At Fab Lab Connect, we’re interested in the different ways people set up Fab Labs. Every area has a variety of needs and resources based on interest, funding, and the surrounding community. Some Fab Labs are anchored to universities, others to corporate leadership, or some to a small group of geniuses who happen to be your best friends.
We’ve come across three great approaches to starting your own maker space, tech shop, workshop, Fab Lab – whatever you want to call it.
How to Build a Fab Lab
This 10 item to-do list by Massimo Menichinelli is a comprehensive look at basics you need to know for setting up a new Fab Lab. From local resources and networks, services, to preparing the space, these tips are a fantastic line-up to help you get started.
Registering a Fab Lab
Fab Foundation has a great spread of information that contains expected costs, ownership, and how to register your space among the Fab Lab global community.
Fab Lab Life Cycle and Sustainability
At the Fab8 international conference, research was introduced about not only setting up a Fab Lab, but maintaining it for repeated life cycles. It was found that many Fab Labs have a variety of business models to keep the doors open: from hourly access, software and equipment, education, consulting, to even tourist attraction.
Now we want to hear from you! Have you started a Fab Lab? What advice would you give newbies and interested parties alike?
Contact us or comment below!
