Inspiring residents of Cambridge with a center of creativity and innovation
Since 1956, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) has revitalized urban areas in Cambridge with a mission to achieve social equity and a balanced economic ecosystem through creative community projects and programs.
The Foundry is the latest accomplishment from the CRA, a self-sustaining center for creativity and collaboration in Kendall Square that gives residents access to dynamic working and learning opportunities, particularly for underrepresented communities.
The Foundry is a new construction project featuring a variety of spaces, including a theatre, dance studio, food lab, and maker spaces. The Foundry team wanted community members to explore and get hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment for the four new specialized maker spaces.
Outfit four specialized maker spaces in a new construction community center
The Foundry includes four new makers spaces—a STEAM workshop, Fiber Arts workshop, Metal Arts workshop, and Wood workshop. At the beginning of the project, the team compiled a wish list of equipment they were interested in for the workshops. However, they needed someone with expertise in maker space equipment to review their selections.
Seamless installation and support of cutting-edge equipment for residents of Cambridge
After hearing about the goals of The Foundry for the citizens of Cambridge, the AET Labs team provided recommendations for the original equipment wish list to better serve the needs of their community members. From there, the AET Labs team led all aspects of equipment installation for the four new maker spaces.
AET Labs sourced and purchased all equipment, tools, and items for the maker spaces from various manufacturers. In the STEAM workshop, people can access various 3D printers, a laser cutter, CNC machine, and power tools. The Metal Arts workshop has multiple high-quality sewing machines, including systems capable of custom embroidery. And in the Wood workshop, a variety of woodworking tools are available, including a table saw that stops the blade in milliseconds upon sensing any human contact.
To minimize disruptions during construction, AET Labs organized all equipment deliveries at an off-site warehouse. When the construction team was ready, AET Labs delivered the equipment to The Foundry and assembled and commissioned all equipment. In addition, AET Labs trained The Foundry team members on the operation and maintenance of the new equipment so they could support and teach community members in the maker spaces.
The Foundry, a new makerspace in an old building, The Boston Globe
AET Labs Completes Major Installations at Massachusetts Institutions, High-Profile Monthly
