observation in makerspaces and informal community workshops.
Interviews with residents, makers, and community leaders to understand the barriers to access and participation.
Participatory Design Workshops
Co-creation sessions where locals and makers collaborate on artifacts representing cultural diversity.
Storytelling and digital documentation to capture how makerspaces influence individual and collective identity.
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