Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa aplicada relacionada à instalação de um sistema de microdrenagem de águas pluviais em áreas de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Para tal, foi empregada a pré-fabricação leve em microconcreto de alto desempenho, moldado em fôrmas produzidas com o auxílio de máquinas de fabricação digital. O principal objetivo é promover melhoramentos urbanos em assentamentos precários acompanhados de desenvolvimento econômico local, fomentado pela autogestão e produção comunitária. Ademais, nota-se a importância para esta pesquisa de se encorajar processos participativos que envolvem a comunidade local em atividades para resolução de problemas.

This work presents the development of an applied research related to the installation of rainwater drainage systems in areas of economic and social vulnerability in São Paulo City, Brazil. It is also relevant for us to encourage participatory processes that involve the local community in problem-solving activities, while allowing appropriation of the technology applied. In this case, we are employing light prefabrication based on high performance microconcrete, molded in formwork produced with the aid of digital manufacturing. Our main purpose is to promote urban improvements in precarious settlements along with local economic development, made possible by self-management and community production.

The aim of this article is to analyze and discuss the implementation of the Fab Lab Livre SP Network, a public network of digital fabrication laboratories located in the city of São Paulo, in a context of large popularization of the Maker Movement and its premises of technological democratization. Based on quantitative user data and on-site experience acquired through a practical workshop, results show different processes of digital fabrication technology appropriation according to the territorial distribution of these public Fab Labs -which include extremely vulnerable places, such as slums. Considering the heterogeneity of urban and social conditions found in São Paulo, the proposed discussion here situates digital fabrication technologies and the Maker Movement from a socioeconomic inequality perspective, typical of Latin American countries.

Big cities in developing countries face many obstacles related to the built environment when confronted by socioeconomic inequalities, which is reflected by the uneven access to basic living infrastructure, such as sanitation and housing. In the light of new approaches to traditional materials and building techniques, this article aims to investigate the use of digital fabrication tools in the production of lightweight precast systems for the social production of habitat in Brazil. To develop a clear assessment of the possibilities created by these technological alternatives, two academic applied researches are considered as case studies: a modular sidewalk for rain water drainage and a precast building system for housing. The main goal here is to discuss the role of high-tech solutions —such as digital fabrication tools and lightweight precast systems— in promoting urban community-driven upgrading initiatives in precarious settlements, accompanied by local economic development.