What is a Makerspace?

When’s the last time you made something or took something apart to see how it worked or to turn it into something else? Unless you have a hobby that requires you to be hands on, you probably haven’t made anything in a while. For many of us, making something is both a difficult and rewarding process. While the motivation is there, finding the time and place to tinker can be a whole other barrier to entry—unless you have access to a makerspace.

What is a MAKERSPACE?

You might have heard of a makerspace. It’s a buzzword that’s been floating around for a few years now. But what, exactly, is it? A makerspace is a room that contains tools and components, allowing people to enter with an idea and leave with a complete project. The best part is that makerspaces are communal. The goal is to work together to learn, collaborate, and share. Most importantly, makerspaces allow us to explore, create new things, or improve things that already exist.

Makerspaces are part of what we call the maker movement, which started in the early 2000s. Of course, scrapbooking, tinkering, and other arts and crafts activities have been around for quite some time, but the maker movement emphasized hands-on discovery in a world that had become increasingly automated.

About Our Makerspace!

Additional Information

A makerspace is a collaborative work space inside a school, library or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools. These spaces are open to kids, adults, and entrepreneurs and have a variety of maker equipment including 3D printers, cnc machines, soldering irons, and even sewing machines. A makerspace however doesn’t need to include all of these machines or even any of them to be considered a makerspace. If you have cardboard, Legos and art supplies you’re in business. It’s more of the maker mindset of creating something out of nothing and exploring your own interests that’s at the core of a makerspace.

These spaces are also helping to prepare those who need the critical 21st century skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). They provide hands on learning, help with critical thinking skills and even boost self-confidence. Some of the skills that are learned in a makerspace pertain to electronics, 3d printing, 3D modeling, coding, robotics and even woodworking, Makerspaces are also fostering entrepreneurship and are being utilized as incubators and accelerators for business startups. There have already been some amazing success stories that have come out of makerspaces to date.

Our membership is modeled after a fitness center, and two levels of memberships are available including individual and family. The initial planned hours of operation for Franklin Center for Innovation, Inc. will be 10 AM to 18 PM, 6 days a week. The plan is to eventually be open 24/7.

One of the guiding principles of Franklin Center for Innovation, Inc. is to make it affordable and accessible to everyone. Monthly Memberships are priced at $35 for an individual pass (one person) or $55 for a family pass (four people).

Membership

These are all access passes. You can come to the shop anytime we are open (10 AM to 8PM, 6 days a week, with plans to eventually be open 24/7), and call in to book the equipment so you know it will be here waiting on you.

You also get discounted training classes on the equipment, and help from our staff whenever you need it. Join now for only $35 per month! Start making projects, expanding your business, or learning something new today.

Find out more

Franklin Center For Innovation, Inc.

Franklin Center For Innovation, Inc.

What is a Makerspace?