Interview to Alina Tokmylenko from POLE/METALAB

What LAUDS means and how do you envision the future of production in Europe?

At POLE, we view LAUDS not just as an acronym — Local, Affordable, Universal Design Solutions — but as a shared vision for the evolution of production in Europe. It's about rethinking how, where, and why we make things. LAUDS signifies a shift from centralised, resource-intensive systems to distributed, human-centred, and context-sensitive production methods. For us, it's about creating with care rather than just at scale.

We believe the future of production in Europe is rooted in local yet interconnected ecosystems grounded in place, while also being globally collaborative. LAUDS facilitates this transition by recognising the value of small-scale workshops, urban fabrication labs, circular material flows, and open-source design processes. Not only are these approaches more sustainable, they are also more resilient — a lesson we have learned profoundly through our experiences in Ukraine. In Ukraine, it's a necessity, not just a theoretical exercise. We must be agile, resourceful, and bold; this mindset is valuable across Europe. When supply chains break down and communities need rebuilding, materials become scarce, and people need jobs, LAUDS offers tools, values, and structures that respond.

We envision a Europe where production happens nearby, allowing a young person to sketch a concept in the morning and create a prototype by night. With shared machines, local biomaterials, and open knowledge, anyone can become a creator, not just a consumer. In this vision, POLE is one of many nodes. It is a living example of a future already realised, constructed daily, even in the most challenging conditions. This is why we're proud to be part of shaping tomorrow's production landscape.

What’s the role of METALAB?

The LAUDS Factory in Ivano-Frankivsk is located at POLE, an experimental design and production space developed by METALAB. As the Ukrainian hosting partner in the LAUDS consortium, METALAB leads the implementation of local activities in Ukraine.

POLE, which means "field" in Ukrainian, spans 1,000 m² and serves as a center for product design, decentralised manufacturing, and material innovation. It's a nurturing environment for growing ideas, knowledge, products, and a professional community.

The facility includes a biolab, material lab, woodworking and metal workshops, a ceramics studio, and zones for 3D printing, robotics, and prototyping — all aimed at supporting the creation of circular and sustainable solutions.

In Open Call #2, METALAB is leading two agriculture and food-related challenges:

1. Advancing Urban Sustainability Through Community-Based Green Education and Cultivation Systems.
2. Local Production of Affordable and Sustainable Materials for Agriculture.

What expertise can you offer?

As part of the LAUDS project, METALAB provides local infrastructure, curates challenges, and mentors hybrid teams at the crossroads of design, ecology, and social resilience. Our experience from a war-impacted region offers insights into how production ecosystems can adapt and regenerate.

We have a background in leading open innovation challenges, mentoring, and developing low-tech, scalable solutions in complex environments. Our work bridges design, material science, and community engagement, focusing on impact and adaptability.

We are particularly proud to host the agricultural challenges within Ukraine, one of the world's leading agricultural nations. It ranks among the top three global exporters of grains and oilseeds, with over 70% of its territory designated as agricultural land. For us, connecting material innovation with food systems is not just relevant; it is vital for long-term recovery and resilience. With this setup, we aim to enhance the LAUDS network through practical experimentation, local insights, and a strong commitment to regenerative innovation.