Research to start maker space in BC

[jrschwartz]

Hi all!

My name is Jordan, I’m a Business Student at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC. I’m working on a project to bring a Maker Space to the Surrey area and my group is currently conducting research on the types of individuals who would be interested in a space to use 3D printers, woodworking machines, tools etc.

I was wondering if anyone could give me any insight as to the types of people that come to the 3D Hubs meetups and conferences. Are they typically professionals who are working on their hobby projects, individuals looking to create a product, or artists who simply want to share their creations?

The follow up question I would ask is what the main value of the 3D hub is to the people who attend the events. Are they looking for help, to share equipment, or just looking to connect within that community?

Any help that you could give me would be greatly appreciated!

Jordan

[ashleywebster]

Hi Jordan. If you haven’t already, check out the Vancouver Hack Space, http://vancouver.hackspace.ca/wp/, and join the forum at https://talk.hackspace.ca. We have an open house every Tuesday evening from 7pm onwards, and I’m there almost every Saturday at around 11am for 3D printing drop in sessions.

[Pyrophreek]

I don’t have any experience with 3DHubs meetups, but other meetups/events surrounding 3D printing attract a very wide range of people. I personally would love to have a hackerspace in the Surrey or tri-cities area, since VHS is too far away to just “pop in” the way a hackerspace really works best.

I am actually coordinating a 3D printing seminar at the Burnaby campus in the latter half of February, and I am trying to get it webcast to the Surrey campus as well. If you are interested in participating, let me know. It should be a good chance to meet people who are interested, and if you want to take part, you could use it as a forum to pitch your idea.

Kimball

[MotionMachines]

Hi Jordan

i would love to talk to you about your ideas and see what I can add to it. I have a good friend that set up a highly sucessfull makers space in. Montreal about two years ago and it still going strong and they have some of the most amazing equipment along with government support to help them purchase the toys that people learn from,so may be I could help. Let me know .

My company email is motionmachinesinc@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you.

Bryan.

[jaskarns95]

Hi Jordon, keep us posted on your progress as we really need a makerspace centered around the 3d printing community in surrey! Contact me if your have funding concerns i may be able to help!

[Dylan_Blumell_B]

Hi! Following Jordan’s research we have opened the first Makerspace in Surrey called Maker Cube. makercube.ca . Feel free to stop by anytime, or come to our meetups http://www.meetup.com/Surrey-Maker-Meetups-hosted-by-Maker-Cube/events/223541851/ . It would be great to have your help!

[Steven_Smethurs]

I have created an extensive list of maker spaces in Vancouver, check it out

Alternatives to the Vancouver Hackspace.