Let's build something together...
A makerspace (also called a hackerspace) is a collaborative workspace where people gather to create, invent, tinker, and learn using tools ranging from traditional crafts to high-tech digital fabrication.
Ever had an idea but lacked the workspace, tools, or knowledge necessary to bring it to life? That's what a makerspace provides. It's a community-driven environment where you can find the tools and equipment to build, create, repair, or tinker with almost anything you can dream up.
What kind of tools?
As we build out the workshop, the answer would change and expand over time - but broadly, you should expect to find all the essentials for:
- Woodworking
- Metal machining, welding, and fabrication
- 3D Printing
- CNC milling/machining
- Electronics design, prototyping, and repair
- Sewing/textiles
- Computer aided design and modeling
- Vehicle modification and repair
If those are activities you're keen to do, but wouldn't go over well with other residents in your apartment building, a makerspace solves that problem.
What else happens there?
Makerspaces are a fantastic community gathering place for all sorts of events and activities. Some of the ways they serve the community are by providing:
- Repair clinics (household appliances, electronics, computers, etc...)
- Classes to learn new skills
- A tool library that loans out tools to use for home improvement.
- Access to individuals happy to share their expertise with enthusiastic learners.
- Access to computer workstations and software for design, research, and education.
- Shared parts and materials for projects.
- A place to gather and talk to people who care about the things you do.
That all sounds sweet as! Where is it?
Well, that's where you come in. Right now, it exists in the minds of a small group of volunteers with finite resources who want to create this amazing resource for our community here in Christchurch. In order to make it real, we need your help!
I'm in! What do you need from me??
At minimum, let us know you're interested. Send an email to makers@openworks.nz and tell us what you'd build if you had the tools, space, and support to do it.
If this whole thing sounds extremely exciting to you, and you feel like you're not going to be able to sleep until it's a real place...use the email link above to tell us about it!
Maybe you have tools you can donate. Maybe you can volunteer your time or teach a class. Perhaps you know some unused warehouse/industrial space going cheap. There are countless ways to contribute, and the bigger the community gets, the more we can help each other thrive. Start by letting us know you want to be a part of it.
We won't share your your email with anyone or spam you...we'll send occasional progress updates and let you know when we're ready to open the doors. If you value real connection and think we all do better when we help each other, then OpenWorks is your community...we look forward to meeting you.