These maps were gathered to inspire further action and participation, within my own process and hopefully among others. The three main target users are “the Designer”, “the Foreigner” and the “Pop Addicted”.

Since 2003 Panama has experienced a real estate and tourism boom. Given its geographical relevance as a meeting point at the heart of the American continent – and its tradition as a passage for transiting from one ocean to another, Panama has mutated to become the leading Central American metropolis.

The boom has brought about all sorts of newcomers: wealthy investors, retirees, tourists, South American refugees, and dreamers who want to live their “Central American Dream” (the American dream translated to our Latin American reality: cheaper food and housing, a relaxed environment, a peaceful society, a less corrupt and more fair democracy… and of course the access to the US dollar).

Regardless their original intention, an immigrant constantly experiences the inner tension between the concepts of shift and adaptation that cause internal debate. From the country’s perspective, the positive balance between the traditional and new is the key to positive progress and cultural evolution.

These pop maps are intended to serve as a point of reference to anyone looking to adapt, merge, or recreate themselves and their Panamanian pop knowledge.

Successful action is fueled by comprehensible knowledge.