Makerspace Design Schemes

From the Department of Making and Doing, the Building Hero Project trains young people in design leadership in the hopes that they will be able to run their own community improvement projects. The scheme gives them access to cutting edge tools like 3D printers. Based in Philadelphia, the Building Hero Project doesn't resort the the usual tactics of non-profit organizations (donor drives, fundraising events and the like), but instead finances itself through its newly launched Etsy shop.

The community makerspace enables young adults who previously participated in their community improvement projects to learn new skills and gain access to the workshop's equipment. The project is self-financed through the Etsy shop, which sells products designed and produced by the students like lamps, jewelry and benches.