In 2017 The Possible Zone secured funding to integrate digital fabrication equipment inside classroom space at its Sellers St. headquarters in Cambridge, MA. I was tasked with designing and managing the buildout of this makerspace, including researching and purchasing furniture and equipment, hiring contractors, and managing a $50,000 project budget. I knew TPZ had its eye on expansion, so I designed the MakerLab to be modular and easily replicable inside any existing classroom space. I wanted the space to be highly visible, both for safety and to inspire curiosity. I wanted it to be welcoming while visually distinct to reduce roughhousing near the equipment. I believe I was able to achieve these objectives through brightly colored floor tiles, additional spot lighting, and displays for student works. The addition of this equipment along with the revised program model has led to a dramatic increase in students’ use of technology in their ventures.
