Case Study:
Education/ Innovation
Objective:
To scope and plan a makerspace facility at the DCU Alpha Innovation Campus, Dublin, Ireland
Work Completed:
Conducting stakeholder engagement meetings to define user groups
Research and planning for all operational elements of the makerspace
Budgeting and scoping for all equipment and tool requirements, specific to geographical location and user needs
Identification of key potential sights and completing architectural design, machine fit out and location layout for each
Creation of business and financial planning over 3 year period
Presentation of comprehensive Market Assessment Study Document
“Before embarking on a makerspace project at DCU Alpha, we wanted to undertake some rigorous research and planning. Thanks to the team from Makerspace People, we were able to compile a comprehensive Market Assessment Study (MAS), as well as a full economic analysis of the project for the purposes of underpinning investment from a diverse set of public stakeholders.
The MAS really captured what we needed to know, and helped us understand how to best position the planned makerspace within the DCU Alpha Innovation Campus, the University generally, as well as the wider municipal, regional and national tech ecosystems. In addition to really helping us to identify our target users, appropriate sectoral focus areas, potential stakeholders and funders, the team worked closely with the University to explore appropriate financial, governance and operational models, as well as building in the key academic engagement piece, which combined contributed to achieving key local and national Government support for the project.””
We create makerspaces specially designed to provide facilities, programming and learning opportunities for students and educators at all levels.
STEAm/stem for young learners
Our makerspaces provide grade school/ primary and high school/ secondary level pupils and students access to world class hands-on STEAM/STEM programmes and robotics facilities that will enable them to compete at an international level. Through after school activities, curriculum links and summer camps, we take learning out of the classroom and onto the workbench, turning theory into action. We take the needs of our junior users into account right at the design stage, and build a space where encounters with making are accessible to all.
SChools, colleges & Third level
We can providing universities, vocational colleges, tertiary institutes, with access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for students, faculty and alumni — free from the traditional, stratified constraints of departmentalization. A makerspace can be embedded in the culture of one campus or act as a neutral space as a joint venture to bridge between partner institutes. Makerspace facilities have a wide range of studies such as engineering, architecture, business and entrepreneurship, ag-tech, bio-tech, medicine, life sciences, music and theatre, fashion design and much more, and are especially well suited to cross-departmental projects. They are also an enticing prospect to prospective students, and a great way to stay connected with recent graduates as they embark on their careers.