Join us on August 29th to celebrate the culmination of our Maker Cities advanced manufacturing cohort program through a project unveiling on Lincoln Road and to celebrate 10 years of making at Moonlighter FabLab. Expect an evening of interesting work on view, good food and refreshments, and wonderful conversations with creatives from Moonlighter’s decade of community building.
About The Project – DECO PORTALS
Deco Portals of Lincoln Road transforms the historic Morris Lapidus folly into a contemporary public art experience through a series of illuminated Art Deco-inspired archways. Drawing from Miami Beach’s iconic architectural language, the installation creates a sequence of portals that invite visitors to move through, pause, and engage with the space in a new way. By day, the sculptural forms frame views of Lincoln Road while celebrating the geometric patterns, rhythm, and elegance that define the district’s cultural identity. By night, integrated lighting brings the arches to life, creating moments of discovery, play, and connection. The project uses digital fabrication to help students exploring advanced manufacturing realize their creative solution for Lincoln Road.
The project elevates public art by blending architecture, technology, and storytelling into an immersive experience that honors the legacy of Morris Lapidus while reinterpreting it for a new generation. As both a landmark and gathering space, the installation encourages exploration, photography, and social interaction, creating memorable experiences that strengthen Lincoln Road’s role as one of Miami Beach’s most vibrant cultural destinations. Ultimately, the project serves as a gateway between past and present, celebrating the historic character of Lincoln Road while creating a captivating moment of fascination that draws visitors into the district both day and night.
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About The Program – MAKER CITIES
Maker Cities is a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded workforce development and placemaking initiative led by Moonlighter FabLab. The program expands access to advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, and creative entrepreneurship by engaging participants in a six-month, studio-based learning experience. Each year, 20 participants develop skills in CAD/CAM design, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC milling, design thinking, entrepreneurship, and civic innovation while working alongside industry mentors and community partners.
As the culminating experience of the program, participants collaborate on a real-world civic placemaking challenge for Miami Beach’s historic Lincoln Road district. This year, five interdisciplinary teams researched the site, engaged stakeholders, developed design proposals, and presented their concepts to a panel of professional designers, architects, urbanists, artists, and representatives from civic departments. Following a competitive design review process, one proposal was selected for full-scale fabrication and installation as a temporary public art intervention on Lincoln Road. The project is made possible through a partnership between Moonlighter FabLab, the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID), and the City of Miami Beach Department of Arts & Culture, demonstrating how emerging talent can contribute meaningful design solutions to the public realm.
Celebrating 10 Years in the Making: Moonlighter FabLab
Moonlighter FabLab is a Miami Beach-based nonprofit makerspace, STEAM learning center, and community innovation hub dedicated to expanding access to creative technologies, digital fabrication, and workforce development opportunities. Through hands-on educational programs, public workshops, artist collaborations, and community-driven projects, Moonlighter empowers learners of all ages to transform ideas into tangible solutions using tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, electronics, and emerging technologies.
Moonlighter FabLab has served as a cultural and educational partner to the City of Miami Beach, delivering programs that connect art, design, science, technology, and civic engagement. As a cultural anchor institution and STEAM education partner, Moonlighter works closely with schools, community organizations, artists, businesses, and government agencies to create pathways into the creative economy while fostering innovation, lifelong learning, and public participation. Its mission is to democratize access to technology, inspire the next generation of makers and problem-solvers, and use creativity and fabrication as tools for positive community impact.
Join us as we reflect on the past 10 years of impactful work, and collaboratively chart the course for the next 10!