Fabrication / Social Innovation / Community Learning
Fab Commons Program is a program designed to develop skills in manual and digital fabrication, applied innovation, and collaboration within the citizen ecosystem and the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE).
The program combines hands-on technical training, project support, access to infrastructure, and connection with an active innovation community.
The goal is to facilitate access to tools, knowledge, and collaborative networks so that citizens, professionals, SSE projects, and social enterprises can develop impactful solutions, prototypes, and initiatives.
Fab Commons Program was created by the Culture, Design, and Fabrication governance circles of AKASHA Hub.
The program integrates:
- Technical training
- Prototyping
- Mentoring
- Collaborative ecosystem
- Knowledge transfer
Fab Commons is not just about learning tools.
It’s about learning how to make, collaborate, and develop solutions within a real-world ecosystem.
How does the Fab Commons Program work?
Fab Commons is designed as a program where people can begin with training and, if they wish, continue developing projects within the ecosystem.
The program is structured in five areas:
1. Training Series
Practical 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 that helps develop ideas collaboratively, within a series of challenges and projects addressing a real-world need in a specific region.
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, continue developing ideas, prototypes, or projects within the program.
Training Series 2026
The Training Series is the entry point to the Fab Commons Program and offers hands-on training to develop technical skills applicable to personal, professional, or social innovation projects.
Participants can:
- learn technical skills
- prototype ideas
- connect with the community
- continue with mentoring
TRAINING #01 Introduction to woodworking for prototyping
Introduction to Woodworking for Prototyping
A comprehensive course combining traditional woodworking techniques with professional power tools (Festool), focusing on safety, efficiency, and professional-quality results. Suitable for beginners.
Duration
Express Course:
6 hours (1 intensive day) + 1 hour of consultation
Extended Course:
10 hours (2 sessions) + 1 hour of consultation
Cost
Express:
€70 for AKASHA Hub community members
Extended:
€80 for students
€90 for AKASHA Hub community members and members of ESS projects
€105 for non-members
Dates 2026
Express (1 intensive day) Only for AKASHA Hub residents and community members
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (with a lunch break from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM; you can bring a packed lunch or we can arrange a communal meal).
April 14 / May 19 / June 16
Extended (2 sessions)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays (2 sessions) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
April 7-8 / April 21-22 / April 28-29 April
May 12-13 / May 26-27
June 2-3 / June 9-10 / June 23-24
You will learn:
- Basic methodology for using woodworking tools for prototyping.
- Mastering the safe use of power woodworking tools.
- Understanding the workflow: design → measurement → cutting → assembly → finishing.
- Learning basic woodworking techniques for real-world projects.
- Understanding the Festool system: tools, accessories, and extraction.
Aimed at:
- Absolute beginners with no woodworking experience.
- Designers, architects, and artists who want to bring their projects to life.
- DIY enthusiasts and makers.
- Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) projects.
- Social projects
- Individuals interested in prototyping.
Includes:
- Basic materials
- Tools
- Safety equipment
- 1 hour of technical mentoring
Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- Workwear is mandatory. Appropriate work attire (not loose) and closed-toe shoes.
- Commitment to safety standards.
TRAINING #02 Introduction to 3D modeling and 3D printing
Introduction to 3D Modeling and 3D Printing
This course integrates specialized 3D design for 3D printing with the complete manufacturing process, from modeling to post-production. It focuses on accessible tools (Fusion 360, Prusa slicer) and best practices for achieving professional results.
Duration
8 hours (2 sessions) + mentoring
Cost
€90 for students
€110 for AKASHA Hub community members and ESS projects
€125 for external participants
Dates 2026
Wednesdays and Thursdays (2 sessions) 3-7 pm
April 8-9 / April 15-16 / April 22-23 / April 29-30
May 13-14 / May 20-21 / May 27-28
June 10-11 / June 17-18 / June 24-25
You will learn:
- Basic concepts of 3D object representation 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 optimized for additive manufacturing.
- Understand the operation, basic maintenance, and functionality of a 3D printer.
- Manage common errors and ensure print quality.
Participants:
- Makers, designers, architects, engineers, and artists.
- Entrepreneurs who want to prototype products.
- Technical staff looking to expand their digital manufacturing capabilities.
- Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) projects.
Requirements:
- Basic computer skills.
- Interest in digital manufacturing.
- No prior 3D printing experience required.
Materials needed:
- Laptop with software installed (Fusion 360 / Software, Prusa slicer).
Materials included:
- Tool kit (spatula, pliers, Allen wrenches).
- Consumable materials (1 kg of PLA filament per 3-4 participants).
TRAINING #03 Introduction to 3D Modeling and CAM
Introduction to 3D Modeling 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 modeling and integration with Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
SolidWorks is a computer-aided design (CAD) software developed to facilitate the 3D design process, from initial concept to manufacturing. It is known for its intuitive interface, wide range of tools, and ability to integrate with other engineering solutions, such as simulation and CAM.
The integration of CAM in SolidWorks allows users to take their designs directly to production, simplifying the manufacturing process and improving the accuracy of the results. With tools for tool programming, generating cutting paths, and simulating machining processes, SolidWorks CAM offers a complete solution for manufacturing parts.
Duration
16 hours (4 sessions of 4 hours each) + mentoring
Cost
€200 for students
€220 for AKASHA Hub community members and ESS projects
€250 for external participants
Dates 2026
Fridays (4 sessions) 10:00-14:00 or 15:00-19:00
April 10, 17, 24, and 25
May 15, 22, 29, and 30
June 5, 12, 19, and 26
You will learn:
- Basic concepts of 3D object representation and explore computer-aided machining as a prototyping tool.
- To become familiar with 3D modeling tools and techniques in SolidWorks.
- To understand the fundamental principles of Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
- To acquire skills for creating, editing, and optimizing models for manufacturing. Learn to use SolidWorks CAM to generate machining programs.
- Apply the acquired knowledge to practical projects and case studies.
Participants:
- Professionals in the Engineering, Architecture, and Design sectors, as well as Technicians who want to explore and understand 3D modeling and CAM technology.
- Social projects
- Individuals interested in advanced manufacturing
Required Materials:
Laptop with software installed (Fusion 360 / SW).
Included Materials:
- CNC
- Machining materials
Requirements:
- Basic knowledge of technical drawing is recommended.
- Basic knowledge of English is recommended.
- Basic knowledge of using mechanical workshop tools is recommended.
Project Report: Fab Space
Fab space is located in warehouse 3 of AKASHA Hub Barcelona.
Fab construction, prototyping and testing
2021-2023
100%
Internal Fab Pilot for residents at AKASHA Hub
2024-2025
100%
External Services of Fab 2025 | Design, Fabrication and Circular Economy | Upcycling
2025
100%
Fab Commons Program | Students, Citizenship and ESS Projects
2026
25%
Si quieres agendar una visita escríbenos a hub@akasha.barcelona