Collaborated with Sociometrika for an immersive exploration of Quepos to understand dynamics within the community of Quepos and their perceptions towards the marina project. Using HCD ethnographic research and a sociometric approach we provided the marina with a roadmap for a social and environmental strategy and a fresh approach to address, with awareness and respect, the community context.

Big development projects in rural coastal communities can bring economic, environmental and social opportunities or problems depending on their design.

During 2014, I worked with Sociometrika on an immersive exploration of the community of Quepos on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, where a marina  was being established. Quepos wasn’t a new place for large investment: the community had already been fragmented into two areas, the bottom of the hill  where the locals lived with with complex problems such as unemployment, lack of educational opportunities and prostitution; and up the hill with the best views where the affluent foreigners and tourists stayed. The marina was being built in the ‘locals’ area and the company was our client for this project. I worked with a multidisciplinary team to understand community perceptions of the project and, their most pressing problems.

The research mixed HCD and a sociometric approach for mapping the influencers within the community and the density of their interests such as, conservation or crime reduction.

We designed and facilitated participatory workshops for different groups of stakeholders like neighbours, hotels, activists and others. We then gathered and analysed our findings and communicated them by working with a respected local writer to produce a story. It told an inclusive tale, rooted in the historic indigenous heritage of Quepos, which highlighted the different perspectives but also a shared interest in water conservation and the creation of safe public spaces. This story was presented to the client and stakeholders and was adapted to become a theater play.

The project findings and recommendations provided the marina developers with a roadmap for a social and environmental strategy and a fresh approach to address, with awareness and respect, the community context.