Hackerspace

A Hacker Space ( Hacker and Space, Eng. Room for ) or Hackspace is a physical, often more open space in which hackers as well as in science, technology, or digital art ( and many other areas ) can meet interested and exchange. They are usually worn by clubs, which organize the interested parties.

Function

Many hackerspaces are committed to the promotion of education in technical fields, as well as the themes of the hacker culture ( such as the free software / open source, free hardware or network policy ), where the range of topics may vary depending on the Hackerspace. Typical activities are therefore Do it yourself sessions and workshops, outreach through presentations, demonstrations and lectures, social activities such as knowledge sharing and joint learning, but also the organization of parties and games. Hackerspaces provide for an infrastructure, especially beverages, electricity, internet connections, network connections, and tools. Depending on the equipment and options for food preparation or showers may be present, as well as larger tools and equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC milling machines, band saws, etc. For this reason, it is sometimes spoken of Makerspace, the transition to the FabLab fluently.

Most entering no fee is payable. However, since the provision of infrastructure costs money, is frequently asked for membership in the appropriate sponsoring organization. Often, the premises will be made ​​available to other groups of the same topic are available. Some hackerspaces like the Metalab in the early years, benefit from government subsidies in infrastructure or projects.

History

Hackerspaces were first established in Germany by established venues such as the c-base in Berlin or the C4 in Cologne. Later, the German club model has been copied abroad. Responsible for this is a document with the name " Hacker Space Design Patterns" of the Chaos Computer Club, are given in the advice to rent premises to finance the Hackerspace and the basis on which decisions should be made.

Known Hacker Spaces

Internationally known, for example, the c-base in Berlin, Hamburg and the attractor in the space-time laboratory in Mannheim and the Metalab in Vienna in German-speaking countries. Better known Hackerspaces in the English language are the NYC Resistor in New York City and the Noise Bridge in San Francisco.