CHALLENGE
The Dutch Royal Library is struggling to exist. With digitisation the need for books is limited. To stay relevant, they have decided to adopt the concept of makerspaces. Originately found in American schools, makerspaces are locations with tools and materials for woodworking, 3D-printing and other hands-on crafts. Now a group of local libraries, including Library Oldenzaal, take part in a research pilot to explore the potential of this concept. How can the libary attract young people with the makerspace concept?
How can the library increase the intrinsic motivation to “create” among young people (aged 12-18)?
APPROACH
To answer this very open question I apply a range of research and design methods in three iterations of three weeks.
From initial exploration, including client meetings, location visits and a widely distributed questionnaire among teenagers, I define a design goal. Unlike my peers who are focussing on the classical elements of libraries (books) and makerspaces (crafts), I aim on letting young people do something they are already interested in and enjoy: cooking food or designing clothes.
At least 36% of nearly 200 high school students surveyed say they want to learn how to cook.
Five first ideas are generated and assessed with an initial programme of requirements, and presented to representatives of the Oldenzaal Library. The ‘makerkitchen’ is deemed most interesting and therefore further developed and defined in terms of sustainability. I visit existing cooking workshop spaces, gather input from chefs and propose scenarios to teenagers.
Using 3D-modelling software and informed by ergonomic and legal requirements for a kitchen, I build the shape of the kitchen counter and canope. Drawing on previous findings, I make an inventory of the necessary kitchen utensils and equipment for 8 users.
VISION
Cooking is a perfect activity for teengares in the makerspace in Library Oldenzaal. Everyone needs to eat and has preferences in taste, so they are empowered to fulfill to those needs themselves. Cooking and eating together connects people. And teenagers should be able to cook independently when they leave their parents’ home in a few years. Society also benefits from young people learning to cook, because a new generation then knows how to make sustainable use of raw materials and energy resources to produce healthy food.
The solution is based on a number of core values that derived from the human-centred design research.
DELICIOUS
TOGETHER
INDEPENDENT
SUSTAINABLE
HEALTHY
AFFORDABLE
SOLUTION
The makerkitchen is a space and service-system for teenagers to learn cooking in the library.
Services
Giving access to tools that teenagers may not be able to use at home
- Moroccan tagine
- Dough mixer
- Pasta roller
- Airfryer
Offering expert guidance and inspiration
- every week, 3 hours including food
- experts (11 farmers, 14 artisans and 21 chefs)
- they do this as a social service, for their own CSR boost.
- can bring their own youth network (customers and employees)
- against payment (up to 15 euro)
- theme: foreign cuisine, regional/seasonal products
Providing the space and resources to cook meals
- every afternoon after school
- guidance from the library
- free for library members (youth subscription)
- Supervisors do not have to be good cooks, passion and energy are most important.
- access to cook books from library
- groceries brought from supermarket or harvested from communal herbs and vegetable garden around the kitchen
Space
The work surface is large enough for 8 users and 1 or 2 attendants and has power outlets nearby. The inner ring is literally the focal point, the core of the concept, which can therefore be installed inside the library, or any other public space. Necessary equipment is always within reach and instructors can quickly serve all participants from the centre.
PROJECT DETAILS
duration
April 2021 – June 2021
COURSE
Industrial Design Engineering Bachelor End Project
client
Royal Library, specifically Library Oldenzaal
assessing coachES
Joep Trappenburg
Claudie van Riet
final grade
7,0 / 10