The new Maker Space is currently under construction on the site between high and middle schools and is scheduled for completion by January 2023.

The Maker Space was designed with the collaboration of the school’s architect Paula Duque and the technology staff led by Hector Londoño. Construction began in June. 

“14 years ago when I came to this school, a large group of people started thinking about that, and now it’s gonna be a dream come true,” John Higuita, MS Technology Teacher, said.

The Maker Space will be a workshop in which students find tools and machines needed for any kind of project including 3D printers, laser cutters, an audio-visual room, and a graphic design.  

 “We’re going to have an awesome Maker Space where you’re going to find all the tools and the machines that you need for any kind of project,” Higuita said. 

All the technology teachers, administration, and architectural administrators collaborated to find the best opportunity for students to take advantage of the technology resources the school offers.

 “We started asking questions, what do students need? This planning stage was very useful for identifying what we really needed as a school,” Paula Duque, Head Architect, said. 

During the planning stage, the school faced several challenges including the sustainability and viability of such a complex project.

“We wanted the new Maker Space to have more windows for everyone to see what is happening inside and make it more modern,” Duque said.

The Maker Space has been a priority since 2008 and the goal to finish it by January 2023.

“It is a must. It is a thing that all schools should have. I hope that we can have it for January, and I know it is not only going to benefit tech but all the classes,” Higuita, said. 

While traditionally used by the technology team, the construction of a larger space will allow for a wide range of activities in other subject areas including Spanish, social studies, among others. The final goal of the project is to provide a space for innovation. 

“The new Maker Space will have a whole floor for the robotics team. We will also have a specific media area, specific programming area, and that will facilitate the learning of all people as it will promote innovation in the school,” Santiago Restrepo, Grade 12 Robotics Team Member, said.