The maker scene—what exactly is it, and where can you experience it in Munich? A brief overview in 9 points.
1. Makers — what or who are they actually?
Why the term "maker"? Is it about giving the tinkerer image a modern twist? Or is there more to it?
Yes, it does. That's Anne Bergner's view, at least. In her publication "Make-Design-Innovate," she explains that the maker movement represents a new generation of tinkerers. This generation no longer just uses traditional tools, but has also recognized the potential of digital technologies and is willing to use them.
Makers often gain access to new technologies in publicly accessible workshops. According to Bergner, this highlights another difference from the classic tinkerer who—to emulate all the clichés—works alone in their basement: the maker scene is generally a well-connected community—in the real world, but especially in the digital world. Mutual support and collaboration are not uncommon in the maker scene. The premise of sharing knowledge is highly valued.
And who exactly are these makers? — They can be anyone, whether a founder, technician, artist, hacker, or designer. Just like the classic tinkerer, all makers share one thing: a passion for experimentation — only new technologies play a major role.
2. Startups & successful prototypes
Munich startups are also benefiting from the maker scene. The Entrepreneurship Makerspace, in particular, can be considered a small success for startups, especially for hardware startups that need to develop a prototype for their idea. For example, Proglove, Parkhere, Glass chair and Kewazo the Garching high-tech workshop.
The makerspace offers special grants for startups, allowing teams to build prototypes and further develop their ideas in the high-tech workshop. Startups can also benefit from the existing network of other startups, creatives, companies, students, and experts.
A prototype was also developed in the makerspace, which must have impressed Elon Musk as well. WARR Hyperloop Team works here on its high-speed capsules, with which they have successfully competed several times in the SpaceX Hyperloop Competitions initiated by Elon Musk.
3. Makerspace
And let’s stay with the Makerspace: state-of-the-art machines, tools and software on over 1,500 square meters — what may sound like a dream to many makers has been reality since 2015. Because with the Makerspace A real high-tech workshop was opened in Garching.
Various work areas, such as machine, metal, and wood workshops, as well as textile and electrical processing, are available to members. 3D printers and machines such as laser cutters and waterjet cutters enable the creation of new shapes and processing of a wide variety of materials. For support and networking, Training and consulting services offered.
This broad offering is intended to appeal not only to students at the Technical University of Munich, but also to startups, DIY enthusiasts, and corporate partners. The makerspace itself sees itself as a complement to the existing workshop offerings in Munich. Its focus is on tools and machines in the high-tech sector.
4. Fablab Munich
Less high-tech, more community: Munich's Fablab in the west of the city sees itself as a true maker community. Currently, this community has around 350 members. Whether makers, traditional tinkerers, tech-savvy people, or artists—everyone can become part of this community.
The 250 sqm workshop space in Munich's commercial center is equipped with, among other things, a laser cutter, 3D printer, CNC milling machine, a self-built vacuum thermoforming machine, vinyl cutter, an embroidery machine and much more.
The Fablab Munich is organized as a non-profit association, which is run entirely on a voluntary basis and consists of membership fees, donations and grants.
Also interesting: the Fablab Munich is guided by the Fab Charter, a set of basic rules followed by many Fab Labs around the world. These rules address, for example, the following question:
Who owns fab lab inventions?
Designs and processes developed in fab labs can be protected and sold however an inventor chooses, but should remain available for individuals to use and learn from.
5. Munich Maker Lab
The Munich Maker Lab describes itself as "Munich's freshest makerspace." Located in the creative quarter, the lab is open to all members for a monthly fee of 20 euros. Non-members are also welcome to drop in. Whether the lab is open can be found online via the status be found out.
All projects, upcoming events, hackathons, and the current to-do list can be viewed on the Maker Lab wiki. Here you will also find the Declaration of accession or a List of all projectsthat have been or are being realized in the Maker Lab.
More about the Munich Maker Lab
6. House of your own work
The name says it all: At the House of Your Own Work, beginners—and experts alike—can take advantage of the open workshops. No advance registration is necessary; interested tinkerers can simply drop by and get started.
The House of Own Work features a high-tech, ceramics, wood, and metal workshop, among other facilities. For larger or more complex projects, you can also book a one-on-one consultation with a specialist consultant.
Further information about the House of Own Work
7. Werbox³
A workshop for makers and tinkerers can also be found in the east of the city: Werkbox³. This is the place for all makers who want to work with more traditional tools. The 400 square meters of a former industrial hall offer plenty of space for DIY. A wide variety of machines and tools are available and can be shared.
Members of the association can rent lockable boxes of various sizes in the WerkBox³ to store personal belongings and tools. They also receive a key, allowing them to use the workshop around the clock.
Further information about Werkbox³
8. Make Munich 2019
Munich doesn't "just" have labs and workshops for makers; since 2013, it has also hosted a trade fair dedicated exclusively to the maker theme: Make Munich. Over time, this event has established itself as the largest maker and DIY festival in southern Germany.
Innovation and technology enthusiasts will present their projects at the festival. Sound exciting? Then mark March 2 and 3, 2019, in your calendars. That's when Make Munich enters a new round. with new partners and an exciting focus.
Further information about Make Munich
