Community College State-of-the-Art Fab Lab

Building a State-of-the-Art Fab Lab at Northern Virginia Community College

Background

Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) embarked on an ambitious mission to create a cutting-edge Fab Lab that would be accessible to all NOVA students, faculty, staff, and the broader educational community. The goal of the Fab Lab was to offer a comprehensive experience in digital fabrication by providing access to advanced fabrication processes, training in 3D modeling, and a foundation in Design Thinking and creative problem-solving principles.

Project Overview

This initiative marked the first of its kind for NVCC. To facilitate this, the college acquired an office building off-campus from its Manassas, Virginia location. The second floor of the building was designated for classrooms and offices, while the ground floor was dedicated to the makerspace and several workforce labs. The first floor was completely stripped down to the support beams, and a new layout was meticulously planned to ensure optimal flow and functionality for the entire building.

school makerspace and workforce labs layout

Planning and Implementation

Our team collaborated closely with NVCC, touring the site and assisting in the development of a comprehensive plan for equipment and furniture. This large-scale project involved coordinating the delivery and installation of all equipment and furniture, ensuring that each piece met a series of tight deadlines. While much of the equipment was included in the original installation, several pieces of equipment were added over time to give students more options for their designs.

The makerspace was equipped with the following:

Benefits of Equipment and Furniture

The selected equipment provides significant benefits to makerspace users:

Printer-Cutters and UV Flatbed Printer: These devices offer high-quality, versatile printing and cutting capabilities, ideal for creating detailed prototypes, custom graphics, and large format designs.
3D Printers: The Stratasys J55, F170, and F370 provide a range of additive manufacturing options, from high-fidelity, multi-material prototypes to durable, functional parts, enhancing students’ hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
Laser Cutters: The desktop Universal Laser cutters and the Universal ULTRA R5000 enable precise and intricate cutting, engraving, and etching on various materials, fostering creativity and precision in project work.
GMI Technical Furniture: The durable and heavy-duty furniture supports the demanding environment of the makerspace, ensuring longevity and the ability to withstand frequent use, thereby maintaining a reliable workspace for students and staff.

Outcome and Impact

The Fab Lab has become a hub of innovation and creativity, hosting workshops, demonstrations, special events, class collaborations, field trips, and tours for community members. It offers informal opportunities such as free open lab sessions for personal projects, bi-annual design challenges, and competitions for students. The Fab Lab staff are well-versed in various topics, including electronics and coding, operating fabrication equipment, design software, soft circuits, sewing, woodworking, robotics, and additive manufacturing.

The creation of the Fab Lab at NVCC has not only enhanced the educational experience for students but also provided a valuable resource for the community. By fostering an environment of hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, NVCC has set a new standard for digital fabrication education.

Skills Based Training

Design & Fabrication

Engineering

Furniture & Storage