Physical SpaceThe physical space you have available for the development of your MakerSpace will play a large roll in the type of space you are developing, which tools and machines can be housed there, and how the space ultimately will be used. I have seen everything from Mobile MakerSpaces which do not require a stand-alone space, to small single use spaces developed in old closets, all the way up to large warehouse style spaces which can support a hundred users or more. If you are trying to determine a location for your space or perhaps already have one in mind, this section will help guide you through some major considerations about the physical area for your MakerSpace.
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Location, Proximity and Ease of Access
The physical location of your space within your school or building/its proximity to its surroundings can play a huge role in how your space will be used, who will be using it and how frequently it will be used. One challenge we have at the Maker Lounge is that there is no direct access to it from any of our schools or classrooms. In order to access our space, you must go around the outside of one of our buildings to enter it. This can make it challenging for some of our teachers to access it during their classes, which means that more advance scheduling practices have had to developed and adopted to best support our users.
Where your space is located in proximity to other spaces and classrooms within your school or building can also have a direct effect on how the space will be used throughout the day. A MakerSpace that is adjacent to an art room will most likely be able to be used for different purposes than a MakerSpace that is embedded within a library. Those closest to the space will more than likely develop the quickest interest in the use of the space.
Ideally, your MakerSpace should be located at ground level with large exterior access. This makes it far easier to move machines and materials in and out of the space, and can have a huge impact on what the space can actually handle. You can have all the space available you want but if you can't get things in and out of there you will be severely limited by what the space can actually handle. When we purchased our laser cutter, it came in a crate the size of a small car! Had our space not had a large roll up door to the parking lot we could have never purchased a machine of that size.
Where your space is located in proximity to other spaces and classrooms within your school or building can also have a direct effect on how the space will be used throughout the day. A MakerSpace that is adjacent to an art room will most likely be able to be used for different purposes than a MakerSpace that is embedded within a library. Those closest to the space will more than likely develop the quickest interest in the use of the space.
Ideally, your MakerSpace should be located at ground level with large exterior access. This makes it far easier to move machines and materials in and out of the space, and can have a huge impact on what the space can actually handle. You can have all the space available you want but if you can't get things in and out of there you will be severely limited by what the space can actually handle. When we purchased our laser cutter, it came in a crate the size of a small car! Had our space not had a large roll up door to the parking lot we could have never purchased a machine of that size.
Size, Storage and Facilities Requirements
The size of the physical space will have a direct correlation to how the space can be used and for what purpose(s). In this case I would argue that when it comes to physical space bigger is better. The more space you have available the more options you will have with regards to how the space will be laid out, what is can/will contain and how it can/will be used. When considering the physical size of your space don't forget to allocate room for storage. MakerSpaces require materials and they will need to be housed somewhere. That being said there are many creative solutions, which can be adopted to make the most of your space regardless of the amount of space you have available. This will be discussed more in the Physical Layout section.
If you are building a space from the ground up or are modifying a currently existing space at your school, there are certain facilities requirements for your space depending on what will be housed there. I highly recommend that all MakerSpaces have their own dedicated, easy to access electrical panel or sub panel. The majority of the tools and machines housed within a MakerSpace require electricity, and often quite a bit of it. Larger tools such as CNC machines and cabinet saws often require 240v or 3 phase power to operate. Having a dedicated electrical panel within your space can make accommodating tools and machines such as these much easier and more cost effective process.
Additionally, certain tools and machines have their own unique requirements. Interested in getting a laser cutter? Then you will need to install dedicated ventilation for the machine. Plan to do a bunch of woodworking or purchase a CNC router? Then you will need to look at proper dust collection and air filtration for the space.
If you are building a space from the ground up or are modifying a currently existing space at your school, there are certain facilities requirements for your space depending on what will be housed there. I highly recommend that all MakerSpaces have their own dedicated, easy to access electrical panel or sub panel. The majority of the tools and machines housed within a MakerSpace require electricity, and often quite a bit of it. Larger tools such as CNC machines and cabinet saws often require 240v or 3 phase power to operate. Having a dedicated electrical panel within your space can make accommodating tools and machines such as these much easier and more cost effective process.
Additionally, certain tools and machines have their own unique requirements. Interested in getting a laser cutter? Then you will need to install dedicated ventilation for the machine. Plan to do a bunch of woodworking or purchase a CNC router? Then you will need to look at proper dust collection and air filtration for the space.
Final Remarks
Each space will have its own unique challenges, limitations and requirements. Obviously, I can not cover every unique details and situation in this section. My hope is that this will help to guide you in the right direction in the development of your MakerSpace. If this all seems like a bit much, and it is, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Reach out and talk to those who have developed these spaces, seek consultation, plan accordingly, expect challenges and be open to suggestions and changes.