Emerging Applied Sciences in Design Laboratory (Fablab)
Alireza Mostaghni, Ph.D
In Charge of the Emerging Applied Sciences in Design Laboratory (Fablab)
A Brief History of Fablab
Established in 2016, Fablab has been at the forefront of advancing digital construction within the realm of academia. This laboratory offers digital construction services to students and the wider community and has also played a pivotal role in fostering scientific and research advancements through specialized training courses and workshops.
The Necessity for an Emerging Applied Science in Design Laboratory
In the realms of pivotal fields such as architecture and industrial design, the integration of construction processes is indispensable. Consequently, all educational institutions related to these disciplines reserve space for manufacturing and production activities. As we embrace the digital era and harness cutting-edge computational resources, a demand has arisen for new modes of manufacturing and production. This demand has given rise to the concept of digital construction, which has now become a standard in the developmental landscape.
The Fablab, short for Fabrication Laboratory, is a specialized workshop that amalgamates digital methodologies with traditional approaches. Originating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Construction Center and conceived by Professor Neil Gershenfeld of the Center for Bits & Atoms, this digital workshop model envisions the development of research and educational units connected through a global communication network. This innovative approach advances digital and computational research and paves the way for paradigm-shifting transformations. Fablabs are hubs that foster local initiatives and enhance international collaboration, serving as platforms for teaching, learning, innovation, and creative construction endeavors, ultimately facilitating the integration of experts into the global network of Digital Construction Specialists.
The Goals of Fablab
Our laboratory is committed to achieving the following objectives:
- Providing comprehensive training and education in the realm of Digital Fabrication.
- Advancing modern construction methodologies through research and development.
- Offering a spectrum of digital construction services.
- Facilitating the construction of complex structures, ranging from small-scale prototypes to monumental architectural edifices.
Audience Groups of Fablab
Our laboratory caters to a diverse array of stakeholders, including:
- Students seeking to acquaint themselves with digital construction techniques.
- Researchers and university professors aiming to enhance and innovate modern construction methodologies.
- Industry professionals engaged in intricate and voluminous construction projects, such as architectural facades.
Equipment at Fablab
Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including:
- Laser cutting machines
- CNC milling machines
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers
- Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 3D printers
- Robotic arms
Services Offered by Fablab
Our laboratory provides a wide range of services, such as:
- Precision cutting of various materials, including methyl methacrylate, MDF, plywood, and non-metals up to 10 mm thick.
- Replication services for students requiring model construction.
- 3D printing using both material injection and pick-and-place techniques.
- Precise manipulation and positioning of objects with high accuracy.
- Light Painting and more, aimed at fostering creative innovation within the realm of design and construction.
Contact Information for Fablab
Address: Karaj Campus, Opposite the Lawn area, School of Architecture and Urban Development.
Operating Hours: Saturday to Wednesday, 9 am to 5 pm.