Karen Bos, Chris Hollshwander, Anu Vedantham
Analyzing the Physical Space
Start by creating a basic floor plan of the area you are considering for your Lab. It’s especially important to mark on the floor plan a few aspects:
- Power outlet locations
- Wired, wifi and broadband service points
- Windows and outside light that might create glare
- Hallways and areas of high foot traffic that might bring in noise and disruption
- Physical components such as pillars and walls that cannot easily be moved or adjusted.
- Any irregular shapes that might affect the flexibility of furniture choices
- Any historical elements that need to be maintained in a particular way, or unusual building codes
Once you have your floor plan, engage in a few conversations with others who are sharing the building with you. It’s helpful to know before you choose hardware and program configurations when and where your neighbors might need it to be quiet, and how your work might affect theirs.
Consider a library layout that has multiple entrances and makes it easy for patrons to quickly enter and exit. Building for flexibility – thinking about noise, functions that go together, transparency, ventilation.
Accessibility Considerations
Adjustable-height tables, passageways that are wheelchair accessible
Entrance-related arrangements
How to make the space welcoming for people as they arrive. Consider the direction of traffic flow within a space so staff can greet and make eye contact as patrons enter.
Power constraints
The number of outlets in your space is a strong constraint. “Daisy Chaining” to add multiple outlets through connecting a series of power cords can be a fire hazard as well as posing a danger of tripping and falls.
Having multiple users on a wireless network can greatly affect the speed of use.
Makerspace related constraints
Are you planning a Makerspace? Typical makerspaces offer:
- 3D printers
- 3D design software
- Filament
- Dedicated area
- Dedicated tools, safety glasses
- Laser cutters and CNC (computer numerical control) milling machines
- Poster and large format printers
- Sticker and cutter machines for working with cardboard or light wood.
- Computers/tablets
- Hand tools (hammers, nails, wood, cardboard, glue, screwdrivers)
Other items to consider:
- Garbage and Recycle Bins
- Storage
- First Aid Kit
- Looms for lending
- Drills and power tools
- Backpack of recording equipment for oral history recordings
- Ring Light for social media
The Multigen Makers Playbook provides helpful guidance on creating a makerspace in collaboration with your community.
Amtek Company specializes in developing maker spaces in educational facilities and can provide guidance to get started.
Look at airflow since many 3D printers produce a small amount of fumes that can be irritating to some patrons. Including a ventilation fan or hood near the 3D printers will improve the physical space. You might consider looking for 3D printers that are designed for standard office environments rather than models designed for a research lab.
Many community and state colleges have dedicated makerspaces and are open to community partnerships with tribal entities. Consider reaching out to local makerspace networks before creating your own makerspace. Often, if they have a more advanced 3D printer available for your use, you might not need to invest in your own. Local makerspaces can also help with training your staff on safety and usage of 3D printers and other equipment.
Grant to fund members to learn more about community colleges – explore the grants available through the Native American Career and Technical Education Program.
Open Source Software Options for Makerspace:
- Inkscape (graphic design)
- Blender (3D modeling)
- Tinkercad (3D modeling and circuitry design)
Computer Lab Considerations
- How many workstations?
- Would multiple screens be helpful for working in collaboration?
- What kind of printers?
- Standing desks and ergonomic chairs
- Whiteboards
- Touchable screens
Video and Sound Spaces
Recommendations for larger screens are to have five times the distance as the screen is big. So a 60” screen would require 300”, or 25’ from the screen, for optimal viewing distance.
Consider adding sound-proof rooms and spaces (booths) for sensitive topics, as well as for podcast recording processes.
Would a separate video conferencing room be helpful? Backpacks for oral history to take home and talk with elders can be powerful.
Flexible Furniture
Keep furniture mobile and adjustable. For ergonomic purposes, leave enough room to move the chairs in and out without obstructing walking paths. It’s important to consider safety aspects as you design furniture configurations.
Think about what each space is used for. A separate “messy” space for making, set aside from the computer lab is recommended. A space for sewing and crafts might need to be kept clean, and far from the woodworking shop, for example.
What goes in the center of the space, and what goes on the periphery?
The American Institute for Architects (AIA) provides a design discovery framework that has relevant content.
Teaching / Demonstration Spaces
Consider a space designed to host workshops, presentations and informal sessions where guest artists can share their craft process.
Use cases relevant to Indigenous Cultures
Use cases: Creating replicas of cultural objects on 3D printers (Chris)
Exhibit of locally created items
Different types of printing, stickers
Cricut machine – earrings
Examples of Makerspaces
- Open Works in Baltimore, Maryland
- BeanPath and Community Production in Jackson, Mississippi