Print your city? 3-D printing is revolutionizing urban futures

The Fabrication City concept puts manufacturing back in the hands of communities-using 3-D printers. It could have far-reaching implications for economic development, environmental sustainability, inclusion, and other benefits. The use of 3-D printing provides cities with opportunities through their local innovators and entrepreneurs.
The process of 3-D printing layers materials to create three-dimensional objects using digital equipment. Local makers are given access to fabrication labs equipped with technology to learn and this incubation environment can develop future entrepreneurs.
The fabrication city model emerged around 2011, developed by the MIT's Centre for Bits and Atoms and by over 1,000 Maker Centres that give local makers access to 3-D printing and other production tools. There are also neighborhoods and city clusters that facilitate the maker movement.