In Iztapalapa, a dense urban district of Mexico City with a large amount of self-build, for a long time there was a lack of public open and green spaces and a basic infrastructure. Today, projects such as the Museo Yancuic, a museum for children and young people, create new places for environmental education and community with no admission charges. The building, the outcome of one of the rare international competitions, counteracts planning uncertainty with robust, flexible, and permeable architecture. Two utopias — part of a series of community centres — combine public parks with water infrastructure, sports, and geology education. To ensure that it is anchored in the district top-down design of this kind needs participative processes and time. The architectural designs resemble open, adaptable structures rather than detached buildings. They can contribute to improving the quality of life and security — additionally, if successful they can serve as a model for other parts of the city.