Environment Design & Signage

FAB9 ENVIRONMENT

Environment Design & Signage

FAB9 ENVIRONMENT

Story

FAB9, a new makerspace in Melbourne Australia, was founded with a mission to democratize access to tools, technology and training for makers. With a monthly subscription, FAB9 offers high-end prototyping equipment to members, creating a new type of shared workspace, that fosters community, culture and connections around making.

Challenge

To convert the ground floor of a historic four-storey Edwardian building into a purpose-built makerspace, housing five labs under one roof.

Outcome

Working with architecture studios Therefore and Ample, we designed a space that integrated functional flow with literal transparency. Large internal windows, not only distributed the abundant natural light throughout, it also allowed users to observe tools and machines in action, cultivating an environment that invites curiosity and encourages experimentation.

Client

Category

FAB9

Environment Design & Signage

My Role

Head of Design / Founding Creative Director

Internal team

CEO & Co-Founder
Creative Director
Workshop Manager
Fabricator
Fabricator
Fabricator

Hans Chang
Ying Zhang
Sam Muratore
Christina Bricknall
Morgan Doty
Jack Hall

Hans Chang
Ying Zhang
Sam Muratore
Christina Bricknall
Morgan Doty
Jack Hall

External team

Architecture Studio
Architecture Studio
Project Architect
Project Architect
Architect

Wayfinding &
Photography
Creative Director
Photographer

Therefore Studio
ample
Alex Lake
Jas Johnston
Ben Shackleton

U-P
Paul Marcus Fuog
Will Neil

My Contribution

I was the 1st hire and Founding Designer, helping to shape the company's mission and creative vision I was responsible for all design output, from concept to execution end-to-end. I scaled the team from 3 to 12 and negotiated a $700,000 reduction in construction budget to fill seed funding gap.

I was the 1st hire and Founding Designer, helping to shape the company's mission and creative vision I was responsible for all design output, from concept to execution end-to-end. I scaled the team from 3 to 12 and negotiated a $700,000 reduction in construction budget to fill seed funding gap.

I was the 1st hire and Founding Designer, helping to shape the company's mission and creative vision I was responsible for all design output, from concept to execution end-to-end. I scaled the team from 3 to 12 and negotiated a $700,000 reduction in construction budget to fill seed funding gap.

Materiality

Materiality

Materiality

One of FAB9's core values is to "Embrace failure and share learnings," promoting a culture where failure is valued as much as success. This is reflected in the space's design with a material selection that is resilient, durable and modular for easy repair and replacement.

The Site

The Site

The Site

The site is the ground floor of a heritage-listed Edwardian building. We worked with care to preserve the architectural heritage while meeting stringent building codes and occupation health and safety requirements.

Signage & Environment Design

Signage & Environment Design

Signage & Environment Design

We designed a wayfinding system to enhance navigation, accessibility and safety. The signs were intended to be fabricated in-house, serving as a showcase for the capabilities of the equipment. Floor markings, invoking the grid element of the visual identity not only serve a functional purpose, indicating machine safety clearance areas and furniture locations, it also acts as a subtle way for users to engage with the brand.

Furniture Design

Furniture Design

Furniture Design

We aimed to create an inclusive space for diverse user needs. Custom workbenches of varying heights ensure comfort for all users. Available in fixed or movable types, these workbenches feature different surface finishes to suit various making needs.

We aimed to create an inclusive space for diverse user needs. Custom workbenches of varying heights ensure comfort for all users. Available in fixed or movable types, these workbenches feature different surface finishes to suit various making needs.

We aimed to create an inclusive space for diverse user needs. Custom workbenches of varying heights ensure comfort for all users. Available in fixed or movable types, these workbenches feature different surface finishes to suit various making needs.

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