Makerspaces
by Kim Schroeder
The future of schools is a hot topic. As schools begin to open their doors to students and we move back to face-to-face instruction, conversations need to be had on how school spaces will, or should, function in the future.
One area of school design that is interesting to dive a bit deeper into is the makerspace. A makerspace is a collaborative workspace inside a school…for making, learning, exploring, and sharing… Here students can identify problems, conceptualize the objects needed to meet their needs, discuss, evaluate, modify, prototype, test, and finally manufacture. A makerspace is “simply a space designed and dedicated to hands-on creativity.”
Makerspaces can be low tech or no tech at all. Schools are beginning to prove that these spaces do not have be all about technology. Rather, they are about allowing students’ creativity to shine through.
Every makerspace is as unique as are the projects that are worked on within them. Some activities that are happening in these spaces are: coding, electronics, robotics, sewing, inventing, woodworking and art, to name a few.
What makes a successful makerspace? A space that is going to allow students to thrive starts with a space that is divided into zones. These zones are designated as follows:
Quiet zones to embrace individual work.
Medium noise levels for small group activity.
Noisy areas for group work and construction.
Within these spaces are multifunctioning furniture pieces that incorporate lots of storage and flexibility. The furniture needs to be “versatile, mobile, and modular” - easily moveable and adaptable to accommodate creativity. Comfortable seating, computers for research, smartboards and plenty of pencils and paper for sketching should be readily available.
The storage spaces can also serve a dual purpose as a buffer between the different zones. Because there is such a variety of activities happening in the makerspace, the furniture choices should be diverse. Use of storage spaces and desks that can easily be moved around should be incorporated to accommodate small or large group activities. The storage should also be easily accessible with clear labeling and signage for easy access. Bins and baskets along with larger shelving should be considered to maximize space and organization.
These creative spaces are quintessential to the future growth of our children. They teach collaboration and communication - skills that children will take with them throughout their lives.
Here’s a recent article by The HON Company with more about makerspaces: https://www.hon.com/blog/2020/08/31/value-of-makerspaces
Let our OEX team help you furnish your makerspace.
