Community in Virtual Building

Building a virtual city together brings back memories of our childhood. We played with blocks and even tinker toys, lincoln logs, legos, heath kits, train sets, and race car tracks as we got older. These were physical models we had natural enjoyment creating. We gladly knocked them down or took them apart in order to start anew. If we spent a lot of time one day, we brought family and friends in to see our results.

Digital content lets us version to our hearts content without ever having to take things apart. We don't have to call our friends over to share our results. We can post to the Web and send a link reference. And then we realize we might as well build together since we don't have to travel to do so. We can work side by side if we want to. In fact, let's set up a room at our community center or town hall to do so.

If you are disappointed by the idea that you won't be able to touch and smell and pick up your models of your city, consider the potential of the 3-D printers that are quickly becoming competent and cost-effective. We can iterate on our virtual designs for now knowing some day they will be printable. Our lives, in regards to building models, will come full circle when they do.