If someone walks through the door of the fablab and tells me they want to make a flying skateboard or a lightsaber, I know for a fact that it's going to be very hard to do, if not impossible. The idea is not to prevent people from doing it, but to let them do it because they will learn by doing it.
Core business
The fablab brings together in a single location a range of basic tools for designing objects, as well as more sophisticated and expensive machines that require real expertise to use. Access to 3D printing, laser cutting and rapid prototyping equipment is a first step. To realize their projects, engineering students and creators of all kinds can follow Eric Serre's recommendations, but also take advice from other fablab users. Eric provides training in the use of both machines and software. "The special thing about the fablab is that it's a completely horizontal exchange. Everyone learns from everyone else. Users are enriched by their own trial and error, and an unsuccessful project often leads to the emergence of a new, original and effective one, which may even surprise the owner himself.
Prospective
Cybercafés have seen their number decrease with the arrival of internet in homes. The trend for fablabs is quite different. They are multiplying everywhere, in schools as well as in companies. In addition to the pooling of machines, which would be complicated to install at home, there is the strength of meetings, the exchange of know-how and knowledge. The evolution of fablabs will be mainly material, and strongly correlated to that of new technologies. On the human level, the organizational model in place seems perfectly satisfactory and sustainable. Fablabs, as a force for proposing alternative solutions, are also an excellent response to the major concerns of safeguarding and protecting our planet.
360°
What's special about Toulon's Fablab (iLab) is that it's co-managed by three entities: Yncréa Méditerranée, Kedge Business School and Toulon Var Technologies, an economic development agency. Anyone can join the iLab. It works a bit like a library. Recently, the iLab worked with Doctors Without Borders. The aim was to test facial reconstruction processes based on 3D models and face molds. Once perfected, these processes are intended for emerging countries, where resources and technical means are still inadequate.
About me
I am a designer with a degree from the University of Salford. After several years of professional experience in companies, I became passionate about the world of fablabs and the "maker" movement.
Areas of expertise
A bit of a UFO in an engineering school, my skills are essentially in the fields of design and creation.
Research and development activities
The work carried out at ISEN regularly requires the realization of prototypes. In this context, I accompany other teachers-researchers in the realization of projects.
Teaching activities
Prototyping, 3D modeling, handling of numerical control machines.