Innovative labs and co-design

Abstract

Since the mid-2000s, new co-design sites began to emerge all over the world. These “equipped environments” are extremely diverse in their forms: 3D conception virtual environments, Fab Labs, Living Labs, co-work spaces etc. Current available tools range from the simplest to the most sophisticated virtual environments through 3D printers. Despite their technological diversities, they share the philosophy of “making” together, which contributes to the emergence of new forms of rationalities for collective action. The objective of this article is to present the conceptual bases that guide the research project on these environments. It is an ongoing partnership project, from French and Brazilian Universities, which will investigate these environments in both countries. The project is focused on the apprehension of these laboratories from the perspective of the co-design of work and life means. These laboratories or design spaces open up possibilities for technical and social innovations by bringing together a diversity of heterogeneous actors.