IZOLAB: digital production studio

STORY

We are convinced that Ukraine is a country with enormous intellectual potential and we want to provide an opportunity for this creative force to develop and flourish for everyone’s benefit. That’s why we are restoring the first Ukrainian-made fab lab in Kyiv – IZOLAB.

What is “fab lab”? 

The fab lab concept was developed at the Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA) at the Media Lab in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In creating this lab the focus was on flexibility and ease of use. For example, to process material on a laser or milling machine you simply select a file and press the “Start” icon. Basically, anyone with an idea for creating anything, but with no skill sets for working with complicated machinery, can materialize her/his idea by visiting the lab. The main goal of fab lab is to give individuals an opportunity for personal fabrication allowing them to quickly make unique items from start to finish. These are the principles on which IZOLAB is based. 

Our history

IZOLAB was created in Donetsk in the Autumn of 2012 on the basis of IZOLYATSIA cultural center. Among the lab’s activities were practical workshops and how-to master classes on everything from electronics to programming, from spaghetti architecture to birdhouses. In addition, IZOLAB was a place where anyone with an interest could use the equipment and tools for individual projects after a seminar on safety procedures and operating machinery.

In July 2014 the territory on which IZOLAB was located was seized by the mercenaries of the self-proclaimed «Donetsk People’s Republic». This was when we lost almost all equipment and instruments in the lab.  

Now

The team was evacuated to Kyiv. Right now IZOLAB has a place of its own, a 3D printer, a few of the instruments that it managed to salvage, and a great plan to resume its activity in the capital.

How you can help

With your help we can restart our lab. We plan to purchase computer numerical control (CNC) machines: a laser engraving machine, a milling cutter and plotter, hand and power tools for working wood, plastic and metal, safety gear and various materials and supplies.

IZOLAB  is a noncommercial project. All funds raised with your help will be spent on improving the lab’s equipment and materials.

IZOLAB creates conditions for the fabrication of unique things, devices, gadgets, and prototypes.  Designers, engineers, architects, entrepreneurs, and makers of all things will be able to use all necessary instruments to realize their projects.

IZOLAB offers an alternative way to utilize spare time. It doesn’t matter what your age is, or whether you have a technical background – IZOLAB is intended to help you make a tangible object with your hands.

In addition, IZOLAB is also a space where you can find individuals with a common vision, share your ideas, get inspired and cooperate on mutual projects.