FabLab:

Building SPACE for COMMUNITIES of INNOVATORS

Arnan Sipitakiat

Learning Inventions Laboratory

Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering

Chiang Mai University

Making is a Literacy

Making Literacy

• Crafting Skill

• Proficiency in the making process

• Communicating well about making

If you want people to be good at sports, you build theskills in a gym.

Makers also need

a space to develop

themselves.

FabLab is that place.

FabLab at Stanford University

FabLab Characteristics

• A colorful and inviting place

• A place to both work and hangout

• A place where people share ideas

FabLab Tools

• Laser Cutter

• 3D Printer

• Vinyl Cutter

• Computer-controlled router / CNC Machine

• Micro-Electronics

Laser Cutter

3D Printers

Vinyl Cutter

Micro Electronics

Benefits

Innovative Learning Space

A vibrant location for visitors

A tangible initiative to promote21st century skills

Students work more interdisciplinary

Can produce compelling case-studies

Implementation Process

• Finalize a location

• Space design and renovation

• Equipment allocation

• Identify the core team

• Setup operational budget model

Step 1: The Lab

Implementation Process

• Introductory workshops for students and faculty

• Create an elective course for students (a small class of 30-40 students)

• Open access to qualified users and target groups

Step 2: Making use of the Lab

Staff Requirements

• At least 1 full time technical staff. Should be knowledgeable of the tools and is service minded.

• A part time staff to take care of stock and

accounting.

• A team of makers who can help run the lab. Can consist mainly of students.

Budget

• Equipment. Less than 1 million. Less if existing equipment can be acquired.

• Renovation. Depends on the location.

• Operational Budget. Staff, consumables.

Risk FactorsFactorsFactorsFactors

• Focus too much on “tools” not “process”

• Just a place to get things done. No sense of community.

• Viewed as a classroom more than a project space.

• Lack of ownership. No one in charge.

• No viable operational funding model.