Makers Lab At Kendall Campus Undergoing $4 Million Renovation

The Makers Lab at Kendall Campus is undergoing a $4 million renovation project that is expected to be completed by August, according to Cristina Mateo, the senior director of administration at the campus. 

Located in building N, the site features space for ceramics, 3D printing, sculpting, glazing and welding. 

The renovated area will include a new air conditioning system, flooring, computers, machinery and a foundry to produce metal castings. It will also feature a larger woodshop area than the one that is currently being used. 

“It will give us a sense of more tranquility,” said architecture student, Reynaldo Verde. “That can certainly benefit.”

The ceramics space features stations with hand building clay and potter wheels that teach students how to make sculptures. It is equipped with kilns so students can turn their clay into pottery.

A sculpture space has a glaze making area so artists can give their ceramics that glistening finish. It also includes an outdoor space for students to put the finishing touches on their projects.

There is a welding area with cable saws and cutting equipment such as laser cutters and computer numerical control routers to cut wood and metals. Students can also weld metals such as bronze and aluminum.

The metal casting station allows students to use a foundry to cast metals into specific molds. The foundry will be outside of the N building.

There is also a 3D printing area. It will be outfitted with new computers after the renovations are complete. 

Makers Lab have become increasingly popular throughout the country as people become eager to create hubs for innovation. They serve as an outlet for students studying engineering, information technology, robotics and visual arts.  

“This is something that is booming everywhere,” Mateo said. 

Once the renovations are complete, the Makers Lab at Kendall Campus will be able to service a maximum of 120 people at a time. It will allow students at the campus to use similar innovations such as the ones enjoyed by students at the Makers Lab at Wolfson.

“I’m happy that they are finally doing this,” said Bonnie Seaman, chair of the department of arts and philosophy at Kendall Campus. “It will benefit everyone.”