Have you ever heard of MakerSpaces? I had a vague notion of what they were, but had never actually visited one. I decided it was time to satisfy my curiosity, so I jumped into our old Honda and headed off to Calgary’s newest MakerSpace site, Fuse33.
A MakerSpace is basically a community centre that provides technology, manufacturing equipment, art equipment and educational opportunities to the public, and they are popping up all over the place. They serve a diverse group of learners who may not share access to the same resources.
A Maker at Fuse33
MakerSpaces are also becoming popular in both corporate and educational settings, since they promote a very hands-on, creative and collaborative way of thinking and problem-solving. MakerSpaces allow users/members to design, prototype and manufacture using tools that would otherwise be inaccessible or unaffordable, such as 3-D printers, robots, digital fabrication machines and computer-aided design and programming software. But you’ll also see Makers creating art using traditional methods and supplies in MakerSpaces.
Everyone can be a Maker. They are people who tend to be open, inclusive, encouraging and generous in spirit. Makers celebrate other Makers — what they make, how they make it and the enthusiasm and passion that drives them. This creates a context that develops the Maker mindset, which encourages personal growth and supports the belief that we can learn to do anything…with a little help.
Danny Eisenberg
Fuse33 MakerSpace certainly lives up to that mindset. It has come to fruition after only one and half years of concentrated effort, in a re-purposed warehouse in South East Calgary. It’s the result of a young man named Danny Eisenberg and some dedicated friends who have invested themselves totally into the MakerSpace concept.
Fuse33 makes available basic hand tools and power tools, as well as a fully equipped woodshop and metalshop. In addition, they have advanced equipment like laser cutters and 3D printers, as well as an electronics lab, a sewing shop and a software library. They also offer a range of classes that cover everything from basic woodworking to computer-assisted design. Everyone is welcome, from total neophytes to experienced engineers. Fuse33 is also soon to include a co-working space for small businesses – a hub to provide small business owners with the space and tools they need to forge their way into the future.
Fuse33 Woodshop
To quote the folks at Fuse33, “We came together with a common vision: to create opportunity, self sustainability, and perhaps most importantly, community.”
It’s obvious that they are doing just that; building capacity and confidence in people of all ages and stages, helping them become agents of change in their own lives and in their community.
Danny Eisenberg (left) and the founders of Fuse33
Here’s a short video I made during my illuminating and very fun visit to Fuse33. Kudos to Danny and the gang for making their dreams – and the dreams of many others – come true.
Visit their website and find out more about Fuse33 MakerSpace.
Photos courtesy of Fuse33
