We have designed and installed quite a few makerspace Fab Labs and classrooms over the years– check out some example renderings and completed installations here. In our experience, creating a makerspace Fab Lab that excites and inspires follows a few rules of thumb. From the planning stages to managing the space after it’s completed, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Determine how you want to utilize the space.
In the early stages of planning, it is helpful to conceptualize how many people will utilize the space at any given time. Then, consider the different functions and usages of the lab. In addition to making, you may need places to do desk research, draft, design, conduct material research and discuss projects and solutions.
For instance, the UVA School of Architecture FabLab has several spaces for making, prototyping, and construction. They include the Open Lab for modeling and prototyping projects, the WoodShop for woodworking processes, formwork making and casting, the FabLab Studios for classes, projects, and research that are focused on materials and fabrication, and The Garage which is a larger, flexible space for larger scale research and prototypes.
We’ve found that there may need to be a separate design space away from the noise of the equipment, but accessible enough to make design changes in real time if necessary. Try to be intentional about creating spaces to work with the equipment as well as the technology needed to run them, such as computers.
Consider a space to store consumables as well as finished products. It is important not to underestimate the need for material and project storage. You will likely need significant space for storing large projects or cubbies or shelving for smaller projects.
Educators may want to consider where they will be teaching, whether in a design space, in the lab itself, or both. As Amtek’s Alex Baddock wrote for MAKE Magazine, how you plan to use the space will determine your spatial flow. For greater flexibility, consider mobile options for furniture and equipment to allow for customization for every type of user’s needs. Ultimately, the spaces will hopefully facilitate collaboration.
Determine your equipment and furniture needs.
Fab Labs were started by MIT professor Neil Gershenfeld as small-scale workshops that offer digital fabrication. Typical digital fabrication equipment includes:
- Laser cutters and filtration
- 3D printers
- CNC milling and/or routing
- Design software
- Large format printers
- Vinyl cutters
- Electronics, programming, and prototyping
- Tooling
- A detailed inventory list of recommendations from MIT can be found here.
Fab Lab Baltimore houses a variety of equipment like MakerBot Method X FDM 3D printers, Universal Laser Systems laser cutters and more.
It’s important to keep in mind that there are typically two types of equipment— “dirty” equipment generates much more dust and debris compared to “clean” equipment. Ideally, dirty equipment such as mills, routers, drill presses, etc. will be separated from the clean equipment like 3D printers, computers, and laser cutters.
At Northern Virginia Community College’s Manassas campus, the NOVA Fab Lab has their equipment split between the makerspace (including a vacuum former, laminator, 3D printers, 3D scanner, heat press, and more) and the woodshop (including a CNC router, miter saw, bandsaw, drill press, metal mill, and more). If separation is not possible, consider alternatives such as machines that are enclosed. Enclosed machines, such as CNC systems, could also be a good option if noise is a concern.
When it comes to furniture, workbenches and storage solutions can be a crucial component of the usability of the space. Having effective organization for all types of tools and projects helps make the space both more functional and safer. Consider furniture that is durable rather than solely aesthetic and will hold up against the types of projects completed and tools used in the lab.
In the end, the equipment and furniture you choose will need to align with the goals of the space and the skill level and interests of the lab’s users. Budget is also a major factor. As explained in our post about makerspaces in libraries, by allocating a certain percentage of your budget to different types of technologies, you’ll be able to better understand what value you can get within each category.
Determine your power requirements.
A common mistake in the planning process is assuming that all equipment uses standard electricity. For example, many dust collectors require 240V instead of the standard 120V. Be sure to check the power requirements on each machine’s datasheet to plan for special power requirements if needed.
If specialized power is needed, we recommend involving an electrician to finalize the layout of the lab and estimate costs, as it can be difficult and expensive to rearrange later in the process.
Factor in location.
It’s important to think about where your lab is situated within your building. If there are classrooms or workspaces nearby, consider where to place louder machines when choosing the layout of the space. If noise is a concern, it is usually recommended to place louder equipment on the exterior walls.
Ideally, the site will be easily accessible for your makers and large enough to accommodate all sizes and types of equipment. The Fab Lab Foundation recommends providing enough space for about 20-30 users at a time and then double that to accommodate the necessary machinery. The “ideal” amount of space for a Fab Lab according to the foundation is 18 meters wide by 20 meters long. You don’t need to comply with these exact measurements, but they can give a general idea of how much space is needed.
Many institutions are renovating outdated computer labs into Fab Labs or makerspaces, while others are housed in libraries or large classrooms. If your makerspace Fab Lab is still in the idea stages, contact us if you need further help in the planning process.
