Fabrication / Social Innovation / Community Learning
Fab Commons Program is a programme to build skills in manual and digital fabrication, applied innovation and collaboration within the citizen ecosystem and the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE).
The programme combines hands-on technical training, project support, access to infrastructure and connection with an active innovation community.
The goal is to make tools, knowledge and collaboration networks accessible so that citizens, professionals, SSE projects and social enterprises can develop solutions, prototypes and initiatives with impact.
Fab Commons Program was created by the Culture, Design and Fabrication governance circles of AKASHA Hub.
The programme includes:
- Technical training
- Prototyping
- Mentoring
- Collaborative ecosystem
- Knowledge transfer
Fab Commons is not just about learning tools.
It is about learning to make, collaborate and develop solutions within a real ecosystem.
How does Fab Commons Program work?
Fab Commons is designed as a programme where people can start with training and, if they wish, go on to develop projects within the ecosystem.
The programme is structured in five areas:
1. Training Series
Hands-on courses in digital fabrication and innovation.
2. Mentoring & Project Support
Optional support for those who want to develop ideas or prototypes.
3. Challenges Series
Specific training sessions that help develop ideas collectively, through a series of challenges based on real, local needs.
4. Ecosystem Access
Access to the AKASHA Hub community and innovation network.
5. Prototyping Infrastructure
Access to tools and a fabrication environment.
Start with training. Continue with development. You can begin with a technical course and, if you wish, go on to develop ideas, prototypes or projects within the programme.
Training Series 2026
The Training Series is the entry point to the Fab Commons Program and offers hands-on training to gain technical skills that can be applied to personal, professional or social innovation projects.
Participants can:
- learn technical skills
- prototype ideas
- connect with the community
- continue with mentoring if they wish
Courses
For 2026 we have prepared sessions that you can take individually or in sequence for more complete training.
- Limited places
- Small groups
- Registration open
Introduction to woodworking for prototyping
A comprehensive course combining traditional woodworking techniques with professional power tools (Festool), focused on safety, efficiency and professional-quality results. Suitable for beginners.
Duration
Express course:
6 hours (1 intensive day) + 1 hour of advice
Extended course:
10 hours (2 sessions) + 1 hour of advice
Price
Express:
€70 AKASHA Hub community members
Extended:
€80 students
€90 AKASHA Hub community members and SSE projects
€105 external participants
2026 dates
Express (1 intensive day) – AKASHA Hub residents and community members only
11am–6pm (lunch break 2–3pm: bring your own lunch or we can organise a community meal).
Extended (2 sessions)
Tuesday and Wednesday (2 sessions) 10am–2pm
You will learn:
Basic methodology for using woodworking tools for prototyping.
- Use woodworking power tools safely.
- Understand the workflow: design → measuring → cutting → assembly → finishing.
- Learn basic woodworking techniques for real projects.
- Get to know the Festool system: tools, accessories and dust extraction.
Aimed at:
Complete beginners with no woodworking experience.
Designers, architects and artists who want to bring their projects to life.
DIY enthusiasts and makers.
SSE projects
Social enterprises
Anyone interested in prototyping
Includes:
Basic materials
Tools
Safety equipment
1 hour of technical mentoring
Requirements:
No previous experience required.
Suitable work clothing (not loose) and closed shoes are mandatory.
Commitment to the safety rules.
Introduction to 3D modelling and 3D printing
This course combines 3D design specifically for 3D printing with the complete fabrication process, from modelling to post-processing of parts. It focuses on accessible tools (Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer) and good practices to achieve professional results.
Duration
8 hours (2 sessions) + mentoring
Price
€90 students
€110 AKASHA Hub community members and SSE projects
€125 external participants
2026 dates
Wednesday and Thursday (2 sessions) 3–7pm
You will learn:
the basics of representing objects in 3D and explore 3D printing as a prototyping tool.
- Master the complete workflow: design → preparation → printing → post-processing.
- Understand the limitations and opportunities of FDM 3D printing.
- Learn to design parts optimised for additive manufacturing.
- Understand how a 3D printer works, its basic maintenance and operation.
- Handle common failures and ensure print quality.
Aimed at:
Makers, designers, architects, engineers and artists.
Entrepreneurs who want to prototype products.
Technical staff looking to expand their digital fabrication skills.
SSE projects
Social enterprises
Requirements:
Basic computer skills.
Interest in digital fabrication.
No previous 3D printing knowledge required.
Materials needed:
- Laptop with software installed (Fusion 360 / SW, PrusaSlicer).
Materials included:
- Tool kit (spatula, pliers, Allen keys).
- Consumables (1 kg of PLA filament for every 3–4 participants).
Introduction to 3D modelling and CAM
SolidWorks is one of the most powerful tools in the world of design and engineering. In this training we will explore the software’s capabilities for 3D modelling and its integration with Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
SolidWorks is computer-aided design (CAD) software developed to make the 3D design process easier, from the initial concept to manufacturing. It is known for its intuitive interface, wide range of tools and its ability to integrate with other engineering solutions such as simulation and CAM.
CAM integration in SolidWorks lets users take their designs straight to production, simplifying the manufacturing process and improving the accuracy of the results. With tools for tool programming, toolpath generation and machining simulation, SolidWorks CAM offers a complete solution for manufacturing parts.
Duration
16 hours (4 sessions of 4 hours) + mentoring
Price
€200 students
€220 AKASHA Hub community members and SSE projects
€250 external participants
2026 dates
Friday (4 sessions) 10am–2pm or 3–7pm
You will learn:
the basics of representing objects in 3D and explore computer-aided machining as a prototyping tool.
- Become familiar with 3D modelling tools and techniques in SolidWorks.
- Understand the fundamental principles of Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
- Gain skills to create, edit and optimise models for manufacturing.
- Learn to use SolidWorks CAM to generate machining programs.
- Apply what you learn in practical projects and case studies.
Aimed at:
Professionals in engineering, architecture and design, and technicians who want to get started with and understand 3D modelling and CAM technology.
SSE projects
Social enterprises
Anyone interested in advanced fabrication
Materials needed:
- Laptop with software installed (Fusion 360 / SW).
Materials included:
- CNC
- Material for machining
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of technical drawing is recommended.
Basic English is recommended.
Basic knowledge of using mechanical workshop tools is recommended.
From training to project development
Fab Commons Program allows interested participants to keep developing ideas or projects through technical support and access to the AKASHA ecosystem.
This can include:
- technical guidance
- initial prototyping
- idea validation
- skills development
- exploring SSE projects
- connecting with the community
Mentoring is optional and available for those who want to go beyond the training.
Learn within a real ecosystem
Fab Commons takes place at AKASHA Hub Barcelona, an environment that brings together:
interdisciplinary projects, companies and social organisations, independent professionals, makers, researchers and a creative community.
This lets you learn in a space where ideas can grow into real projects.
Support for the SSE, social organisations and social enterprises
Fab Commons Program helps strengthen the SSE ecosystem by providing:
- technical training
- access to tools
- prototyping
- skills development
- shared knowledge
- interdisciplinary collaboration
The goal is to help more people and organisations develop solutions with social impact.
Fab Commons Facilitators
Fab Commons Facilitators are people who combine technical knowledge, hands-on experience and community work to facilitate learning and skills development within the programme.
Their role is not only to teach tools, but to support hands-on learning processes, help develop ideas and connect people with AKASHA Hub’s innovation ecosystem and community.
Fab Commons promotes open access to technical knowledge as a way to democratise learning and make it possible for anyone interested to gain skills, experiment and develop initiatives in a collaborative environment.
Facilitators help to:
• Facilitate hands-on learning
• Support the development of technical skills
• Accompany prototyping processes
• Connect participants with the community
• Transfer applied knowledge
• Spark collaboration between people and projects
More than technical training: a skills development programme to learn, create and collaborate within our community 🙂
Fabrication Space Project Timeline
The fabrication space is located in building 3 of AKASHA Hub Barcelona.