MAKERSPACE
A new Booker School initiative.
"Endless curiosity is what links us all together. We hack because the thing we want doesn't already exist and we have the skills to make it."
Jonty Wareing
Co-Founder of London Hackspace
The Vision
Our reason for creating a makerspace is simple: we want to see our community connecting, collaborating and creating in a space that supports innovation and fuels passion.
We envision this inclusive space being utilized by all members of the community; enriching educational curricula; providing individuals with a place to explore new passions within a hands-on, tactile environment; promoting intergenerational skills-sharing by pairing tradition with innovation; and where equal emphasis is placed on all components of the STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics).
The world is changing at an accelerating pace, and is more interconnected than ever before. Schools and companies are constantly playing catch up to try and keep up with the demands of today and the expectations of tomorrow. We need to teach our children and ourselves how to explore things, rather than just how to know them.
Makerspaces, also known as Hackerspaces or Hacklabs, exist in their thousands in towns and cities across the globe. In principle, a makerspace is effectively a community ‘shed’ or ‘garage’ where people can come to peer learn and share knowledge. As well as providing a community for passionate DIYers, these spaces are kitted out with a wide variety of tools and resources that many do not have access to at home.
A Maker-what?
It is our intention to convert our 2-storey garage into a makerspace - at 1341 Belcher Street, Port Williams. We believe that building a makerspace here will provide an inspiring, creative, collaborative and flexible space for residents of all ages in Port Williams, Wolfville, Greenwich, New Minas, Kentville, Canning, Grand Pré, Coldbrook and beyond.
The Port Williams makerspace will include features that do not exist in regular classrooms, offices or workshops. Its spaces will compliment the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) subjects as well as encourage physical activities.
The Location
The Space
We aim to create interior and exterior spaces that can be adapted and maximized to suit the different needs of the community. The ground floor will comprise a large, multi-functional space kitted out with tools and resources like a 3D printer to support a wide range of interests that include animation, robotics and programming. An enclosed, fully equipped recording studio will be built, and there will be a designated area in which to create green screen projects. Upstairs, there will be a spacious open-plan room ideally suited for larger groups to enjoy yoga, meditation, and other classes together.
Makers can create projects outside as well as inside. The exterior will feature a bike workshop, interactive children’s garden and natural play structures. The outside area will be well-suited for gardening clubs and enthusiasts.
We see this makerspace as a creative hub. The adaptable nature of the space makes it an ideal venue for large-scale workshops, and conducting things like inquiry-based professional development sessions for educators.
The multi-level space will be wheelchair accessible by connecting the ground floor and top floor via a ramp that runs up the sloped grassy bank outside.
The Plan
Phase 1: Create a functional makerspace
The makerspace is located next to The Booker School, an independent charitable organisation. Phase 1 will enable the makerspace to be used during school hours to provide visitors with access to facilities. It will be open to external groups on a booking basis. The main features of this phase include:
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Heating
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Electricity and lighting
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Insulation and flooring
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Security
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Interior walls
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Basic furnishings
Phase 2: Kit out the ground floor
Phase 2 will see the ground floor space fully decked out with cool stuff to create things with, and will introduce the membership program for the community. The main features of this phase include:
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A diverse range of tools, materials and resources to support makers
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3D printer
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A purpose-built recording studio
Phase 3: Renovate upstairs and develop outside spaces
The final phase will restore the upstairs floor and develop beautiful multi-functional spaces outside. It will also ensure inclusivity by providing wheelchair access to the top floor. The main features of this phase include:
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Upstairs flooring and insulation
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Stairs connecting the ground floor to the top floor
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Wheelchair ramp outside to the top floor
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Bike workshop
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Interactive children’s garden
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Natural play structures
A versatile, nimble space for creating
An inclusive space for the community
A self-sustaining
space to run
Where You Come In
Realizing the Makerspace will not be possible without the support from the community, and there are many ways to help support and develop the initiative. Along with financial aid, utilizing the expertise and skills of the local community will be fundamental in getting the Makerspace ready for the public.
Here are a few ways you can support:
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Financial contributions
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Skill sharing (carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc)
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Tools to donate
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Items to donate (lamps, furniture, etc)
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Gifting the cost of a membership
If you are interested in getting involved, email us: makerspace@bookerschool.com