DCPL Fab Lab, Washington DC

The Fab Lab is a mobile fabrication space that brings programming to local communities without access to similar library services.

Supported by the DC Public Library, NoMA BID, Uber, and The Institute of Museum and Library Services, the project was designed, built, and launched by members of To Be Done Studio during the summer of 2018.

While the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library building was closed for extensive renovations, DC Public Library looked to distribute its services to neighborhoods across the city at various temporary sites where programming was unavailable.

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Container Components

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Comprising one 45-foot and one 20-foot shipping container, The Fab Lab is a mobile lab space to house and showcase library programs. It features educational programming for fabrication lab courses and workspace, a tool library, a laser cutter, and 3D printers.

To mobilize and engage with community members, a number of volunteers helped build furniture and paint the exterior mural for the shipping container-turned-maker space.

The exterior features artwork by DC artist Marc Pekala.

Exposed structural elements and recycled materials were used throughout, connecting visitors to construction of the structure.

Shown here the Fab lab's large bi-fold doors are open and ready for programing.

As one of the last genuinely democratic spaces for the public, libraries offer crucial services and spaces for community gathering and development. Shown here, the Fab Lab's large bi-fold doors are open and ready for programming.

By offering a temporary and hands-on space for learning and creativity, we helped provide tools and foster the work of makers in shaping the future of their communities.

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