Remember running home from elementary school with an art project tucked proudly under your arm? Back then, hands-on creativity was a way of life. While those days may be a distant memory, the Alkek Library has a place where students, faculty, and staff can still explore their imaginations, roll up their sleeves, and make stuff. MakerSpace, part of the Alkek One technoverse, is a playground of imagination and creation where experts Noah Brock, William Cates, and their team are eager to help learners of all experience levels.
Innovation lives here
With its glass walls and open design, MakerSpace is bright and inviting. Noah Brock, MakerSpace’s coordinator, emphasizes that all are welcome here.
“I think everybody’s an artist. They just don’t know it yet,” Brock says with a chuckle. “Your art can be anything. Your skill set can be anything. Everyone has open access.”
An accomplished maker space designer, Brock planned and coordinated maker space installations at Florida State University and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia before joining the Alkek One team and launching the library’s new maker space. Though he is a trained artist himself, Brock finds greater inspiration in the simple act of creating for creating’s sake. Bringing that vision to life, Brock designed the Alkek One MakerSpace with accessibility and multidisciplinary appeal in mind.
“I didn’t want a room filled with unused, overly complex equipment,” Brock explains. “Our goal is to make it simple, so you can start. You can get something done, and then feel good about that, so you keep going forward.”
The key is this: expect to make mistakes and embrace them.
“The whole idea of MakerSpace is that you’re actively engaging in the process to learn,” Brock says. There are no limits to what you can do here.”
Learn by doing
William Cates, MakerSpace’s night manager, is also a proponent of learning by doing.
“Nothing in here is over your head,” Cates emphasizes.
To ensure the success of their one-on-one training model, Cates and Brock pay careful attention to the amount of information presented in each training.
“We never want to overwhelm a student. It comes down to selecting the information we think is critical for any amount of success,” Cates explains.
Cates’ understanding of how to merge instruction with collaboration comes from his many years as a martial arts instructor. Cates knows well the point at which a learner becomes overwhelmed, and he has strategies for reengagement.
“You have to keep an eye on the student,” Cates explains about merging instruction with engagement. “I’ll ask a student to tell me [their] questions and lead me through where [their] mind is going right now.”
Cates’ instructional approach speaks to his belief in a learner centered creative process: “Somewhere in your head, you have a design that came out of your imagination, and you feel like it cannot turn into a reality by your own hand. And it absolutely can,” Cates explains. “There is a lot of amazing stuff in MakerSpace, and none of it is above you.”
Ultramodern equipment is at your disposal
MakerSpace is filled with fabrication machines that bring imagination to life. Whether you’re interested in 3D printing, laser cutting, painting, or fabric design, MakerSpace has the technology you want and the support you need. At your disposal is equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, a paint spray booth, a garment printer, a CNC router, and an embroidery machine. Purchasing consumable materials for projects is easy. MakerSpace’s online store offers supplies conveniently stocked on site. Students, faculty, and staff pay only the wholesale price. There is no charge for machine time, orientations, workshops, or expert helping hands.
One-on-one training
Individualized support is at the heart of MakerSpace. One-on-one, focused orientations teach the basics of equipment safety and use. For more in-depth design instruction, workshops are available, and the sign-up reservation system is a snap. The passion both Brock and Cates have for working with students is clear. Brock sums up their vision: “I always tell people the limit isn’t the machinery or equipment you have access to. The limit is your imagination. I want people to have the ability to start somewhere. You don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help.”
Ready to get started?
To start creating, simply book a MakerSpace tour, training, or consultation from 12 hours to 30 days in advance. You can also reach out to Noah Brock with questions.
After all, who doesn’t want to run home with a state-of-the-art project to show off?
Kimberly Conner is a copywriter and editor in the IT Marketing and Communications office.