So here we are, we just started the renovation of our space! We have been working on this plan for months now, pushing it back since the Tet (february 2015). On this occasion, I want to share with you the story of the mastermind behind it, Xuan, and give you an update on our plans.
Xuan is a good friend of mine, and she’s one of the best hosts I know. At every party I attend at her place everything is taken care of in what seems to be an effortless smile. She has a great eye for details and for practical and beautiful things. So when we were looking for help in renovating the space, we immediately thought about her.
Xuan, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Vietnamese and I was lucky to go to France about 10 years ago. I went there initially to study but ended up staying there 10 years. I am passionate about interior design, fashion and gastronomy (French and Vietnamese).
Why did you agree to help with this project?
I want to help young Vietnamese. A community space like Fablab Saigon is a space to meet, share and discover. Young Vietnamese can experiment and maybe even find out their calling. Thanks to the technology it gives access to, the Fablab contributes to innovate and create startup and value in Vietnam.
So what is the plan?
The space is naturally divided in 3, which are roughly one floor each. The ground floor is for the Makers to work on prototyping projects (3d printing, workbench, soldering, etc.) with a display area to showcase work done at Fablab Saigon.
The first floor is the cafe, a pleasant space to chat and enjoy fresh dishes prepared from the kitchen.
The 2nd floor will be divied into co-working space to host visitors, partners and startups who would need a fully functional working desk.
For the decoration, we want to recycle as much as possible and use natural material. The roof top terrasse will as a matter of fact be dedicated to nature and gardening.
What do you look the most forward to with this project?
I really look forward to the intense discussions between young people and makers. I look forward to taking part in discovery workshops and to celebrating the success of the first startups which will emerge from Fablab Saigon.
Thank you again a lot Xuan with your help and hardwork on renovating the space. And let’s meet again when the renovation is over!
