In the Interior of Innovation: The Makerspace Paradigm

In addition to the many ways that innovation is defined or perceived, there is a growing understanding that the development of a «culture of innovation» is crucial to its progress, in many cases more pivotal than technological excellence. In the Interior of Innovation: The Makerspace Paradigm investigates the complex social field of Makerspaces and FabLabs, in an attempt to overcome a current lack of specific literature, particularly concerning the analysis of built environment where these peer production communities meet, share and work. Going through the examination of 18 distinct locations in Europe, each characterised by its own dynamic ecology and adaptive attitude, this empirical study digs into makerspace rituals, protocols, topologies and layouts. Moreover, driven by the desire of understanding how such spaces can matter-of-factly encourage human agency and innovation, it explores the impact on people’s behaviours and social interactions. The result is twofold. On the one hand, a conceptual framework based on the hypothesis that intangible qualities and behaviours from the digital workspaces are being transferred to the built physical ones. On the other, a mobile app that, working as a research tool, is a generative programme, a reflection of participants’ needs and desires able to adapt and evolve continuously through the co-participation of members and users.