FAB LAB LISBOA
Published on 05 March 2020
Portugal
Área Metropolitana de Lisboa
Laura Veart
Project Manager
About this good practice
The FabLab spaces concept is flourishing worldwide, particularly in the European context. Nevertheless their relative success, one of the main challenges they usually present is the difficult connection they often have with local governments and municipalities. The majority of the Fab Labs are restricted to a specific community.
In order to tackle this issue the Municipality of Lisbon decided to create a facility open to all users, in a central location of the city - a disabled food market - a space for enabling easy access to experimentation. It was a strategic answer to the creative, innovative and entrepreneurial atmosphere of the city.
The purpose of this FabLab is linked to the overall goal of Lisbon’s Municipality in the Urban Manufacturing project: for makers and makers spaces to work together and collaborate. Here people have access to the resources they need (both human and technological) to test their ideas.
FabLab Lisboa is equipped with tools that are very accessible and safe: laser cutters, large format milling machine, precision milling machine, FDM 3D printer, SLA 3D printer, vinyl cutter, 3D scanners, vacuum thermoforming, thermal wire cutter, sewing machine, metal lathe. There are also computers and programming tools supported by CAD and CAM software.
The methodology adopted is the “learn by doing” that begins in the digital design of the project by the author and realises it by using the equipment available at theFab Lab
In order to tackle this issue the Municipality of Lisbon decided to create a facility open to all users, in a central location of the city - a disabled food market - a space for enabling easy access to experimentation. It was a strategic answer to the creative, innovative and entrepreneurial atmosphere of the city.
The purpose of this FabLab is linked to the overall goal of Lisbon’s Municipality in the Urban Manufacturing project: for makers and makers spaces to work together and collaborate. Here people have access to the resources they need (both human and technological) to test their ideas.
FabLab Lisboa is equipped with tools that are very accessible and safe: laser cutters, large format milling machine, precision milling machine, FDM 3D printer, SLA 3D printer, vinyl cutter, 3D scanners, vacuum thermoforming, thermal wire cutter, sewing machine, metal lathe. There are also computers and programming tools supported by CAD and CAM software.
The methodology adopted is the “learn by doing” that begins in the digital design of the project by the author and realises it by using the equipment available at theFab Lab
Resources needed
FabLab Lisboa is currently staffed by 5 technicians and a programme manager and is supported by the municpailities budget.
Evidence of success
In seven years FabLab Lisboa has increased consistently their activity, supporting the creation of 3000 prototypes and promoting more than 900 events/workshops.
Potential for learning or transfer
Three major considerations on FabLab Lisboa that make it a successful place, with transfer potential:
i) Free access, engaging in the use of digital prototyping technology. The message is clear: innovation usually comes from unexpected interactions.
ii) It is a public initiative, so the Lisbon City Council is leading by example and simultaneously giving a sign of confidence to the market and to the wider citizens and stakeholders that these kind of spaces and the artists / entrepreneurs / creators / makers that use this space are part of a more innovative, resilient and sustainable economy.
iii) It is an extremely flexible type of space, that adapts along with their users. It is a space for the people, so people will change it by using it. Communication channels between users and the city are quite easy here, allowing agile feedbacks.
i) Free access, engaging in the use of digital prototyping technology. The message is clear: innovation usually comes from unexpected interactions.
ii) It is a public initiative, so the Lisbon City Council is leading by example and simultaneously giving a sign of confidence to the market and to the wider citizens and stakeholders that these kind of spaces and the artists / entrepreneurs / creators / makers that use this space are part of a more innovative, resilient and sustainable economy.
iii) It is an extremely flexible type of space, that adapts along with their users. It is a space for the people, so people will change it by using it. Communication channels between users and the city are quite easy here, allowing agile feedbacks.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Lisboa Municipality
Portugal
Área Metropolitana de Lisboa
Contact
Laura Veart
Project Manager