PROJECT  MAKE

LOCATION  Baltimore, Maryland, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  12/1/2025

Firm(s): PI.KL Studio 

Design Team Members: Ryan Couto, Pavlina Ilieva, Kuo Pao Lian

Client: Maryland Science Center
Contractor/Construction Manager: 

Landscape Architect: 

Structural Engineer: TLC Engineering Solutions

Civil Engineer: 

Mechanical Engineer: 

Electrical Engineer: Highpoint Electric

Photographer(s): Steven Norris Photography
Additional project support: Metal and Millwork Fabrication and Installation - Monkey in the Metal
Lighting Specification - Lighting Environments

PROJECT SUMMARY

The project re-envisions a popular maker space interactive exhibit located inside the Maryland Science Center of Baltimore. The previous iteration of the exhibit involved “The Shed" - a take on the humble back yard structure where things are invented, dreamt and built. The new exhibit is to be larger, more flexible and at a more prominent location while still embodying the culture of making – past and future.

Enter MAKE - a life-size version of the Erector set. This custom build not only recalls memories of endless exploration but also accommodates a variety of programmatic uses needed for the operation of the maker space. The main design concept involves an 8’ grid where solids and voids define programmatic spaces. The open and flexible workspace sits under the ‘Cloud’ – a self-illuminated volume suspended above. The main entry to the exhibit is anchored by a vertical element – the ‘Tower’, which also organized the rest of the support spaces like the main desk, office and utility area. The third element is the central volume – the ‘Wall’, which encloses the maker space and serves as project display space and supply storage. A secondary entry, defined by a large pivot door allows for the space to spill out into the adjacent open area during events, while telescoping panels extend into the open work area to provide separation when needed.

MAKE follows a simple and honest material logic of express assembled parts, where the primary structure uses Unistrut components and custom designed and fabricated kit-of-part connectors. Operable parts include a retractable lift-up window panel, sliding partition on a Unistrut track, and pivot hardware for the center-pivot door. Overhead Unistrut frame offers ability to mount equipment and lighting throughout the space. Pegboard tower is a nod to the at-home work bench and offers practical & flexible wall storage. Use of plywood surfaces and bright pops of color warm up and energize the space.

The 1,500 SF maker space supports traditional tools and crafts as well as digital fabrication processes. The open workspace can function as event space for fundraising or corporate events off-hours, allowing for great flexibility in type and size of activities. While programming is available for all ages, MAKE encourages kids to work on projects with their parents/grandparents, providing a cross-generational touchpoint.

JURY COMMENTS (if applicable)

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. Steven Norris Photography
2. Steven Norris Photography
3. Steven Norris Photography
4. Steven Norris Photography
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