OKA Lab is a model of a third place that aims to be a practical framework for testing and implementing physically open and sustainable systems. These systems will be based on OKA’s values and its research on the definition of “open”.

The OKA Lab will be oriented as a self-sufficient campus aiming to implement new ways of creating systems and managing resources. This campus model will be a playground where the community can develop, test and implement different projects, thus co-creating the campus’ infrastructure. It will be based on the Living Lab approach by involving academia, the private sector, the public sector and the community (quadruple helix) to build an infrastructure from scratch.

Naturally, OKA is open to everybody. A focus is however put first on students, due to their importance in the development of society and the fact that they are not yet shaped by industry. Additionally, students often have to carry out several projects during their studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or others). Most of the time, these projects do not belong to them or remain unfinished and unused. OKA wants to develop a physical eco-campus where students can implement their projects physically and take responsibility for their part in a bigger project, where their contribution can be meaningful.

OKA will share all the necessary information for the community to reproduce (use, modify and implement) the OKA Lab model.

In order to develop a replicable model, there is a need to develop a set of systems and create sustainable interactions between them. This set will serve as an open-source kit to build infrastructure. By developing this set of systems, OKA aims to conduct research to figure out what it means to become self-sufficient and sustainable, for example by testing localized small-scale resource production.

Once the OKA Lab model is matured, OKA wants to explore the idea of a collaborative peer-to-peer economy on top of it. By testing and implementing new business models and governance structures, OKA aims to create an open ecosystem of services where knowledge can be shared.

The OKA Lab offers students a dedicated physical space to create an eco-campus starting from scratch, where they can benefit from a unique practical learning experience.

Experiential Learning Students can apply theoretical knowledge and skills into real-life experience through project-based learning by developing, testing and implementing their projects at a campus scale, where it will directly benefit the local community.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration OKA Lab encourages collaboration across various disciplines. As every project is part of a bigger system, students need to understand and collaborate with other disciplines in order to design systems that work together. This enhances teamwork, communication skills and networking, which is essential for professional success.

Preparation for Future Challenges Students can apply their knowledge and skills to solve environmental and societal challenges by addressing practical issues that have a direct impact on communities and the environment. This empowers them to be active contributors to a more sustainable society.

Open Source By aligning with open-source practices, OKA wants to ensure that knowledge and resources are accessible to all. That’s why all the projects will be documented and shared with an open license (copyleft) so that anyone can reproduce them.