Fab City Hubs: Interfaces for community building and playgrounds for new innovative urban actions

Guided by the research question “What are the differences between the emerging Fab City Hub (FCH) model and other hub typologies, and how does this new hub typology seek to overcome the gaps and challenges of previous hubs experiences?”, this paper provides a conceptual discussion on the FCH model and empirical qualitative data based on four case studies. First, the article presents a literature review of the current state of the art of Creative and Productive Hubs (CPHs), contextualising the emergence of FCHs within the history and development of CPHs. Second, the methodological approach of the study is presented. Third, four case studies from different geographies are presented, and brief analysis of them is made to show the most recent paths that CHPs are taking towards a new hub typology, transitioning towards FCHs. Fourth, based on the empirical evidence of the case studies, the article establishes a conceptual framework that allows comparing the potential of the FCH model and existing hub models, and allows a preliminary definition of FCHs. Finally, some conclusions are drawn, evidencing how by facilitating innovative practices, new production systems and an enhanced flow of knowledge, FCHs emerge as interfaces/gateways for local (and global) community building and playgrounds for new innovative urban actions.