A new makerspace is now available to students, staff and faculty at Carmichael Residence Hall, thanks to a collaboration between ITS ResNET, Carolina Housing, BeAM, OASIS and the Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Launched Fall 2017
The 3,000-square-foot center, called Blue Makerspace, opened in Fall 2017. The space is named for the blue light emitted from the assemblage of 3-D printers at the center–24 in all. In addition to the 3-D printers, Blue provides other digital fabrication tools and a full kitchen for culinary creations.
ResNET worked with Carolina Housing to purchase the technology for the space and coordinated with OASIS and BeAM staff to configure that technology.
ResNET maintains AV, other tech
In a wonderful example of collaboration across departmental units, each of the participating partners has a role in the new space. ResNET maintains the audio-visual equipment in the space and conducts routine proactive checks on all technology in the space. OASIS, oversees computer access and maintenance of computers in the space for the BeAM employees. BeAM maintains the 3-D printers and staffing of the makerspace.
Kenan-Flagler Business School, meanwhile, uses the space to teach classes as part of its innovation-themed learning community, called Blue Sky Innovation Community, or Blue, for short.
The Carmichael makerspace is one of four on campus. The other makerspaces within the BeAM network are located at Hanes Art Center, Murray Hall and Venable Hall.