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The basement is too small or you would disturb the neighbors? Renting a garage is too expensive? Let's share our workshop and split the cost!
The '''CoMakingSpace''' is an open workshop for Makers from all backgrounds. We aim to provide everyone with the tools, space and skills to '''make whatever''' they come up with.
The '''CoMakingSpace''' is an open workshop for Makers from all backgrounds. We aim to provide everyone with the tools, space and skills to '''make whatever''' they come up with.


This idea is not new: the so-called [[:Category:Maker Movement|Maker Movement]] started years before we became active in Heidelberg and is a worldwide phenomenon driven by a vast community of Makers who want to regain control over the objects surrounding us in our everyday life. Besides being highly innovative, the principle of local or "desktop" design and fabrication has the potential to replace conventional industry in certain sectors as the importance of sustainability is increasingly acknowledged.
Wouldn't it be awesome if you could work on your projects any time, even after work hours? You ''just'' need a large workshop with proper tools in easy reach.


== Who Are Makers? ==
== Who Are Makers? ==
Artisans, artists, chefs, craftspersons, hackers, hobbyists, inventors, mechanics, musicians, photographers, programmers, prototypers, scientists, tinkerers; children or grown-ups, students or teachers, workers or retirees - the short version is: '''anyone''' can be a Maker!
Artisans, artists, chefs, craftspersons, hackers, hobbyists, inventors, mechanics, musicians, photographers, programmers, prototypers, scientists, tinkerers; children or grown-ups, students or teachers, workers or retirees - simply: '''anyone''' can be a Maker!


What connects us is the desire to create something with our own hands or minds, be it because it does not exist yet or we want to make it more personal or simply better than the available alternatives.
What connects us is the desire to create something with our own hands or minds, be it because it does not exist yet or we want to make it more personal or simply better than the available alternatives.


Aside from creating or improving, Makers also [[repair]] things that break instead of throwing them away. This involves learning and figuring out how things work.
Aside from creating or improving, Makers also [[repair]] broken things instead of throwing them away. This involves applied learning and figuring out how things work.


== Our Principles == <!--move to separate page?-->
This idea is not new: the so-called [[:Category:Maker Movement|Maker Movement]] started years before we became active in Heidelberg and is a worldwide phenomenon driven by a vast community of Makers who want to regain control over the objects surrounding us in our everyday life. Besides being highly innovative, the principle of local or "desktop" design and fabrication has the potential to replace conventional industry in certain sectors as the importance of sustainability is increasingly acknowledged.
* '''Learn - Make - Teach - Repeat'''
: Teaching others how to do something is more rewarding than just doing it by yourself - and who knows, you may even learn something new yourself!
 
* '''Community First'''
: Projects and endeavours that potentially disturb other Makers or neighbors, i.e. such causing excessive noise or smell and taking up a lot of space, are coordinated in a way that is best for all parties.
 
* '''Repair, Repurpose, Reuse'''
: Some things considered garbage might be just the part you need. Can you salvage some of your old projects for parts?
 
* '''Respect the Tools'''
: Though tool-use is part of the membership in the CoMakingSpace, each tool should be handled with respect and care. Treat them well so we can enjoy our tools for a long time. Use the right tool for the right purpose. If you are not sure, ask a tutor for help.
 
* '''Everyone's Safety Is MY Responsibility'''
: Be aware of your surroundings and know what you are doing (or find a [[Tutors|tutor]]). If you see others attempting something stupid, let them know about the risks before they experience it themselves.


* '''If You Dirty It, Clean It'''
== Why Make Together? ==
: You don't want to have to [[Cleaning|clean]] every piece of equipment or the room itself before being able to start with your project, so please do it '''afterwards''' and the next user will thank you and do the same.
Making things in a shared space as a community has a lot of benefits: for instance, there is a lot more space that can be used temporarily, as well as a lot of equipment that you might only need infrequently or can not even afford.


* '''If It Is Broken, Report It'''
Besides these aspects we are a friendly community that can provide [[inspiration]] or new insights. [[Looking for Collaborators|Finding collaborators]] for larger projects or just having a chat in the social area is just as important as actually swinging a hammer! When a project involves unknown techniques, there is usually someone with more experience who can help or point you into the right direction.
: We need to know if things break, regardless of whose fault it may be. Only if [[management|we]] know as soon as possible we can try to fix it or claim a warranty or insurance case. For small things it's best to replace them yourself if you break it.  


* '''If You Lose It, Replace It'''
== Our Concept ==
: Sh*t happens - if a small tool goes missing during your project, please quickly get a replacement and nobody will even notice!
We set up our CoMakingSpace as a charitable company ''(gemeinnützige GmbH)''. This allows us to rent a suitable workshop, organize insurance, etc. and provides a solid foundation for a long-lasting community workshop. You can find our goals in this [[Media:Satzungsziele.pdf|excerpt from the founding documents]].


* '''If You Consume It, Donate'''
The charitability makes sure that every cent gets put back into the workshop and community. At the same time, this enables any sponsor to support us with tax-deducible donations.
: [[Materials]] need to be bought, please let us know if something is [[Template:Refill|running out]].  


* '''Hack Responsibly'''
[[Membership]] is arranged into several affordable tiers suited for each Maker's needs; at the highest contribution level you can even get [[CoMaking Benches|your own bench]] where you can leave your partially finished project until the next time you come back.
: Experiments are a key principle of innovation, but only attempt new things you can fairly assume to be safe (do some research!) and be prepared to immediately replace anything that might break if your idea (maybe a new use for a tool?) was not so great after all. Sharing your experience, successful or not, may help many others!

Revision as of 09:20, 20 March 2018

The basement is too small or you would disturb the neighbors? Renting a garage is too expensive? Let's share our workshop and split the cost!

The CoMakingSpace is an open workshop for Makers from all backgrounds. We aim to provide everyone with the tools, space and skills to make whatever they come up with.

Wouldn't it be awesome if you could work on your projects any time, even after work hours? You just need a large workshop with proper tools in easy reach.

Who Are Makers?

Artisans, artists, chefs, craftspersons, hackers, hobbyists, inventors, mechanics, musicians, photographers, programmers, prototypers, scientists, tinkerers; children or grown-ups, students or teachers, workers or retirees - simply: anyone can be a Maker!

What connects us is the desire to create something with our own hands or minds, be it because it does not exist yet or we want to make it more personal or simply better than the available alternatives.

Aside from creating or improving, Makers also repair broken things instead of throwing them away. This involves applied learning and figuring out how things work.

This idea is not new: the so-called Maker Movement started years before we became active in Heidelberg and is a worldwide phenomenon driven by a vast community of Makers who want to regain control over the objects surrounding us in our everyday life. Besides being highly innovative, the principle of local or "desktop" design and fabrication has the potential to replace conventional industry in certain sectors as the importance of sustainability is increasingly acknowledged.

Why Make Together?

Making things in a shared space as a community has a lot of benefits: for instance, there is a lot more space that can be used temporarily, as well as a lot of equipment that you might only need infrequently or can not even afford.

Besides these aspects we are a friendly community that can provide inspiration or new insights. Finding collaborators for larger projects or just having a chat in the social area is just as important as actually swinging a hammer! When a project involves unknown techniques, there is usually someone with more experience who can help or point you into the right direction.

Our Concept

We set up our CoMakingSpace as a charitable company (gemeinnützige GmbH). This allows us to rent a suitable workshop, organize insurance, etc. and provides a solid foundation for a long-lasting community workshop. You can find our goals in this excerpt from the founding documents.

The charitability makes sure that every cent gets put back into the workshop and community. At the same time, this enables any sponsor to support us with tax-deducible donations.

Membership is arranged into several affordable tiers suited for each Maker's needs; at the highest contribution level you can even get your own bench where you can leave your partially finished project until the next time you come back.