Unsilencing power dynamics within third spaces. The case of Renault’s Fab Lab

Abstract

Our paper explores the under-examined political dimension of space in organizations through the study of power dynamics in third spaces, i.e., hybrid spaces characterized by an inclusive and permissive social context. Our context is the pioneering corporate Fab Lab at Renault car manufacturer where we conducted a two-year study of participant observation and 42 interviews. Building on the power literature, we demonstrate how Fab Labs can be supportive of empowerment through self-governing regulation accomplished via the control of meaning, resources, and processes. Consequently, we suggest defining the corporate Fab Lab as a hybrid and inclusive workspace dedicated to exploration activities supportive of the empowerment of low-power actors in an organization. Overall, by articulating – or unsilencing – the empowerment that “takes space” within and beyond walls, we hope to contribute to an understanding of organizational space as a place of practice rather than a neutral container.