Fab City Foundation Concludes a Key Visit to Polifactory in Milan

Polifactory, the makerspace and Fab Lab of the Politecnico di Milano, stands at the forefront of innovation, exploring the intersection between design and analog/digital fabrication. As a research laboratory, Polifactory focuses on advancing circular and digital product-service systems, fostering a new culture of creation that integrates experimental education, design, and technology.

Operating within the domains of open innovation, user innovation, and circular innovation, Polifactory supports young designers in transforming ideas into tangible solutions, emphasizing co-creation and prototyping. Its role as both a research hub and creative space makes it a critical player in tackling contemporary challenges and shaping the future of advanced manufacturing.

Polifactory open room facilities, January 21, 2025 — Milan, Italy. Photo credits: Francesco Barzon

This unique positioning has made Polifactory an ideal partner in pioneering initiatives like the Distributed Design Platform (DDP) — a European project that emphasizes distributed, collaborative, and sustainable design practices.

On January 21, 2025, Polifactory welcomed a representative from the Fab City Foundation (FCF) for a landmark visit. This meeting marked a crucial moment for the Distributed Design Platform (DDP), which has been operational for seven years but is now facing critical challenges due to the absence of new EU funding.

During the visit, Francesco Barzon, EU Projects Manager at the FCF, engaged in discussions with Massimo Bianchini, Polifactory Lab Manager, about the current state of the DDP and its implications for design and innovation across the EU. The agenda included presentations that celebrated the DDP’s past achievements while tackling the pressing need to adapt to financial uncertainties and shifting EU priorities.

Key topics of discussion included:

• Leveraging existing resources to sustain the DDP’s momentum.
• Exploring alternative funding opportunities to ensure continuity.
• Co-creating new frameworks to support emerging creatives and foster resilience within the distributed design ecosystem.

Peer-to-peer member exchange for DDP project. In the photo: Massimo Bianchini — Polifactory lab manager and Francesco Barzon, EU Project Manager in FCF. Photo credits: Francesco Barzon

The partnership between Polifactory and the FCF is more than just a meeting of minds — it represents a strategic alliance to advance the principles of distributed design and tackle shared challenges.

1. Shared vision for Distributed Design
   Both organizations champion localized production, peer-to-peer collaboration, and the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies. Polifactory’s expertise in circular and digital product-service systems aligns seamlessly with the DDP’s mission to empower creatives and foster sustainable innovation.
2. Navigating financial challenges
   With the DDP entering a new phase without EU funding, this collaboration is essential for identifying innovative strategies to sustain its mission. Together, Polifactory and the Fab City Foundation are exploring ways to adapt to financial uncertainties and maintain the momentum built over the past seven years.
3. Strengthening the innovation ecosystem
   Polifactory’s role as a hub for experimental education and design innovation makes it an invaluable partner for revitalizing the DDP. By sharing experiences and insights, the two organizations can inspire new approaches to building a resilient ecosystem that supports emerging designers and fosters transformative projects.

The visit not only reinforced existing partnerships but also sparked new conversations about the future of the DDP. It highlighted the importance of adaptability and collaboration in an evolving European funding landscape. Looking ahead, Polifactory and the FCF are committed to exploring innovative pathways for distributed design, ensuring its continued impact on the realms of design, manufacturing, and urban development. This collaboration serves as a model for addressing challenges through collective action, emphasizing the vital role of partnerships in fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

As the DDP navigates into its final phase, the collaboration between Polifactory and the FCF represents a beacon of hope and resilience. By pooling their expertise and resources, the two organizations are poised to drive meaningful transformations in design and innovation, ensuring a brighter future for distributed design across the EU.

Cover photo credits: Polimi