Mobio: Modular Micro-Museum
Project Overview
MOBIO was developed during the Fab City Challenge Mexico 2024 in Monterrey, where our international team of engineers, architects, designers, and makers from Singapore, France, Czech Republic, USA, and Mexico collaborated over 10 days to address biodiversity challenges in urban environments. The project won the People's Choice Award at the challenge.
MOBIO is a modular micro-museum system designed to help urban residents connect with and understand the rich biodiversity of Monterrey's mountainous landscape. The portable 3D-printed modules can be assembled anywhere in the city to create educational spaces that showcase local flora and fauna while collecting environmental data through citizen science initiatives.
By placing these "micro-museums" at real sites and linking them into a shared network, MOBIO brings the mountains and their biodiversity directly into urban neighborhoods, strengthening the relationship between the city and its natural environment through awareness and data collection.
My Contributions
As part of the international team, I contributed to multiple components of the MOBIO system, combining my engineering background with digital fabrication skills to create practical solutions for biodiversity education and environmental monitoring.
DIY Microscope Design
Engineered a field microscope using lenses from two $1 laser pointers and a custom 3D-printed stand. This low-cost solution enables detailed examination of samples and specimens in the field, making scientific observation accessible to all users.
Citizen Science Kit Components
Designed the box and DIY microscope for the citizen science kit focused on checking pollution levels in Monterrey's polluted river. This system enables community members to collect and contribute environmental data as part of a broader monitoring network.
Laser-Cut Wooden Panels
Designed and produced laser-cut wooden panels with engraved writing for the micro-museums, creating informational displays that communicate biodiversity concepts and local ecosystem information to visitors.
Collaborative Development Process
The 10-day intensive collaboration in Monterrey brought together diverse expertise to rapidly prototype and iterate on the MOBIO concept. The process was guided by local biodiversity activists and included extensive field research in Monterrey's mountains and rivers.
Field Research Phase
Our team conducted site visits to Río Santa Catarina and La Estanzuela Natural Park, listening to local stories and understanding the connection between Monterrey's biodiversity and daily life. This research phase was crucial in shaping our design approach.
Modular Prototype System
Developed multiple interconnected prototypes including the Micro Museum modules, Field Kit Sensor Box, Mini Microscope, Mountain Silhouette displays, and Texture Buttons. Each component was designed for easy assembly and transport.
Community Integration
Worked alongside local communities including Viaje al Microcosmos, Sonidos de la Noche, Ayuguara, and Por un senderismo sustentable y responsable to ensure the solution addressed real community needs and aspirations.
Project Impact & Recognition
MOBIO's success at the Fab City Challenge Mexico 2024 demonstrates the power of international collaboration in addressing local environmental challenges. The project's impact extends beyond the challenge itself:
- Won People's Choice Award at Fab City Challenge Mexico 2024
- Received seed funding to continue development through 2025
- Established partnerships with local biodiversity organizations
- Created open-source "recipes" for prototype replication
- Developed implementation plan for monthly maker workshops
- Featured at Centro de Innovación, Emprendimiento y Negocios (CIEN) Puebla
- Fostered development of digital fabrication skills in local communities
- Created sustainable network of biodiversity initiatives across Monterrey
Project Details
Event
Fab City Challenge Mexico 2024
Duration
10 days (July 26 - August 4, 2024)
Location
Monterrey, Mexico
Team
International Collaboration
Award
People's Choice Award Winner
Tools & Methods
Recognition
- • People's Choice Award - Fab City Challenge Mexico 2024
- • Seed funding received for 2025 continuation
- • Featured at FAB24 Mexico conference in Puebla
- • Open-source documentation published