Hackerspace

A hackerspace (RaumZeitLabor in Mannheim)

A Hacker Space (from hackers and Space , Eng. Of space) or Hack Space is a physical, often open space in which hackers as well as science , technology or digital art meet (and many other areas) interested and exchange. They are mostly supported by associations in which interested parties organize.

function

Interior of the c-base in Berlin

Many hackerspaces are committed to promoting general education in the technical field, as well as the topics of hacker culture (such as free software / open source , free hardware or network policy ), whereby the range of topics can vary depending on the hacker space. Typical activities are therefore do-it-yourself sessions and workshops , public relations work through presentations, demonstrations and lectures, social activities such as sharing knowledge and learning together, but also the organization of parties and games. Hackerspaces provide an infrastructure for this , especially drinks , electricity , Internet access , network connections and tools . Depending on the equipment and options for food preparation or to showers be present, as well as larger tools and equipment such as 3D printers , laser cutters , CNC milling machines , band saws , etc. For this reason, sometimes by Makerspace speaking, the transition to FabLab is fluently.

Usually there is no fee to be paid upon entry. However, since the provision of the infrastructure costs money, membership in the relevant sponsoring association is often requested. The rooms are often made available to other groups from the same subject area. Some hackerspaces, such as Metalab in the early years, benefit from government subsidies in infrastructure or projects.

history

Hackerspaces were initially set up in Germany through established meeting points such as the c-base in Berlin or the C4 in Cologne. The German club model was later copied abroad. Responsible for this is a document called "Hackerspace Design Patterns" by the Chaos Computer Club , in which advice is given on renting space, financing the Hackerspace and on what basis decisions should be made.

Well-known hackerspaces

Internationally known in German-speaking countries are, for example, the c-base in Berlin , the Attraktor in Hamburg and the RaumZeitLabor in Mannheim as well as the Metalab in Vienna . Well-known hackerspaces in the English-speaking world are the NYC Resistor in New York City and the Noisebridge in San Francisco .

The hackerspaces.org project (see under web links ) also maintains a comprehensive directory of existing and planned hackerspaces around the world and also offers a wiki for communication and overall coordination of activities.

See also

• FabLab (also called Makerspace) as a more machine / workshop-centered facility
• Hackerspace Global Grid , project to build a distributed communication network
• Repair café
• Self-help workshop

Web links

Commons : Hackerspaces  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Hackerspaces.org , worldwide directory of Hackerspaces, with an English-language wiki
• Hackerspaces - Background to a new global movement to create creative spaces - Podcast of the Chaosradio Express
• Homes for Hackers - The Time of January 17, 2009
• Tinkering Makes Comeback Amid Crisis - Wall Street Journal November 13, 2009
• Hackers seek physical space outside the virtual world - Irish Times, November 16, 2009

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Jens Ohlig , Lars Weiler : Building a Hacker Space. (PDF; 6.5 MB) December 27, 2007, accessed May 10, 2011 .