The first set-up day and thus the starting signal for a creative learning space on campus was successfully carried out and the next steps defined.
The first set-up day for the new makerspace on the Zittau campus took place on December 12, 2024. More than 20 students and employees of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) worked together to develop initial ideas for the design of this innovative learning space and drew up concrete plans for its implementation.
The makerspace on the Zittau campus is designed as an open workshop. Tools, materials and the know-how of students and employees of the HSZG will be available to all interested parties. The aim is to promote creative experimentation, collaborative work and project-based learning.
Cooperation with regional associations and educational institutions also strengthens extracurricular STEM education. In combination with the Green Classroom, new teaching and learning opportunities will be created that will make the Zittau campus a more attractive place to spend time. A planned outdoor facility for university sports combines leisure activities such as sport and relaxation with aspects of lifelong learning.
Furthermore, Professor Keil, Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs at the HSZG, emphasizes: "This extracurricular learning space will not only teach technical skills, but also strengthen competencies such as creative thinking, problem solving and teamwork. For pupils, the makerspace will enable new learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom: a place to experiment, make mistakes and learn from them. In this way, the makerspace will become a space where learning and innovation go hand in hand and perspectives for the future are created - for our students, the regional economy and beyond."
The first set-up day provided a valuable opportunity to actively involve students and employees of the HSZG in the planning. Together, design approaches were developed, needs were specified and ideas were recorded in sketches. The focus was on requirements for work areas, equipment and technical infrastructure.
The proposals discussed included the provision of laser cutters, 3D printers, an embroidery machine and a corner for soldering. The operating software should be particularly user-friendly. Other topics included lockers for personal projects, a materials store and workstations with dual monitors for design work. A cozy seating area with sofas and small tables was also requested.
In terms of infrastructure, suggestions for power connections and flexible room equipment were discussed. A movie screen and a coffee machine met with broad approval. There were differing opinions on the furnishing of a kitchen.
The first set-up day was also used to inform students about the advertised position of student assistant in the makerspace.
Students can still apply for the position of student assistant in the Makerspace until 17.01.2025. The contact person is Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Egmont Schreiter, who can be reached by e-mail at E.Schreiter(at)hszg.de or by telephone on 03583 612-4857.
The first set-up day made it clear how valuable the joint exchange is for the design of a creative and practice-oriented place of learning and laid an important foundation for the next steps in setting up the makerspace on the campus in Zittau.
The feedback will be evaluated by the next set-up day on 15.01.2025 in order to select furniture, appliances and technical equipment. Preparations for tenders for procurement will begin in parallel.
A survey conducted by the Student Council in the run-up to Teaching Day 2023 revealed clear requirements for the makerspace: various workshops and stations were proposed, including areas for bicycle repair, 3D printing and sewing. The participants also wanted a music room or recording studio as well as a space for artistic and creative activities. Another suggestion was a round-the-clock lending station for tools, bookable via the Campus Card. The implementation should allow students flexible and self-determined use, for example by student working groups. The makerspace should be open to all enrolled students, with digital equipment instructions, for example in the form of YouTube videos.
The pupils and students emphasized the importance of a versatile workshop with 3D printers, workbenches and quiet areas at the pupils' workshop in Zittau. The makerspace should be open to all target groups and offer space for creative design as well as relaxed places to spend time.
The "Future Spaces" workshop aimed to actively involve pupils, students and employees of the HSZG in the design of the makerspace and the green classroom. Various rooms for creative and practical activities were suggested, as well as courses on metal and woodworking and the integration of renewable energies. In terms of equipment, the focus is on technical devices, presentation options and flexible room design. The creation of storage space and lockers to keep materials safe was also suggested. A lively, colorful design of the rooms, for example through graffiti art, was also desired. Finally, the participants emphasized the importance of gender-appropriate language and an inclusive atmosphere in the entire area.
The presentation of the mobile learning space took place on 02.10., 06.11. and 04.12.2024 at both campus locations. In Zittau and Görlitz, students and employees have identified preferred work areas for the makerspace. These include crafts, electronics, robotics and photo, video and audio technology. A mobile bicycle workshop was also mentioned. They also expressed a desire for a mini-kitchen and an art studio, and in Görlitz they also wanted a textile area. Workshops that provide an introduction to devices such as 3D printers and laser cutters, or that deal with everyday automation (e.g. plant irrigation) or jewelry making are particularly popular. In Görlitz, upcycling projects, repair courses and competition formats such as hackathons were also proposed. Preferred event formats are primarily 90-minute workshops. Working groups should take place on a weekly or fortnightly basis - in Zittau on Wednesdays and Thursdays, in Görlitz from Tuesdays to Thursdays.
On December 6, 2024, the motto "Knowledge comes from ... Making!" became tangible in the SLUB Makerspace Dresden. Egmont Schreiter, Robert Viertel and Christian Tiller, members of the ZukLOS team, took the opportunity to explore the many possibilities of the makerspace together with Maik Jähne, the SLUB's cooperation management coordinator, and to discuss plans for a makerspace of their own in Zittau. The aim of the exploration was to gain an overview of the technical equipment, work processes and services for users. The makerspace offers around 200 square meters of space for creative projects, interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. With modern equipment, including 3D printers and laser cutters, as well as practice-oriented courses, the facility enables students, researchers and other target groups to flexibly develop and implement their own ideas. As a learning and meeting place, the makerspace expands the traditional tasks of the library with innovative technologies and practical work.
The Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs would like to thank all participants of the event for their creative ideas, the valuable exchange and the sharing of their thoughts. Their contributions were instrumental in getting the ball rolling for the new makerspace in Zittau and developing the initial design ideas.
Special thanks go to the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, in particular to Dean Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus ten Hagen, for providing the space that made the creative process possible.
We would also like to thank the team of the pro-rector of studienerfolg@saxHAW - Fritzi Luisa Hähnchen, Miriam Meyer, Luisa Rönisch and Aline Schulz - for the excellent planning and implementation of the event. Without their support, this kick-off would not have been possible.
We would also like to thank the university's student council (StuRa) and Orest Lytvyn, the federal volunteer at ZukLOS, for organizing the craft workshops. Thanks to their commitment, the participants were able to take their handicrafts home with them as small gifts for Christmas.
All students, employees of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences as well as regional extracurricular educational institutions and interested parties are invited to actively participate in the design and development of this new creative space. The Makerspace offers the opportunity to develop creative projects, try out ideas and gain new perspectives as an open learning space. Together with you, we want to develop this space into an innovative place for collaboration and experimentation on the campus in Zittau.
The next set-up day will take place:
Date: 15.01.2025
Time: 15:00 to 17:00
Location: House Z IV c, Theodor-Körner-Allee 8, Room 0.01
Contact us if you would like to help shape the event, contribute ideas or support the development of the makerspace. Please contact Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Egmont Schreiter by e-mail at E.Schreiter(at)hszg.de or by telephone on 03583 612-4857.
We look forward to your participation and your creative ideas!
