Makerspaces are collaborative workspaces inside an educational institution, library, or separate public/private facility in which people with shared interests, especially in computing or technology, can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment and knowledge.
In Türkiye, the first such makerspace called ‘Co-Space’ (Collaboration Space) was established in 2017 under the umbrella of the Sabanci University Information Centre in Istanbul. For the University, Co-Space is an extremely important place that enables students from each programme, regardless of discipline, to create new ideas and new products by working together, providing space for them to market their products. For the first time, the students of the Engineering and Natural Sciences, the Arts and Social Sciences, and the Management Sciences departments, were able to closely work on collaborative projects together.
The establishment of Co-Space was a response to the continuous significant skills challenge in Türkiye. According to the OECD report from 2019, the average skills outcome for youth, tertiary graduates and adults were lower than expected. The report notes that adults have significantly lower proficiency rates in literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills than adults in other OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. OECD suggested that Türkiye focus its efforts on ensuring that all its people have the necessary skills to respond to the challenges and opportunities of a complex and rapidly-changing world. Harnessing the power of technology as a tool for learning and using skills effectively in work and society were among the recommended actions.
Co-Space has a wide range of tools, equipment, software, and hardware ranging from multiple-feature 3D printers to 3D scanners, virtual reality to robotics, from Raspberry Pi to Arduino (open-source electronic prototyping platform), from laser cutters to drill kits, from purpose-equipped computers to software.
In addition to the above tools, there is a photo studio and an audio recording space, as well as a seminar room where both national and international video conferences, training and other events are held. Since 2019, Co-Space’s information specialists provided 65 training programmes on wide range of topics, including use of the available equipment and technologies.
As part of the fight against COVID-19, information reached the Co-space staff that health workers needed visor masks, a situation that prompted the employees of the Co-Space to action. Co-space responded by beginning to produce 3D-printed masks. From March 2020, Co-Space produced, on average, 50 to 100 visor masks every day. Visor masks were distributed to health workers and security guards at hospitals, community health centres, pharmacies and other institutions. Co-Space has now produced more than 2,300 visor masks, helping to manage and reduce health risks in the community.
Dr. Mustafa Yildiz from the Haydarpaşa Numune Hospital shared his gratitude: “Thanks to this contribution, we did not feel a deficiency of protective equipment. We would like to thank all our friends who identified a need and printed visors to help our country in the fight against Coronavirus.”
