The Workshop

AM Qattan Foundation’s Science Studio consists of two main areas. The first is the office and services area, located at a mezzanine level or second floor, that overlooks the operational area, as shown in the two photos below:

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The second is the operational area where working spaces, a machine shop (both wood and metal), an electronic lab, a tinkering area, and an 85m² exhibition space are housed in an open floor plan. The map below shows the various spaces in the operational area:

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1. Entrance

The main entrance to the Science Studio is used by staff, visitors, and stakeholders to enter the studio and simultaneously serves as an entry path for the supplies and raw materials that are used to create the exhibits. A wide gate can be opened to allow for the delivery of large items.

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2. Exhibition Space

The 85m² exhibition space is used mainly to present Science Studio exhibits and exhibitions but also allows for prototyping specific outcomes with visitors. The space’s layout responds to the needs of each exhibition; supporting false-ceiling structures enable various electric and electronic solutions. This place can also be used for activities. The pictures below show the current situation in this area:

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3. Tinkering Room

This part of the Science Studio is used mainly as an area for educational activities and has the capacity to house 16 participants. The space is equipped with safe basic tools that can be used by participants and low-skilled workers to produce small prototypes. It also includes a 3D printer, a vinyl cutter, a sewing machine, and a heat press that can be used under the observation of studio staff.

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4. Storage Area

The storage area is used to store a variety of materials and equipment not needed on a regular basis; it also keeps previous exhibits or parts of these.

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5. Machine Shop Area

In this 250m² machine shop space most of the exhibit production occurs. Access to this area is restricted and permitted only after the successful completion of an orientation and safety training session. This area is divided into three main parts:

• Heavy Wood- and Metalworking Machinery: This part of the workshop is dedicated for all the heavy work. It includes a variety of machines and tools for a wide range of processes and operations, such as woodworking, metalworking, welding, and more. Below is a picture of the space in addition to a list of the available machinery:

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• Assembly Area: This area is dedicated to work that employs  hand tools. As it includes less dangerous tools than the machinery area, this space requires minor supervision. It includes a laser cutter that can be used to carve wood and PVC and is supported by a workstation with the necessary drafting software. A picture of this area is presented below in addition to a list of the available tools:

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• Electronics Lab: this small part of the workshop is dedicated to work with electronics and technology and equipped with a diversity of tools and materials needed for such work. Below is a picture of the space and a list of the tools:

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