A lab for Abili Oltre: designing a digital fabrication space for inclusion

A shared lab combining training, production and work inclusion. This is the project Chirale developed for Abili Oltre APS within the OL3D — Impronte digitali diverse programme, active in Rome and dedicated to people with disabilities, situations of social disadvantage and Third Age.

The lab is hosted in the association’s premises and represents a particular case compared to the other spaces we have designed in recent years: not a public or corporate infrastructure, but an environment built for a Third Sector organisation that uses digital fabrication as a concrete tool of autonomy, learning and real work.

Design started in November 2024 and by January 2025 the lab was already operational. The goal was not only to install machines, but to build a system able to support very different activities at the same time: entry-level training paths dedicated to the Third Age, inclusive educational activities and professional commissioned production.

The lab was designed following the operational model of the OL3D Digital Lab, selecting tools that are simple to learn yet versatile enough to support real production activities.

Machines and production cycles

Among the technologies introduced is a cutting plotter dedicated to thin materials such as adhesive vinyl, heat-transfer films, paper and cardboard. A machine designed to produce stickers, decorations, labels and to prepare textile applications.

Next to the plotter we installed a heat press for customising t-shirts, sweatshirts, accessories and promotional materials. It is the element that completes the textile communication cycle: the plotter prepares the material, the heat press transfers it onto the final support. This combination allows the lab to produce merchandising and small professional commissions, one of the most requested activities by Digital Lab clients.

The lab also includes a 3D printer dedicated to prototyping and to the production of small personalised objects, gadgets, components and assistive aids.

A fablab designed for those who inhabit it

The result is a lab that doesn’t look adapted to someone: it is designed for someone. The difference is small in appearance, but important.

Reference website: abilioltre.org