Delving into a repair shop: a hands-on exploration of maintenance and restoration
In the heart of Lyon, France, Atelier Soudé has been fostering a culture of repair and sustainability since 2015. This unique workshop specialises in electrical and electronic repair, offering a range of services that cater to both digital and non-digital devices.
Atelier Soudé follows a model similar to co-repair workshops, also known as repair cafés. These community-driven initiatives offer several benefits. Participants learn repair skills, saving money and reducing electronic waste. They also foster community spirit and empower individuals to handle technology confidently.
The typical process at Atelier Soudé involves bringing your device with a specific problem, having it assessed by a volunteer or expert, collaborative troubleshooting, and repair, with explanations and teaching provided throughout. Participants may bring their own tools or parts, or they may be provided. If the repair is successful, the device is returned functional; if not, advice may be given on further steps.
One of the most common issues faced by professionals concerns cracked smartphone screens, with ADEME estimating that 80% of repairs involve this issue. At Atelier Soudé, having a phone screen changed by a professional can cost a minimum of €150, but buying the screen alone costs around €40. Repairing it at the workshop is free.
Extending the lifespan of devices is a key lever for reducing their environmental impacts, according to ADEME. For instance, going from 2 to 4 years of use for a computer or tablet improves its environmental balance by 50%.
Atelier Soudé also emphasises the importance of regular cleaning of devices to prevent overheating. Small brushes or compressed air canisters are effective tools for this purpose.
The workshop's resource centre is built from recovered components from irreparable devices, reflecting Atelier Soudé's commitment to sustainability.
In addition to co-repair sessions, which take place twice a week until 8 pm, Atelier Soudé offers two other types of workshops: "PC for 0€" and "boost your PC". The former repairs a PC from the stock to take home, helping fight against the digital divide, while the latter often involves changing the RAM and the operating system.
Atelier Soudé is part of a network of associations fighting against electronic waste and promoting the appropriation of everyday devices. Similar initiatives, such as the Atelier de Bidouille Informatique Libre in Grenoble and the Rebooterie in Toulouse, offer similar services.
For those interested in Atelier Soudé's schedule, exact process, or registration steps, checking their official website or contacting them directly is recommended. Parts for repair can be found in Lyon at AG électronique or Gonephone, or online on platforms such as Utopya, Bricophone, iFixit, eComposant, E44, or TouchedeClavier.
- Atelier Soudé, recognizing the importance of education and self-development, offers workshops like "PC for 0€" and "boost your PC," enabling individuals to learn about and handle technology confidently.
- In the realm of environmental-science and technology, Atelier Soudé promotes learning through their resource center, which is constructed from recycled components from irreparable devices, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.
- Atelier Soudé, as part of a network of associations, emphasizes the value of investment in education and repair, not just disposal, as a key strategy for reducing environmental impacts, particularly through projects like "PC for 0€" that fight against the digital divide.
