65
edits
Changes
no edit summary
== Binghamton University Makerspace ==
In order to encourage students across campus to innovate and design no matter their area of study, we would like to move towards the creation of an open Makerspace on campus. While we have several spaces on campus, such as the [https://www.binghamton.edu/residential-life/communities/mountainview/steamroom/ STEAMroom], many students do not use this or feel that it is not conducive to studying or design. Rather, while useful, that space focuses on creation based on various hobbies that students may have.
As fellows, we would like to create a Makerspace in line with Stanford's [https://www.stanforddaily.com/2014/04/16/meyer-library-launches-new-community-operated-workplace/ model]. They offer rooms for different majors, with appropriate materials for different areas of study. They have open spaces, walls with whiteboards, and furniture that is conducive to motion and unorthodox creation. We feel that this will inspire students to work more collaboratively whether it is for entreprenurial ventures, their studies, or hanging out with friends.
This is an ambitious undertaking, and something that will undoubtedly take a lot of time. However, we feel that we can begin the process and continue, hopefully with the help of past and future fellows.
=== Timeline for Makerspace Creation ===
*'''Goal 1: Coordinate a meeting with the university President or Provost to discuss funding and space availability on campus [1-2 weeks to impliment]'''
*'''Goal 2: Once a space is alloted, blueprint plans can be commenced [3 weeks to plan; will require revision according to budget planning and university policy on construction, furniture, and time constraints]'''
*'''Goal 3: Conduct research with students; see if interest is piqued-- perhaps have a trial period where students can critique and add their thoughts to the space, through the dissemination of a survey [1 month]'''
*'''Goal 4: Once a space is approved officially by the university and unofficially by the student body, the furniture and equipment can be purchased and ordered to the university [1-3 months, depending on time constraints and availability]'''
*'''Goal 5: Start to disseminate advertisements across campus [ongoing process, can be commenced once Goal 4 is completed]'''
*'''Goal 6: Coordiate with entrepreneurial organizations on campus and the incubator downtown to design a launch event [1 month]'''
*'''Goal 7: Once the space is completed, the event planned in Goal 6 can be the initial event in the makerspace [2 months, depending on construction process and coordination]'''
While this is a large undertaking, we believe that we have the power to create a workspace that is interactive and conducive to student innovation. With the training of our past fellows and the example of Stanford's d.School, we believe that we have the tools and ambition to bring such a space to campus, and hope that community industries and organizations will provide assistance through blueprint revision, funding, and support, no matter the means.
== Related Links ==