During Week Four of LiA, I deepened my research into Rennueva and its role in advancing recycling and the circular economy in Mexico. I focused on the challenges of plastic waste, the needs of local communities, and how Rennueva’s existing initiatives could be expanded for greater impact.
Using Design Thinking, I approached these challenges from the perspective of the people directly affected. Rather than merely identifying problems, I developed practical solutions that respond to local residents’ needs while supporting Rennueva’s broader mission. I explored product and system ideas that could give discarded materials a second life, create value from waste, and encourage participation in a more circular economy.
When developing concepts for our final product design, I turned to Mayan mythology to examine how cultural identity and storytelling might shape the design. Two major inspirations were Chaac, the Mayan god of rain and water, and Yum Kaax, the god associated with agriculture, nature, and land cultivation. These figures embody the relationship between people and the natural environment, aligning closely with our goal of promoting sustainability and a circular economy. I aimed to incorporate elements inspired by these deities in a way that honors Mexican heritage while communicating themes of renewal, nature, and environmental responsibility.
We also received a presentation from Hagamos Composta, which offered another perspective on linking sustainability to community empowerment. Their model combines beekeeping with initiatives that financially empower women in rural Mexican communities. This example demonstrated that sustainability can generate economic opportunities and strengthen local communities, not merely address environmental concerns.
Outside the work with Rennueva, I visited Biblioteca Vasconcelos. The library had long been on my list of places to see in person, and experiencing its massive scale, structural ingenuity, and unique interior spaces was almost a marvel. The visit reinforced my appreciation for how architecture can shape the experience of a place.
Overall, Week Four connected many of my interests- circular economy, community empowerment, cultural research, Design Thinking, and architecture- and reinforced my belief that creative problem‑solving can drive meaningful change.