Somerville’s free community digital fabrication lab, FabVille, is now open for in-person use at Somerville High School (SHS).
FabVille provides all Somerville residents with free workspace and access to 3D printers, laser cutters, and computer numerical control (CNC) machines to inspire innovative design and prototyping. The lab is open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. for SHS students and faculty and from 5 to 8 p.m. for community members. Before visiting, all participants must sign up for a free membership at FabVille.org.
FabVille offers both classes and unstructured work time to students and community members. Classes begin November 22 and require advance registration online. Artisan’s Asylum, a nonprofit makerspace devoted to the teaching, learning, and practice of fabrication, is managing this year’s curriculum.
Students participating in FabVille activities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Community members will be required to fill out a COVID-19 attestation form. All visitors must wear a mask. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during community hours.
FabVille is located in an Engineering classroom (Room B032) at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Avenue. When you arrive at the main entrance of the school, a door monitor will greet you and direct you downstairs to FabVille. For more information, visit FabVille.org or facebook.com/FabvilleFabLab.
Réouvrir FabVille aux résidents, c’est plutôt chouette pour tester ses idées de prototypage sans investir dans du matériel, surtout avec l’accès libre aux imprimantes 3D et aux découpeuses laser. Sur un tout autre sujet, on trouve aussi des guides d’histoire et profils de personnages qui détaillent l’univers du jeu. C’est intéressant de voir comment les ressources communautaires et les fansites nourrissent des passions très différentes mais complémentaires.