FabLab Coventry is an initiative of the Coventry University, Centre for Trust Peace and Social Relations (CTPSR). FabLab Coventry’s mission is to explore a new relationship between the university and the City through the co-design and implementation of a civic engagement programme that provides mutual benefit to citizens, students, researchers, business, policy makers and NGO’s in Coventry and beyond.

The programme is delivered through FabLab Coventry and its Eco Furniture Factory. These two community maker spaces provide a neutral environment for all communities to come together to socialise, research, create, make, trade and or gain new skills and qualifications.

FabLab Coventry connects students, researchers, local communities and business together in responding to social challenges through mutually beneficial learning and social innovation, resulting in qualifications, publications, artwork, citizen science and policy innovation.
History
One consequence of the University’s growth and success has been a changing relationship with the City; we are still close, but for some parts of our work, daily life on campus has become disconnected from the wider city; the University sought to change this trend.

CTPSR engaged with over 3,000 local residents and community organisations in co-designing an innovative civic engagement initiative, resulting in the establishment of FabLab Coventry in 2016.

The FabLab - short for fabrication laboratory - is a community maker space, providing access to state-of-the-art computer-controlled tools like 3D printers, CNC and laser cutters as well as traditional metal, woodworking and sewing tools. It is open access and many users are simply looking to gain new skills - or share theirs; this is supported by an offer of 48 different UK accredited courses and qualifications.
Technicians and researchers are on hand to support with the tools, skills and technology to be able to make almost anything, engage in social research or start new enterprises. They run classes and support learning on the equipment.

FabLab Goals
1. To unlock the resources in the University’s staff, students and infrastructure to strengthen civic contribution
2. Through citizen social science and social innovation projects which address societal challenges, aligning CTPSR Sustainable Development Goals research with the lived experience of local communities
3. To support local communities to acquire skills, gain qualifications and deliver social innovation projects alongside university staff and students
4. To support a circular economy in the city by bringing education, business and research together within the Eco Furniture Factory
5. To support over 4,000 students and local citizens between 2016 and 2023 to gain qualifications in digital making, upcycling and research skills.

FabLabCoventry Eco Furniture Factory
In recognition of the need to live more sustainable lives, FabLabCoventry has set up a second facility, aimed at supporting people to gain skills and inspiration from giving old materials, and waste a second, third or fourth life by transforming them into new products.

In line with the FabLab ethos, the Eco furniture factory helps us to further grow the Coventry maker community by providing individuals with the opportunity to meet and work on projects with new people, to learn new skills, gain qualifications or start up an Eco-enterprise. The furniture factory, based in the Coventry, FARGO Creative retail village, aims to support local people to grow an Eco Village make trade zone by, piloting and starting up new projects and businesses that take waste and transform it into new products for personal use, sale or community donation.

Training is provided in sustainable fashion, Jewellery making, D.I.Y, Carpentry, painting and decorating, furniture upcycling, renovation and repair to name but a few.
We also have opportunities to volunteer in our home and community makeover projects.