FAB LAB LISBOA
Published on 05 March 2020
Portugal
Área Metropolitana de Lisboa
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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
Expert opinion
Fab Labs (fabrication laboratories) are emerging worldwide as equipped spaces where everybody can create “almost anything” through digital technologies. The aim is to democratise the access to digital manufacturing through the “learn by doing” method, making software, tools and technical support available for the entire community. With this objective, in 2013 the Municipality of Lisbon decided to open a FabLab in a central location of the city and converted a disabled food-market in a full equipped laboratory for digital makers, where all kind of users from students to professionals can have access to knowledge and resources to prototype their ideas. The FabLab is equipped with computers and software for 3D modelling and hosts diverse machines for digital manufacturing, such as small and large milling machines, laser cutting and vinyl cutting machines, 3D printer, etc.
Potential for learning or transfer:
-FabLabs are emerging worldwide as dynamic realities bringing innovation in the manufacturing sector. Despite this, if not financially supported by local authorities, many of them could struggle to find financial resources to provide stable service for the community. Lisbon City Council supports Fablab makers and technicians with municipal budget. The success of the initiative could encourage other municipalities to follow the example supporting fablabs as engine of urban regeneration and economic innovation.
Potential for learning or transfer:
-FabLabs are emerging worldwide as dynamic realities bringing innovation in the manufacturing sector. Despite this, if not financially supported by local authorities, many of them could struggle to find financial resources to provide stable service for the community. Lisbon City Council supports Fablab makers and technicians with municipal budget. The success of the initiative could encourage other municipalities to follow the example supporting fablabs as engine of urban regeneration and economic innovation.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
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
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Lisboa Municipality
Portugal
Área Metropolitana de Lisboa
Contact
Project Manager