The makerspace is a hub of innovation, where students engage in problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. It's a space where learning begins with identifying problems or needs and progresses to designing original solutions. Discussions, evaluations, and modifications are integral parts of the process, leading to prototyping, testing, and manufacturing.
Given the diverse range of activities happening simultaneously in a makerspace, it's crucial to design spaces that cater to quiet, individual work as well as group collaboration and construction activities. This calls for versatile furniture that can adapt to the ever-changing needs of the space, much like the projects undertaken by students.
Designing Functional Work Areas
An effective makerspace starts with a well-thought-out layout that divides the space into zones based on noise levels—quiet, medium, and noisy. It's beneficial to separate quiet and noisy areas to create a conducive environment for different activities. Adequate storage for raw materials, tools, and projects is essential. Strategic placement of classroom storage can act as a buffer between zones and help maintain organization.
Managing Storage and Logistics
The nature of making involves a variety of raw materials and projects of varying sizes. Managing these materials and projects efficiently is crucial to prevent chaos. Cascade® Storage offers a flexible system with removable totes in various sizes, ideal for organizing materials and projects. Cascade® cabinets provide secure storage for totes, freeing up workspace when not in use.
Facilitating Movement and Accessibility
Transporting items within the makerspace is made easier with versatile carts like the Everything Cart or Flat-Shelved Booktruck, which provide quick and easy access to projects and materials. These carts also promote a tidy environment by facilitating the storage of materials at the end of class.
Ensuring Durability and Functionality
Furniture in the makerspace needs to be durable to withstand the demands of the environment. Tables with Trespa® TopLab surfaces are incredibly durable and damage-resistant, ensuring longevity. The Planner and Interchange frames are constructed with steel tubing for strength and stability, with the option of adding casters for mobility.
Supporting the Instructor
The makerspace teacher plays multiple roles and needs tools that support mobility and versatility. The Cascade® AV Presentation Cart securely holds AV equipment and provides a mobile platform for presentations. The Cascade® Mega Tower serves as a versatile storage and organization solution, doubling as a presentation/communication center with its optional Whiteboard.
Consider equipping the instructor with a desk from the Cascade® line, which integrates seamlessly with Cascade® storage options and the Presentation Cart, providing a cohesive and functional workspace.
