Planning Rationale
A Makerspace classroom is a collaborative place where students have an opportunity to explore their own interests; learn to use physical and digital high-tech and low-tech tools and materials; and develop creative projects. The Makerspace acts as a bridge to the combined educational curriculum of STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). They can be an open access workshop hosting a variety of traditional and modern tools - from 3D printers and laser cutters to sewing machines and soldering irons.
Makerspaces are separated into Digital (Clean) or Physical (Messy) classrooms and are focused on student centered inquiry. Makerspaces are a site for cross-disciplinary and process based learning, inquiry, risk-taking, creating, reflecting, and refining.
Design Considerations
Location
The placement and adjacencies of these classrooms shall take into account the noise consideration of the activities of these spaces. Do not locate the Physical Makerspace directly adjacent to a classroom or library or space which could be sensitive to loud/sharp noises. The Digital Makerspace could benefit from being located directly adjacent to the Library/Media Center.
Classroom Layout
Coordination with the School, the STEM/STEAM department, and Capital Planning is required to determine and finalize development and programmatic requirements of these classrooms. Technology is continuously changing and the possibilities are vast and will be different in every classroom and every school.
- Systems: A complete list of equipment shall be provided by the school to allow for proper coordination with all systems requirements including but not limited to:
- Specialized power requirements
- Plumbing connections
- Ventilation/Exhaust Systems
- Dust Collection System
- Physical Makerspace Common Equipment: may include but is not limited to:
- CNC machine
- Band saws
- Miter saws
- Sewing machines
- Digital Makerspace Common Equipment: may include but is not limited to:
- 3D printers
- Large format printer/plotter
- Computers: desktop and laptop/tablet
- Vinyl cutter
- Laser cutter
- The Physical Makerspace Classroom shall include a classroom sink and a utility sink both with concealed solids interceptors. The Digital Makerspace Classroom shall have plumbing infrastructure installed for potential future use if the programmatic requirements change.
- Acoustical separations are greater than the typical classroom requirement.
- See 4.1.1 Grades 9-12 Classroom for additional requirements.
Physical Makerspaces (Messy)
In physical spaces, learning occurs through hands-on thinking and making. Common hand held tools used in this space are hammers, screw drivers, cutting/sanding equipment (with accessory dust bag), electrical components and soldering irons. Students will use their hands to experiment, create, build and revise using a variety of low-tech and/or high-tech materials. A shop vacuum can be used to clean debris and dust. Sound will be generated during the fabrication processes.
Physical Makerspaces for Large Format Equipment (Messy)
- Location: Must be located on first floor at rear/service area
- Dust Collection system: Located outdoors in rated accessible enclosure
- Exhaust/Ventilation system - full system contained within the room
- Safety and work zones designed appropriately for large equipment
- Power - enhanced capacity
- Emergency Disconnect provided for key equipment
Digital Makerspaces (Clean)
Most of the materials found in a digital makerspace will be computers, software, and applications and various digital equipment, like cameras and virtual reality goggles, etc. Hands-on fabrication of physical objects and implements also happen in digital makerspaces, for example, in robotics design and fabrication and set building for stop-motion animation and other video work.
Storage
Space within the classroom is necessary for student projects as well as supplies. The storage room shall be accessible from within the Makerspace Classroom.