By bike through Ljubljana's workshops

The idea of digital fabrication in small workshops developed at the Center for Bits and Atoms at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with the goal of exploring how information content is expressed in its physical representation and whether access to advanced technologies can encourage so-called “grassroots” creativity and productivity within a community. This concept emerged alongside the process of deindustrialization and the advancement of digital communications and manufacturing technologies, which gradually became cheaper and more accessible. The availability and direct distribution of 3D models of physical objects via the internet have contributed to the development of a community based on the spirit of "do it yourself" (DIY) and "do it with others" (DWO). Today, thousands of such workshops exist worldwide. The use of the same technologies, tools, and processes enables them to connect into a global network, a sort of dispersed laboratory for creation, research, and innovation. Fab labs, maker labs, or fabrication workshops have proven to play a significant role in the democratization of production means and promoting individual creativity and small entrepreneurship, which aims to produce small product series. Advanced cities in the USA and Europe are gradually incorporating the maker movement into long-term urban strategies to promote local creativity and, indirectly, the creative economy. In Slovenia, digital fabrication workshops are also emerging in increasing numbers. What Ljubljana's workshops have to offer will be explored on the Saturday cycling tour.

Registrations: The number of participants is limited, so please register as soon as possible.

Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours, with a 15-minute stop at each workshop.

Route: You can find it here.

Ljubljana's public fabrication workshops that we will visit on this tour:

RogLab is a production and educational space established in 2012. It is housed in a container structure with a total area of 30 m² and is dedicated to activities in the fields of architecture, design, contemporary art, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The workshop, equipped with a laser cutter, 3D printer, CNC milling machine, textile press, vinyl cutter, and sewing and digital embroidery machines, offers a stimulating environment for developing ideas and quickly creating prototypes. RogLab encourages projects that seek creative solutions to challenges in urban environments with a focus on social and environmental responsibility. It operates under the Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana and is designed as a pilot project for the future Rog Center.
Location: Petkovškovo nabrežje 67
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 12:00–20:00

Ljudmila, the Laboratory for Art and Science, has been functioning as a hub for art, the internet, civil society, culture, and science since 1994. Its well-equipped digital and media laboratory contributes to the community’s technological infrastructure and is an active producer of computer and media arts. Ljudmila develops and popularizes open culture by organizing exhibitions, creative workshops (3D printing, sound and video production, e-textiles), and the hacker camp PIFcamp. As a recipient of many national and international awards, it develops information portals in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and participates in European projects, such as the international audiovisual festival Strictly Analog.
Location: Slovenska 54, 8th floor
Opening hours: Anytime by appointment – info@ljudmila.org

RAMPA (Laboratory for Hacking Science, Art, and Society) is part of Zavod Kersnikova. In this advanced experimental and research environment, it provides young artists and researchers with basic technical infrastructure and offers guidance through inspiring mentors as they pursue independent creative work on their research paths. RAMPA combines the production of art projects, initiatives like ČIPke and CodeCatz for women in scientific and technical fields and media arts, creative workshops for children and young people (5HEK), 3D modeling workshops (Crafty Builders), and other initiatives, projects, and associations.
Location: Kersnikova 4, Ljubljana
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–16:00

3D-LAB, the creative laboratory of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, is primarily intended for educational, research, and creative project work by students of the Faculty (mainly graphic designers, graphic artists, and designers of textiles and clothing). Currently, it is equipped with four 3D printers and two scanners. In the future, the lab will also be open to the public and will primarily serve for workshops and other forms of work under the guidance of mentors.
Location: Snežniška 5
Opening hours: The lab is not yet open to the public.

Zavod 404, a youth technological and research center, was established to teach young people technical skills and inspire them to explore and engage in science. The workshop is located in the building of the Institute for Metal Structures. It consists of a mechanical section, where you can find everything from hand tools to a lathe and CNC milling machine, and an electrical section, where two 3D printers and several computers are available for use. It offers space and support to anyone with a desire to create, providing knowledge that is not always available in schools, as well as the opportunity to process various materials and a wide range of educational activities through which participants can develop their creativity.
Location: Mencingerjeva ulica 7
Opening hours: Mon–Sun 9:00–19:00