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
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
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 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.
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.




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