Rendering of Harvey Mudd College’s makerspace, due to be completed in spring 2021.
Makerspaces are multiplying on university and college campuses with good reason—they have the potential to foster innovation, creativity and collaborative learning in any field of study. Making can be fun for students, while also building their sense of confidence to dream up an idea and make it happen.
But designing, building and running a thriving makerspace, especially one that attracts a wide variety of students, can be a real challenge. What should a college consider as it dives into creating this kind of exciting learning space?
Makerspaces started out as exclusive, high-tech clubs two decades ago and soon appeared at large research universities. As equipment costs come down, makerspaces have been spreading to art schools, K-12 schools, liberal arts…
