About FAUM FABLab

  • Technician adjusts clamp on CNC

    The Fabrication Facilities in the Faculty of Architecture exist collectively to serve, celebrate and promote the art of fabrication. The FABLab is a resource for the Faculty of Architecture and a laboratory for the exploration of digitally driven design, prototyping and manufacturing. The FABLab fosters a space in which students and faculty are better equipped to explore the rich potential of digital design through material operations. The space is dedicated to cultivating methods of communication in the built environment by collaborating with students and emerging technology.

    FABLAB research focuses on fabrication and the link between digital forms of craft woven through multiple stages of the design process. The FABLab supports the programmatic interaction between components related to Architecture/Construction/Engineering (ACE), modelling, material studies, ecological mapping, systems articulation, through to visual theory. By way of developing revenue generating relationships with the local design community the FABLab works to communicate the potential applications of digital craft between academia and industry. 

FABLab Technicians

  • black and white images of people in black shirts smiling at the camera

    Top Row: Andrei Capucion
    Bottom Row: Jon Watts, Shaun De Rooy

Andrei Capucion – FABLab Student Co-Op Technician

The first point of contact in the FABLab for students, Andrei’s job as a student technician is to work with students and faculty to support all forms of digital fabrication. He can usually be found in the FABLab, operating the Large Laser Cutter or 3D printers. Students can come to Andrei with any questions on how things work in the FABLab, especially instruction on using the laser cutters or preparing files for 3D print or laser cut. With an undergraduate of Environmental Design in Architecture, Andrei is interested in learning as much as possible about design and fabrication, equipment and processes in the shop spaces. 

Shaun de Rooy – FABLab Technician and Facilities Tool & Equipment Coordinator

As FABLab Technician and Facilities Tool & Equpiment Coordinator, Shaun supports the day-to-day operation of our digital fabrication spaces while helping keep tools and equipment organized and accessible across the Workshop, FABLab, and CAST. While managing systems for things like project queues, tool sign out and inventory, he also works closely with students, faculty, and staff to provide hands-on technical support for coursework and research and is the mentor for FABLab Student Co-Op Technicians. Shaun has a background in carpentry, sculpture and fabrication, and has been an instructor at the U of M since 2016 before joining the Fabrication Facilities as a technician in 2020. Come to him with questions about materials, 3D modelling (specifically Rhino based), laser-cutting, CNC-ing, & 3D Printing. 

Jon Watts – FABLab Technician

As a FABLab technician, Jon works closely with students and faculty to support all forms of digital fabrication and research. You can often find Jon operating the CNC or assisting students with a wide range of computer-related questions. We recommend finding Jon for help with 3D modelling in Rhino, Zbrush and Grasshopper; programming in python and java, 3D scanning with lidar, drone or handheld devices, as well as drone scanning: aerial mapping with photo and video, and creation of contours and point clouds. Jon is often involved in project management for FABLab special projects and assisting faculty with research needs. With a master's degree from the University of Manitoba Landscape Architecture program, Jon has been working in the FABLab since its early days in 2013.