Maker Spaces: The Future of Collaboration
Think of a place where you could collaborate with people from around your community to share ideas, teach each other new skills, and work on new projects. Now imagine this place is also filled with the latest technology like 3D Printers, Tablets, Laptops, and an advanced broadband connection. Finally, picture also having access to machines and tools that can be used at any time to help bring your ideas to life. All of the above are the ingredients of a new style of community centers that are starting to pop up across the globe known as Maker Spaces.
The History of Maker Spaces
Maker Spaces first become prominent in the 1990’s in Germany and were popularized by the Chaos Computer Club. The club’s vision was to have a space for collaboration to facilitate the development of new software, hardware, and alternative media. At first, these spaces grew slowly due to the high costs of obtaining the computers, machines, and the room required of a Maker Space. In 2006, Paul Bohm developed a new fundraising strategy which helped him launch a Maker Space in Vienna, Austria; and 2007 he founded hackerspaces.org to help other people looking to start Maker Spaces. There are now roughly 1,500 Maker Spaces in the world and the number continues to grow rapidly. Several businesses, such as Google and even the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, incorporate Maker Spaces in their daily operations.
What makes a Maker Space a Maker Space?
Maker Spaces revolve around the core tenants of collaboration and the free transfer of information. The purpose behind them is to bring people who have ideas together with people who have the skills or expertise to help make it happen. The main goal is then for people to create informal groups with access to the latest technology to help bring these new ideas to life. Maker Spaces often become ways for people to get hands on training from experts but also can be great incubators for new businesses.
Can my community have a Maker Space?
Maker Spaces can be possible anywhere that people are committed to starting one. All it takes are ideas, a space to meet, and local organizations that are willing to contribute the technology, machines, and materials that people would be willing to use. As your local broadband provider, Pinpoint knows that we can supply the digital highway to making this Maker Space come to life; we just need a few other like-minded business, organizations, and people who are willing to share their expertise and visions! If you would like to see a Maker Space started in your community get the ball rolling by commenting down below!
