What is the purpose of this lab?
The aim of the lab is to provide a meeting place for a wide selection of makers and thinkers working towards a low-carbon or post-fossil internet. Here they can exchange knowledge, learn from each other’s context and disciplines and also participate in a few workshops.
What do I get when I participate in the lab?
Participation in the lab gives you access to all the activities on all four days. This is a three-day lab programme, consisting of lectures, project presentations and various workshops. You can also attend the physical lecture programme on Thursday evening (March 10) for free. A overview of the programme can be found here:
- Thursday | Public Lectures: 19:00 – 22:00
- Friday | Lab Day 1: 09:30 – 18:15
- Saturday | Lab Day 2: 09:30 – 18:15
- Sunday | Lab Day 3: 09:30 – 18:15
Where is the lab taking place?
All lab activities and public lectures take place in the basement event space of A Lab. A Lab is situated behind the EYE filmmuseum in Amsterdam Noord. From Amsterdam Central Station you take the ferry to Buikslotermeer and walk for 5 minutes to the location.
Can I also attend lectures if I have a short time to spare?
Yes, it is possible. On Thursday evening, 10 March, we will present a public programme with various lectures. This can be attended publicly (physically in Amsterdam and online).
What practical skills can I learn in the lab?
During the lab you will get acquainted with skills such as low-carbon UI/UX design (how to build a low-carbon website?), appropriating and recycling hardware, speculative design and techniques for futuring, decolonial design literacy and visual mapping techniques. An important part of the lab is dedicated to two workshops by Solar Protocol: one design-oriented workshop on energy centred design (no coding skills required), and a second technical workshop that offers the possibility to work with a solar protocol server in Amsterdam.
How do I take part in the workshops in the lab?
After the Open Call selection, we will share with all participants the list of workshops to which they can apply. Some workshops are more technical, others are design-oriented. There are shorter running workshops, and there is a Solar Protocol workshop that runs over two days.
I am not technically skilled and have no knowledge of programming, is this lab for me?
It certainly is. In addition to a technical workshop, the programme offers plenty of space for design research, brainstorming and learning from each other through non-coding activities. See it also as a meeting place to meet experts and interested parties in the context of a low-carbon and post-fossil internet.
How does the open call work?
We work with an open call structure to find out more about anyone who wants to participate in the lab. We do this in order to create as diverse a group as possible – from coders, policy makers and designers to energy experts – and to be able to assess in advance what participants want to learn and/or share. Based on the submissions, our team will make a selection which we will then invite to the lab.
Are all speakers physically in Amsterdam or are there also remote contributions?
We try to invite as many physical guests in Amsterdam as possible, but unfortunately due to COVID-19 and the impact of travelling this is not always possible. The Solar Protocol team will have a remote presence in the lab, as they are all based in the US.
What are the costs of participation and what do I get in return?
Participation in the lab part is € 80 (incl. VAT). With this contribution we can create the programme, pay the speakers and make the production possible. The participation in several workshops and brainstorm sessions, and attendance of the public programme on Thursday 10th of March is included in this price. The payment of these costs must be made before the start of the lab.
Are food and beverages included?
During the lab days there will be a free opportunity to get coffee, tea, biscuits and some fruit. Lunch is not included and must be organised by the participants themselves. However, we will provide plates, cutlery and glasses for you to use. There is a supermarket around the corner from our location.
Can I contribute my own ideas for projects? Can I also find partners to work with for this?
The lab offers the opportunity to bring in your own projects and experiments and discuss them with other participants. Between the organised programme parts we have different time slots where this can happen. We do this to give everyone the opportunity to make use of the lab based on his/her interest and own practice.
How do we provide a safe COVID-19 environment? And what is our protocol?
At all our events, safety comes first. This means that we only grant access to participants and speakers who can show us a QR code. Please find the latest info on how to get a QR-code here. We also advise you to do a self-test every day before entering the venue. The team will test themselves every day. Wearing a face mask when moving around the building is mandatory. This can be taken off when seated.
Does the lab work with a code of conduct?
FIBER and Reassemble Lab work with the Berlin Code of Conduct. A primary goal is to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and religion (or lack thereof). This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our community, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behaviour.
My question is not included in the FAQ
Please contact our producer Zoë Horsten and she can get back to you with more information: zoe@fiber-space.nl
