Whatever you need to create, create it with the Makerspace

Calling all makers—whether that means DIY-ers, crafters, designers, builders, gamers, tinkerers…the list goes on. No matter what kind of creator you are, UCalgary has two makerspaces packed with tools, equipment and support that are available (for free!) to all students. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to explore new hobbies, build projects for a course, or experiment with ideas without buying expensive gear.

From crafty projects on the sewing and embroidery machines, all the way to robotics labs and virtual reality, there’s something for every kind of creative. 

UCalgary has two makerspaces, both of which offer free workshops, equipment orientations and drop-in support so you can learn as you go. Schulich Makerspace (formerly the Maker Multiplex) gives you access to machine shops, welding bays, electronics labs, laser cutters, woodworking tools and more — ideal for hands-on fabrication, prototyping and engineering-minded projects.

Located in the TFDL, the Lab NEXT Makerspace is home to sewing and embroidery machines, Cricut/laser cutters, 3D printers, and tons more. In addition to the Makerspace, Lab NEXT also has a VR studio, A/V equipment and a gaming library—perfect for digital exploration for school or just for fun.

For the handy maker:

If you’re the type who likes to get hands-on (think woodworking, metalworking, cutting or fabricating), the Student Machine Shop (ENC 09) in the Schulich Makerspace has everything you need to turn raw materials into something real. This space has:

• Mills and lathes for both metal and wood
• A waterjet cutter for precision cuts and metal designs
• A full wood shop with table saws, scroll saws and specialty tools
• A dedicated welding shop where you can learn MIG and TIG welding 

Since this is a room full of spinning blades and arc flashes, online access training is required. Once completed, check out all the workshops and build a cool take home project!

For the crafty maker:

For artists, designers (graphic or fashion), cosplayers, or enthusiasts of anything handmade, both UCalgary makerspaces have tools to help you bring your creative ideas to life. 

At the Lab NEXT Makerspace in TFDL (3rd floor), you’ll find:

• Sewing machines for clothing repairs and custom projects
• Embroidery machines (also available in the Digital Design Lab, ICT 215)
• A Cricut cutter for vinyl decals, stickers, labels and cardstock projects
• Button makers 

The Schulich Makerspace also supports creative projects with its own arts and media tools, including sewing machines, embroidery machines and Cricut cutters Embroidery machines are also available in the Digital Design lab (ICT 215). 

These tools make it easy (and inexpensive) to create something one-of-a-kind, for yourself or someone else. Handmade gifts, anyone? 

For the tech maker:

If you love circuits, sensors, robotics, coding or anything that blinks, beeps or moves, UCalgary’s tech-focused makerspaces give you everything you need to experiment — no engineering experience required. 

At Schulich’s Digital Design Lab and electronics Makerspace,  you can learn programming basics and also get the skills to solder it all together. If you feel a bit intimidated by coding or programming, be sure to register for a workshop. You can get hands-on learning with a project kit, like building a 3D-printed Rex complete with flashing LED eyes! 

You aren’t limited to Schulich—the Lab NEXT Makerspace in TFDL also provides Raspberry Pi kits and Arduino microcontroller kits. 

For the gamers: board, video or tabletop alike

Did you know there’s a whole library of video games available for students to borrow? Lab NEXT has titles ranging from PS2 classics to those for the Oculus Quest VR that you can book!

The newest addition to Schulich’s Makerspace is the ESports room in ENA 04, which is jam-packed with enough gaming PCs to get the whole squad together for a session. 

Tabletop games more your thing? If you need models, minis, meeples or anything to punch up that game board, try 3D printing it! There are four 3D printers in LabNEXT, and a wall of 3D printers in ENA 03. 3D printing is a literal game-changer if you’re a student tempted to spend too much money on your hobbies (an all-too-real experience for the tabletop wargamer).