Makerspaces, hackerspaces, fablabs, or DIY co-working spaces that have special “making” equipment are born out of the thirst people have these days to make a wide variety of things themselves, use new technologies to do it, and get their hands dirty. They have burst out in popularity among people of all walks of life including technology enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, artisans or just random people who are curious enough to try making stuff themselves. Also, the ‘stuff’ includes anything from making a sewing machine to a laser cutter or even 3D printing various objects with various 3d printers.
The makerspaces allow people to share and use equipment and gear they may not have the funds (or space) for and provide a sense of community amongst makers. These spaces are available in almost all major cities of the United States and many of them are worth visiting. Therefore, to highlight some of the unique makerspaces in the US, in this post, we have compiled an informative list.
5 Diverse Makerspaces across the US
- Mojave Makers (15732 O St., Mojave, CA 93501): Mojave makers is jointly located in the Mojave Junior and Senior High School, where people of all ages get classes to make something new. The facilities in this makerspace include metal and woodworking shop along with an electronics lab. Using such facilities, students can make projects that involve 3D printing, computer programming, and computer building. Moreover, students are also advised in Raspberry Pi and Arduino projects. This makerspace charges adults a membership fee of $40-$80 per month and is free for children.
- ChiPubLib Maker Lab (Harold Washington Library Center 400 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60605): ChiPubLib Maker Lab is an amazing facility for the residents of Chicago to learn the essentials of innovation and technology while practically implementing the skills they acquire. Due to ChiPubLib Maker Lab, Chicago became the first city whose library system includes a makerspace. Amenities of this makerspace include a laser cutter, 3D printers, and a vinyl cutter. This makerspace is free for all, although there is a materials fee which learners have to pay during open shop time.
- Elliott Makerspace (Church of the Messiah 231 East Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48211): Located in Michigan, this makerspace has a number of facilities for its members including 3D printing, woodworking, sewing, electronic music production, silk screening, jewelry-making, electronics, and bicycle maintenance. Situated in a racially diverse neighborhood, Mt. Elliott Makerspace is free for members of all ages and is donor-supported.
- Artisan’s Asylum (10 Tyler St., Somerville, MA 02143): This makerspace attracts a variety of people including bicycle repairers and jewelers, and offers various classes on topics such as lampworking and mechanical design. Also, a handheld 3D printer is a part of this makerspace. The membership fee varies according to classes, workspace and storage space, and ranges from $60 to $150 per month.
- HICapacity (307a Kamani St., Honolulu, HI 96813): HICapacity is a high-tech makerspace that includes facilities for Oculus Rift and 3D printing. Moreover, it caters members who are particularly interested in brain-computer interfaces, computer programming, virtual reality, mobile applications and also allow them to discover skills such as silk screening, home brewing, knitting, conductive paint, night photography, and paper filigree. The membership of this makerspace ranges from $60 to $ 75 per month.
In addition to providing the space and tech, makerspaces are also developing learning programs and hosting innovation workshops, design thinking certificate programs, and innovation speakers. Are you a part of an interesting makerspace, hackerspace, co-working space, fablab, etc.? Let us know about it in the comments!