MakerSpace

When students have access to the tools, they are more likely to utilize them in the making of their projects. Students learn proper use and maintenance of the tools in their middle school exploratory classes called Design Tech.

I had the privilege of moving into the MakerSpace while it was still under construction, giving me the responsibility of designing its layout and functionality. I carefully planned which tools to include, their placement, the circulation of the space, and the curriculum that would be taught. Starting with a blank slate, I was tasked with creating it from the ground up. Today, it stands as one of the leading MakerSpaces in Latin America.

Before

Current

The first section of the space is dedicated to robotics, occupying about one-third of the room. This area features a pair of custom-designed Lego tables that can rotate to present various challenges tailored to specific classes. Another part of the robotics section includes the raised Vex competition field. We raised it up to provide additional storage space underneath.

Efficient storage and organization are crucial in a space like this, so we utilize custom organization bins designed and created using a laser cutter.

The rest of the MakerSpace consists of large custom tables designed for open areas to facilitate designing and building projects. These tables are uniquely crafted to be mobile yet stable, allowing for flexible layouts based on the needs of various projects. Surrounding the student tables are designated tool areas, with small hand tools neatly stored on a tool wall and larger tools evenly distributed around the perimeter of the room.

A clear indicator of an active MakerSpace is the variety of ongoing projects you’ll find at any given time.

One of the key features that sets this MakerSpace apart is its fully custom design. I personally designed every single piece of furniture, from the robotics tables, to the students desks using Tinkercad. They were then either built on-site, or sent out for professional fabrication. Below are a series of links to brief descriptions of many of the unique pieces found in the space.

Over the past five years, we have expertly equipped the MakerSpace with the latest tools essential for any Maker project. Our space features laser cutters, CNC machines, 3D and resin printers, and a comprehensive array of woodworking tools.