Makerspaces – a model for open experimental learning environments at KTH Architecture

Mapped principles 

The project is mapped to the following framework principles:

P5. Available experimental environments

P2. Ability to handle wicked problems for a sustainable societal development  

P6. Vibrant campus  

P9. A developing educational culture

Definitions of the principles

Contact

Katja Tollmar Grillner professor

grillner@kth.se , 087908549

Profile

Project number 

This project is implemented at the School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE) within the Future Education programme (project no. 2603-ABE) 

Project context 

KTH Architecture has long had large experimental learning environments for the department’s students in Architecture, Sustainable Urban Planning, and Lighting Design. These consist of three studio floors with approximately 500 individual study places for work on design projects, including drawings, image production, model making, exhibition mounting, and similar activities. They also include a well-equipped model workshop with good conditions for woodwork, plaster casting, and digital fabrication (3D printer, laser cutter, and CNC milling machine), as well as a robotic arm. A qualified lighting design lab has also been developed over the past two years. 

For the most part, these resources are currently only available to the department’s students (with a few individual exceptions for specific projects). There is considerable pressure from the organisation, and it is difficult to open up to receive more students without this being at the expense of the department’s students and course quality. 

The conditions, primarily an organisational and financial model, for a more open makerspace at KTH Architecture need to be investigated.

Purpose (outcome) 

The overall purpose of the project is to: 

• significantly increase exchange between architecture students and students in other programmes on campus 
• enable the general public to make use of the resources and thereby increase interest in and understanding of design work in architecture and urban development processes. 
• This will be done by investigating the conditions for a more open makerspace at KTH Architecture. 

Project results (output) 

The project will deliver the following concrete results: 

• An organisational and financial model that enables a change in operations to allow open zones in both the studio and the workshop. The “zones” may be partly spatial (fully open areas and workshop activities) and partly time-based (for example, open at weekends or in the evenings). 
• Final report. 

Time plan 

Start date: 2026-05-15
End date: 2027-05-15 

Project documentation 

If you have a KTH ID, you can read the documents when logged in:

• Poster: The project’s first poster (in Swedish) will be available at the ”Storträffen” meetup autumn 2026
• Project directive (Swedish): Projektdirektiv_FrU26_2603-ABE_MakerSpaceArk.pdf