José Luis Castro presents the ‘Alquimia Plástica’ project at the University of Palermo’s International Design WeekJosé Luis Castro, MSc, Communications Analyst at FADCOM-ESPOL, took part in International Design Week at the University of Palermo, Argentina, where he presented the Alquimia Plástica initiative and the Tapatón 2026 campaign. The initiative brought together more than 1,000 members of the polytechnic community and collected 475 kilograms of plastic bottle caps, promoting the circular economy, environmental awareness and the development of reusable materials for academic purposes. He also took part in discussions on design education, virtual learning and artificial intelligence, and held meetings aimed at exploring opportunities for international academic cooperation.
FADCOM offers insights into strategic design and urban resilience in GuayaquilProfessor María Gabriela Chica, from FADCOM-ESPOL, took part as a panellist in the discussion forum ‘Climate Change, Smart Mobility and Urban Resilience’, held on 20 October 2026 in Guayaquil, as part of the ETCM-IHTC 2026 Mobility AI Challenge & Hackathon. During the event, participants analysed the urban challenges associated with the El Niño phenomenon and discussed the importance of strategic design, technology and urban planning in identifying vulnerable areas, protecting essential services and reducing risks in the event of emergencies. The event promoted the exchange of knowledge and reflection on innovative solutions to build more resilient cities.
FADCOM students are developing display proposals for Prisma IV EditionOn 22 October 2026, Graphic Design and Product Design students from FADCOM-ESPOL took part in Prisma IV Edition, a challenge organised in collaboration with the company POSCA to design retail displays. The event brought together five teams who combined expertise from both disciplines to propose creative and innovative solutions. The winning team stood out for a proposal centred on interactivity at the point of sale, which was selected for evaluation and possible implementation by POSCA. The experience strengthened interdisciplinary work, creativity and the practical application of knowledge in collaboration with the business sector.
FADCOM students present an exhibition inspired by LEGO-style figures in San MarinoStudents from FADCOM-ESPOL are presenting the ‘Legoman-inspired’ exhibition at the San Marino Shopping Centre from 23 October to 7 November 2026. Under the guidance of lecturer Da He Park, students on the Design Theory course are reimagining LEGO-inspired figures through original costumes, poses and compositions, applying design concepts and exploring creativity and visual expression.
FADCOM strengthens its international profile at the NASAD meetingA delegation from FADCOM–ESPOL took part in the 82nd NASAD Annual Meeting in the United States to exchange experiences on curricular innovation, artificial intelligence, academic quality and links with industry, with a view to strengthening education in art and design.
Lourdes Pilay presents research on the ornamentation of Guayaquil’s heritage architectureLourdes Pilay, Ph.D., a lecturer at FADCOM, presented a research paper on the ornamentation found in Guayaquil’s heritage architecture and its value as an expression of identity and visual memory. The study highlights graphic design as a tool for promoting its preservation and cultural dissemination.
Michael Arce Sierra presents research on children’s stories using augmented reality at TICEC 2026Michael Arce Sierra, M.Sc., a lecturer in Graphic Design at FADCOM–ESPOL, presented research at TICEC 2026 on the educational potential of interactive children’s stories using 3D augmented reality, exploring new forms of interaction and learning through emerging technologies.
An alumnus of the Master’s in Art and Technology programme at FADCOM–ESPOL wins a Best Paper Award at TICEC 2026Gabriel Briones Jara, M.Sc., an alumnus of the Master’s programme in Art and Technology at FADCOM–ESPOL, won the Best Paper Award at TICEC 2026 for his research into the use of vibrations in educational video games for children aged 4 to 5. The study demonstrated a more positive emotional response to haptic feedback and highlights its potential for developing more engaging digital educational experiences.
Vórtice 2026 drew to a close with a celebration of student talent, music and hands-on learningVórtice 2026, organised by FADCOM–ESPOL, concluded with lectures, an awards ceremony for student projects, cultural performances and practical workshops. The event promoted the exchange of knowledge, creativity and collaborative learning amongst students, lecturers and professionals in the fields of design and audiovisual communication.
Vórtice 2026 kicked off with a day packed with design, audiovisual communication and creativityVórtice 2026 began on 14 October in the STEM building at ESPOL, with the participation of students, lecturers and professionals from Chile and abroad. The programme included four talks on film, artificial intelligence, art direction and creativity, as well as practical workshops on photomontage, digital collage and business strategy. The event promoted the exchange of experiences, hands-on learning and the connection between academic training and the professional world of design and audiovisual communication.