Spaces and Technology
To answer the question “What are best practices regarding space design and technology for Rec2Tech sites and municipal makerspaces?”, participants uncovered a variety of high priority topics worthy of future consideration, tools and technologies that can be used in makerspaces, types of spaces that can be utilized in communities, and a list of specific examples of spaces that exist today.
High priority topics related to space and technology: The most prevalent topic that arose throughout the discussion was related to liability issues. All municipal makerspaces need to be conscious of safety and insurance issues, especially when using advanced tools. A second topic of great discussion related to physical space considerations such as design, storage, and security concerns. A third topic of importance was the cost of acquiring, maintaining, and supporting tools that are used in Rec2Tech makerspaces. Awareness, marketing, and PR were also called-out as a necessary consideration when launching and leading a makerspace. In some cases, policy issues might also arise, resulting in the need for advocacy at the local or state level. Ultimately, the sustainability, or endurability, of municipal makerspaces is related to a mix of funding from a variety of sources (philanthropic, governmental, fees, etc.). Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, equity and access were highlighted as a mission-critical issue for all municipal makerspaces.
Tools and Technologies: Participants identified a variety of tools that can be used in municipal makerspaces. They divided the tools into three categories: Hardware, Software, and Supplies. Examples of each category are included in the list below.
- Hardware: Participants identified a wide variety of hardware devices that can be used in Rec2Tech sites, including computers, MakeyMakey kits, Hummingbird kits, microcontrollers, Little Bits, 3D printers, and all manner of cutters (laser, plasma, vinyl).
- Software: In addition to hardware, many makerspaces rely on software tools, such as AutoCAD, TinkerCAD, Sculptris, Scratch and Scratch Jr.
- Supplies: Not to be forgotten, many makerspaces utilize low-tech tools and craft supplies that are both affordable and effective (cardboard, popsicle sticks, tape, glue, etc.).
Types of Spaces: Municipal makerspaces can take many forms. Participants brainstormed a host of locations that could house Rec2Tech projects. The following list is indicative of the types of spaces that can be utilized for these efforts.
- Vacant spaces, public or private
- Libraries, community-based or school-based
- Schools, abandoned or functioning
- Government buildings, abandoned or functioning
- Virtual/Online spaces
- Parks/Outdoor areas
- Churches/Community Centers
- Mobile programming/Pop-up festivals
Specific Examples of Spaces: The following list includes specific examples of makerspaces that currently exist in cities across the United States. This list is not exhaustive, but it is reflective of the kinds of spaces that can be found in American cities.
- FabLabs, various
- Mini Maker Faires, various
- Learning Labs, various
- Digital Harbor Foundation, Baltimore
- The Pad at UMBC, Baltimore
- YOUmeida, Chicago
- Think[box] at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland
- Incite Focus, Detroit
- Scrap Exchange, Durham
- Makerspace at the New York Hall of Science, New York City
- MakeShop at the Children’s Museum, Pittsburgh
- Assemble, Pittsburgh
- The Crucible, Oakland
- Tinkerlab at the Exploratorium, San Francisco
- Tinkertopia, Tacoma
- Invention Studio, Washington, DC
See the rest of the Key Findings from the national Rec2Tech convening held on May 31, 2016.
