Design-driven approach for Maker practices. A tool proposal for proximity-based projects in urban context

Faced with the series of recent global crisis, from the lowering of the resources to the most recent global changes usual model of consumption and production, many practices implemented so far, are undergoing a radical shift from a quantitative approach towards a systemic and qualitative approach in which enabling technologies, citizen empowerment and new urban models are opening to global directives towards more sustainable and resilient, while productive cities. The Research is structured in a series of iterative Action Research activities carried in the city of Rome, focusing on three layers of analysis: the Technology, which increasing social role enabled the birth of alternative economic models and collaborative culture; the Community, as the hybrid set of manufacturers, designers, artisans, citizens and cradle of new forms of self-organization; The City, as the habitat capable of optimizing infrastructural, economic and ecological resources in a distributed and interconnected ecosystem. Through the analysis of each layer, the Research proposes a hyper-local tool that supports the birth and spread of urban community-based projects. This tool would enable bottom-up initiatives that respond to specific needs and help develop new economies, while top-down initiatives from government administrations will generate proposals that precisely address community needs. Findings will provide insights for policymakers, urban planners, makers, designers and citizens to design and advocate sustainable urban development models and thriving neighborhoods.