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A project by Ideo Maker

Caracoles School, Sierra Gorda

A maker room for Caracoles School, in the commune of Sierra Gorda, modeled and walked through in 3D before it was built, and opened in May 2024.

A project byIdeo Maker, for the País Digital Foundation
Year2024
My role3D model, space definition and implementation
ServicesFabLab · Space design · 3D modeling · Education

This is a project by Ideo Maker, made by its team. Here I show the part I worked on.

Caracoles School, Sierra Gorda

A STEAM Maker Room for Caracoles School, in the commune of Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta region, developed by Ideo Maker for the País Digital Foundation. It is part of MASXXI, the País Digital Foundation's education transformation program, funded by BHP's Spence mine. The project had two stages: first the space modeled and walked through in 3D, and then the room built and opened, with the teachers trained to use it.

01My role

  • 3D model of the space in Unreal Engine
  • Definition of the Aula STEAM Maker Space, with the team
  • Implementation and training process

Modeling the room before building it is not a presentation exercise. It lets you discuss circulation, machine placement and work zones with the institution at the moment when moving a table costs a click and not construction work. When the school sees the space walked through in first person, different observations come up.

Overview: collaborative work tables in the center and computer stations around the edge.
Overview: collaborative work tables in the center and computer stations around the edge.
The row of workstations along the window.
The row of workstations along the window.
The entrance to the maker space, with the project signage.
The entrance to the maker space, with the project signage.
Color study for the space.
Color study for the space.
3D printing zone with its support materials on the wall.
3D printing zone with its support materials on the wall.

02The finished room

The room opened in May 2024, together with a printed guide that serves as the space's reference: the STEAM approach, design thinking and the three zones of the classroom, so the teaching staff has at hand why the room is designed this way.

The STEAM wall, built...
The STEAM wall, built...
...and the same wall in the model, before it was built.
...and the same wall in the model, before it was built.
The tool wall, with the 3D printer and the kits.
The tool wall, with the 3D printer and the kits.
The whole room.
The whole room.
The work table.
The work table.
Graphics from the STEAM guide delivered with the room.
Graphics from the STEAM guide delivered with the room.
The poster of the Aula STEAM Maker Space.
The poster of the Aula STEAM Maker Space.

03The opening

The rooms at the two schools opened together on May 23, 2024, with local officials, Spence representatives and the school community. That day Ideo Maker set up a maker fair for students. The photos are from the joint event with Estación Baquedano School.

Ideo Maker's maker fair, during the opening.
Ideo Maker's maker fair, during the opening.Photo: País Digital Foundation
The ribbon cutting.
The ribbon cutting.Photo: País Digital Foundation
Officials, teams and the school community.
Officials, teams and the school community.Photo: País Digital Foundation

In the press