CASSAC: ARCHITECTURE, SOCIAL REWARDS, AND STEAM. AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHERN SINALOA

This paper presents the experience of the Colegio de Arquitectos del Sur de Sinaloa A.C. (CASSAC) as a platform for educational and social innovation through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) methodology. It analyzes how the integration of this interdisciplinary approach strengthens the professional training of architects and engineers by linking construction practice with creativity, sustainability and social responsibility. The study is based on documentary review and systematization of experiences derived from workshops, conferences and prototyping projects promoted by CASSAC, in collaboration with educational institutions such as the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa. Among the most relevant results are the development of innovative construction solutions -such as the Plastiblock, the Arrowhead Block and the Octrápodo-type Concrete Piece- that promote active learning, material experimentation and environmental awareness. The impact of ephemeral architecture and public space projects as a means of social cohesion and citizen appropriation of the urban environment is also evident. In conclusion, CASSAC is consolidated as a model of social retribution where STEAM teaching transcends the classroom to generate sustainable, collaborative and culturally significant proposals, oriented to the development of southern Sinaloa.