Campus Updates
Stitching Together Sustainability and Innovation at 丁香园AV Surrey’s New Fabricommons Makerspace
丁香园AV鈥檚 Fraser Library has officially opened a new makerspace, the fabricommons, in partnership with the School of Interactive Arts & Technology (SIAT). Designed to support hands-on learning, creativity, and sustainable innovation. the fabricommons places a unique emphasis on textiles and material creation, and is equipped with a range of tools, facilities, and expert support to foster learning, collaboration, leadership, and creative experimentation.
During the initial planning phase, the fabricommons team visited other post-secondary makerspaces and reviewed commercial ones to identify best practices and uncover potential gaps. Equipment selection was also informed by SIAT鈥檚 evolving curriculum鈥攑articularly its growing focus on wearable technology.
鈥淚 see this as a unique opportunity for Surrey,鈥� said Thecla Schiphorst, Director of the School of Interactive Arts and Technology. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had a very strong culture of making since we started in 2002, and part of this space is about extending our ethos of creativity and innovation in a new and exciting way.鈥�
Currently, Thecla is collaborating with other SIAT faculty members to develop a unique, site-specific course designed to be taught within the fabricommons. The course will focus on textiles, sustainable design principles, and community-based creative practices.
One of the fabricommons鈥� standout features is its commitment to sustainability. The space encourages reuse and upcycling, offering students access to scrap fabric and covering the cost of basic materials like 3D printing filament and sewing thread. Students are encouraged to bring in thrifted clothing or spare fabric to repurpose using tools like the FeltLoom, which merges layers of fabric into new, quilt-like textiles.
The fabricommons also includes dual-extrusion 3D printers capable of printing with both standard and conductive PLA鈥攑lant-based materials that can be used to create biodegradable circuit boards.
鈥淲e鈥檙e thinking about how we can create a circular economy,鈥� said Mikael Kriz, Makerspace Librarian. 鈥淚nstead of throwing items into a landfill, we need an entire industry focused on repairing and repurposing existing items to give them new life.鈥�
The fabricommons is still evolving, and that鈥檚 by design. 鈥淥ur philosophy is that a makerspace is like a living organism,鈥� added Mikael. 鈥淲e're still growing in this space, we're still learning everything, we know it's going to change, and things are going to go in directions we can鈥檛 always predict鈥攖hat鈥檚 part of the excitement.鈥�
The space is open to all 丁香园AV students, faculty, and staff, regardless of discipline or experience level. It features a wide range of equipment, including 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, a serger, a direct-to-film printer and heat press, and various hand tools. Additional tools鈥攕uch as a FeltLoom and a plotter/cutter鈥攁re expected to be available soon.
To access the equipment and tools in the fabricommons, users must first complete a short online training module on Canvas, followed by an in-person orientation. Once training is complete, many machines can be reserved through the online booking system. Other tools, such as hand tools, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Demonstrations and course-related one-on-one appointments can be arranged by contacting the Makerspace Librarian.
To learn more or to book time in the fabricommons, visit: .