Digital 52 3️⃣5️⃣ - On Moving from a big city to a remote village, Growing your community along the way, and educating the future generations to the craft and art of making: the story of Maker’s Asylum.
Today’s story will take you to a small village in Goa, India. What’s there? A Makerspace that has made moving a part of its growth and educational strategy!
Community Growth - Education - Makerspaces
You can read the story of Maker’s Asylum on page 154 of “Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces”.
Makerspaces have always captivated us. Throughout our travels exploring coworking spaces worldwide, we have witnessed the profound impact that makerspaces have on their cities and their members. Within these creative havens, we have encountered inspiring stories of transformation. Lawyers turned skilled craftsmen, startups shaping the future of mobility, and artists utilizing makerspaces to bring their grand artistic visions to life. Our first encounter with Maker's Asylum, the space we are thrilled to introduce to you today, took place in Mumbai. We were so moved by the experience that we even documented it in a blog post, which you can find here. If there is one aspect on which Maker's Asylum has wholeheartedly focused its journey, it is unquestionably education. As you are about to discover, education encompasses various dimensions within the realm of Maker's Asylum, extending far beyond simply teaching people how to use machinery. Their educational odyssey has led the entire team through a series of remarkable adventures, beginning in Mumbai and Delhi, and ultimately culminating in a remote village near the sea. How did it all unfold? Keep reading to find out.
➡️ A little refresher
Who’s behind the featured space?
Meet Vaibhav Chhabra, the original founder of Maker’s Asylum.
Vaibhav was studying in Boston, while also working for a startup. There, he encountered a big community of makers called Artists and Asylum. When he moved back to India he could not find a space where makers create and do things themselves. Facing many challenges with the product he was working on back in India, testing in rural areas, and having to give it to service providers so they can redesign the hardware part of it, he was missing the community in Boston and decided to create his own makerpace space and give it a name inspired by it.
3 years after founding Maker’s Asylum, Vaibhav was joined by his partner in life and in business Richa Shrivastava. They’ve been growing the business and their team ever since.
➡️ Key Figures
- Opening year: 2014
- Size when they started: 1 space in Mumbai
- Size today: 1 space in Moira, a village in the region of Goa
➡️ A little tour around Maker’s Asylum
➡️ Behind-the-scenes
Things you didn't read in aw250cs
During the initial stages of Maker's Asylum, generating revenue through memberships posed a challenge due to a lack of understanding of the concept of makerspaces. In response, the team embarked on numerous experiments to establish an inclusive and financially viable space. Today, Maker's Asylum has successfully diversified its revenue streams, with a primary focus on its diverse program offerings. These programs serve as platforms for fostering collaboration, addressing community building, nurturing design thinking, and organizing engaging hackathons.
While initially, Maker's Asylum faced slow growth as the concept of makerspaces was relatively niche, leading to a lack of understanding among people. Recognizing this, the team adopted a strategy of emphasizing experiential learning over excessive explanation. This approach allowed individuals to personally experience the value and impact of a makerspace firsthand.
Furthermore, two notable initiatives have played a significant role in raising awareness about makerspaces in India.
Firstly, the government has actively encouraged the establishment of makerspaces within educational institutions, amplifying their presence and benefits. This initiative has contributed to the growing recognition of makerspaces as valuable learning environments.
Secondly, the pandemic served as a catalyst, reminding people of the importance of local and sustainable solutions. This shift in mindset further highlighted the relevance of makerspaces, which foster local innovation, collaborative problem-solving, and the development of sustainable practices.
As a result, both the strategic focus on experiential learning and the broader initiatives promoting makerspaces have contributed to increased awareness and understanding of this transformative concept.
"The experience of moving here has taught us the importance of being organized, and maintaining a work-life balance, and has brought several positive aspects to our work in this smaller place."
Vaibhav Chhabrah - Co/Founder of Maker's Asylum
➡️ Maker’s Asylum Today
Working on the weekly updates for “Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces” serves as a constant reminder of the rapid changes experienced by the featured spaces. Some flourish, while others close their doors or undergo changes in ownership. Maker's Asylum, like many others, has not only transformed physically but has also shifted its location. However, their journey involved more than just moving from one building to another; they transitioned from the bustling metropolis of Mumbai to a quaint village with a population of merely 1,700 inhabitants. How did this significant shift come to be? Did it entail starting anew from scratch? How did Maker's Asylum manage to sustain its business amidst such a relocation? These are some of the questions we delved into during a recent interview with Vaibhav, Co-Founder of Maker's Asylum. Keep scrolling to uncover fascinating insights.
💫 Settling in, Education, Resetting.
As mentioned earlier, Maker's Asylum has undergone a significant transformation in its journey. However, which aspect proved to be the most challenging? Was it the physical relocation from one city to another, or was it the process of adapting to an entirely new environment, with unfamiliar rules and ways of life?
Embarking in a new environment necessitates relearning various aspects of your daily routine. Throughout the process of transitioning to a different setting, what valuable lessons have Maker's Asylum, both as a space and a community, acquired? Get ready to discover their insights and experiences!
💬 I’d like to start by asking you: what’s new at Maker’s Asylum since September 2021? (the month the book was released)
In 2021, we relocated to Goa around September, embarking on a fresh journey and entering a new phase of our lives. It was a significant shift for us, moving from the bustling city of Mumbai to the picturesque village of Moira in Goa.
Situated in the northeastern part of Goa, Moira is an exquisite hilly village adorned with a flowing river nearby. Surrounded by abundant nature and tranquility, this change has had a profound impact on our mindset and physical surroundings.
Undertaking such a bold move during the pandemic was a courageous decision. Prior to 2021, Maker’s Asylum, our organization, operated primarily in Mumbai and Delhi, and we contemplated expanding to other cities such as Jaipur and Kochi, where we had secured spaces.
However, since 2021, our work has taken on a more hybrid approach. When I say hybrid, I mean that we now collaborate with communities and students in a format that combines both virtual and physical elements. All our programs incorporate virtual interactions for ideation, critical thinking, and learning, allowing participants to connect with us from anywhere in the world. Subsequently, they have the opportunity to join us in Goa for a residency, where they can immerse themselves in a diverse global community and utilize our space to bring their ideas to life.
💬 Maker’s Asylum started in Mumbai, but you moved to Goa during the pandemic. Why?
There are several aspects to consider.
Initially, the primary reason for our move was the pandemic and the challenge of maintaining rent for our extensive 10,000-square-foot space in Mumbai. With the pandemic impacting our programs and universities halting student participation, it became difficult to sustain operations there. However, this wasn't the sole factor influencing our decision to move to Goa, nor is it the reason we chose to stay. When we initially relocated, we anticipated returning or finding alternative solutions. What truly convinced us to remain in Goa was the remarkable community that has evolved here over the past decade or so, consisting of artists, designers, and architects from various parts of India, particularly Mumbai. This migration from Mumbai to Goa has occurred due to several factors, one of which is the availability of space.
By space, I don't solely mean physical space but also mental space. Goa provides a creative haven for exploration, surrounded by nature while offering access to a global world. As a multicultural state influenced by its Portuguese history rather than British colonization, Goa has experienced a constant influx of people with diverse backgrounds. Many Goans have traveled abroad, bringing back different experiences, while settlers and merchants have shaped the landscape, incorporating cultural elements from around the world. Even today, Goa remains an alluring tourist destination and a place where people seek freedom from their everyday concerns and enjoy a liberated lifestyle.
Since our move here, we have encountered incredible individuals engaged in diverse pursuits.
For instance, we met a talented photographer who settled in Goa years ago and has been capturing the essence of village life through his lens. In our community, there is also a skilled individual at Maker’s Asylum who customizes and modifies cars in his backyard. Moreover, numerous metalworkers in the vicinity craft magnificent structures from metal. We have also encountered retired professionals who once made significant contributions to renowned global companies before choosing Goa as their home. The amalgamation of these different mindsets in one place is truly exciting, as it brings together people from various stages of life within a more intimate setting compared to the vastness of Mumbai. This intimacy fosters more meaningful conversations and openness, which can be challenging to achieve in a bustling city like Mumbai due to the constant influx of people and the resulting time constraints. Here in Goa, with less traffic and fewer distractions, we can truly connect with others and engage in meaningful conversations. Thus, this move has undoubtedly proven to be rewarding since its inception.
💬 You’ve moved spaces a few times since you started, what has moving meant for your community? Did you have to restart every time?
Our journey has been a blend of circumstances and choices. Our departure from Mumbai was not entirely voluntary, as we were essentially forced out of our spaces. Various reasons such as the desire to open a canteen or the need for additional rooms prompted our eviction. Surprisingly, with each move, our space seemed to expand, growing larger than before. In hindsight, it was remarkable to witness this continual expansion despite our initial expectations of downsizing. Nonetheless, what unfolded was not only a physical relocation but also an exploration of different communities scattered throughout Mumbai.
For instance, when we were situated in Bandra, we found ourselves in the midst of a vibrant community of creative entrepreneurs hailing from diverse backgrounds. The area attracted filmmakers, artists, and a multitude of artistic individuals. Interacting with them and witnessing their open-mindedness as they explored our space was truly amazing. Subsequently, we moved to Parel, which served as the financial hub of the city. Additionally, we were housed within a design school, leading to encounters with designers and professionals from the financial sector. It was a unique experience to welcome corporate workers who, after their day jobs, ventured into Maker’s Asylum for exploration, exposing them to a different world altogether. This experience proved enriching for both us and our visitors, as they discovered a space that deviated from their regular routines. With each relocation, we managed to tap into existing communities while also infusing a flavor of our own previous community, resulting in a captivating journey.
It may not have been the most sustainable path, but it has undeniably been a beautiful one. The opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse mindsets has been invaluable. This diversity, alongside the multicultural aspect of a makerspace or community space, is key to its vibrancy and growth. Encountering people from various disciplines coming together in a shared space enhances the community's dynamism and fosters a unique atmosphere. It has truly been an enriching experience for us to witness the fusion of different cultures, disciplines, and perspectives, ultimately contributing to the essence of our community.
💬 As said earlier, you are now located in a village in the region of Goa. What was the hardest in shifting from busy Mumbai to a village?
Oh, we encountered a multitude of challenges. I distinctly remember when we first moved here, a few months later, we were in the midst of working on several projects when a cyclone hit. The aftermath was devastating as we lost electricity for an entire week. In a village setting, when power is absent for that long, everything comes to a standstill, and it feels desolate. To make matters worse, water started flowing inside Maker’s Asylum, turning the space into a mini waterway with water about an inch deep.
During that time, we faced numerous issues. We had no means to charge our phones, no torches, and no lights. We were unprepared for such circumstances. In our first year, we lacked the knowledge of how to navigate through these challenges. Additionally, the cyclone damaged the front section of Maker’s Asylum, causing it to collapse entirely. It was an incredibly chaotic time to have moved to Goa. However, since then, we have adapted and found ways to overcome these obstacles. We now have our own backup electricity sources, including a generator and an inverter. These are things we never even considered needing when we were in a bustling city like Mumbai. We had to redo the plumbing in Goa to ensure it functions properly. Moreover, we have reliable internet backup and stable electricity, making us more self-sufficient rather than overly dependent on the conveniences of the city.
One advantage of being in the city was the ability to source anything we needed. When operating a makerspace, a wide range of materials is required, from raw materials for prototyping to finding skilled individuals to service our machines. Since our move, we have learned to service our own machines, a task we primarily outsourced before. However, we now need to plan ahead and be more proactive in sourcing materials. Last-minute requests are not feasible anymore, so we must plan at least a month in advance and arrange for materials from various locations.
Despite these adjustments, overall, I would say we have become more self-sufficient and have developed a better understanding of working with the local village community and nearby cities. We are fortunate to have a city called Mapsa, just five minutes away, which allows us to conveniently obtain what we need.
However, it's important to note that everything in the area shuts down from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for siesta time. This concept of an afternoon break was unfamiliar to us coming from Mumbai, a city that operates 24/7. Even essential services like medical stores are closed during that time, making it challenging to acquire medicines if needed.
The experience of moving here has taught us the importance of being organized, and maintaining a work-life balance, and has brought several positive aspects to our work in this smaller place.
💬 How did you grow awareness about what’s a makerspace in your new environment?
Oh, it has indeed been a bit challenging. The journey has been both interesting and tricky, even in a city like Mumbai. When Maker’s Asylum started a decade ago, there were hardly any makerspaces in India. We were among the pioneers in this field, which made it difficult to raise awareness and explain our mission and purpose. It feels like we're going back to those early days now in Goa.
However, what's truly beautiful is that regardless of the location, whether it was the inception of Maker’s Asylum in Mumbai or its presence in Goa, there has always been a sense of excitement and an eager audience awaiting our presence.
We have also been working with children from various schools, introducing them to the makerspace and teaching them valuable skills. Additionally, to make our lives a bit easier, we opened a café called the Drill Press Café at the back of Maker’s Asylum. There's an interesting story behind its name, which I'd be happy to share. The café serves as a convenient stop for people passing by, allowing them to grab a cup of coffee while getting a glimpse into the world of Maker’s Asylum. Being physically present in the space makes it much easier to explain our mission to them, as they can witness the entire process firsthand. Coffee, being something universally enjoyed, attracts a wide range of individuals, and it serves as a simple and relatable entry point for them. They can come, grab a cup of coffee, take a stroll around the space, and gain a better understanding of what we do. This approach has been instrumental in spreading awareness and fostering engagement within the local community.
💬 Now you have to tell us about the drill and press story!
Oh, yes! When Maker’s Asylum started 10 years ago in a humble garage, we didn't have a fancy coffee machine or any equipment specifically for making coffee inside the space. So, we got creative and used a drill machine to prepare our coffee. We repurposed a broken milk frother, essentially turning it into an improvised coffee-making tool. It may sound a bit unconventional, but it served its purpose at the end of the day.
To make hot coffee, we had a unique method. We would place the coffee inside the 3D printer and warm the plate to achieve the desired temperature. That's how we managed to enjoy some warm coffee. Interestingly, this approach has become a signature feature of the Drill Press Cafe. When you visit, you can actually order the “Drill Press Coffee,” which is prepared using a drill machine. Throughout the cafe, you'll find drills scattered around, allowing you to participate in the coffee-making process and create your own customized cup of coffee. This interactive experience is especially exciting for our younger visitors.
💬 Maker’s Asylum has a strong focus on learning. Can you tell us why? And what can people learn?
Certainly! There are a couple of reasons why Maker’s Asylum has a strong focus on learning. For me personally, it has been an incredible learning journey. Growing up in India, there were no makerspaces in schools, and access to tools like these was quite limited. It was often seen as vocational training, not something encouraged for hands-on learning. However, when I had the opportunity to study in Boston and work at MIT Media Labs, I had access to numerous labs and communities. This opened up a world of learning for me, whether it was carpentry, bicycle repair, simple furniture making, or crafting my own pen. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of a space where I could learn from others like myself and find a sense of belonging.
When Maker’s Asylum was founded, the same idea guided its creation—to provide a space where people could share skills and learn together.
Initially, many individuals came to use the space, but there was also a growing interest in learning these skills. Understandably, not everyone knew how to build things or utilize 3D printers, laser cutters, carpentry tools, or welding equipment. To address this, we started offering workshops and introductory courses to make it easier for people to access the space and acquire these skills. Over the years, the popularity of these courses and programs grew, leading us to develop more comprehensive and recognized programs.
Today, we collaborate with universities such as Monash, SMU, Jindal University, and NID, running various courses and programs that even offer university credits. This recognition has allowed us to expand our reach and attract students not just virtually but also physically at Make’rs Asylum in Goa. It has become a way for us to grow, sustain ourselves, and continue focusing on building such programs. We've come to realize that the cultural element and the integration of multiple disciplines are crucial for spaces like Maker’s Asylum or any other makerspace. It's the interdisciplinary aspect that truly enriches the community. Additionally, rapid prototyping and the ability to transform ideas into tangible creations are equally important.
As we developed these programs, we aimed to recreate the organic growth and collaborative spirit that emerged within Maker’s Asylum. Even in our partnerships with universities, we work with multiple institutions simultaneously to foster a cross-disciplinary culture where individuals from diverse backgrounds and countries come together. We provide them with access to the necessary tools to prototype and bring their ideas to life. Witnessing the confidence and fulfillment this process brings to aspiring startups and makers has been incredibly rewarding. Personally, I have grown to appreciate this aspect even more.
Furthermore, we have started working with teenagers through our Innovation School program. Designed for students aged 13 and above, this hybrid program involves sending hardware kits to their homes. They begin by learning how to tinker and create simple projects, and then they come to Maker’s Asylum to spend about a month building something they are passionate about. During this time, they also learn various tools and techniques, including carpentry, 3D printing, laser cutting, metalworking, and more.
Overall, the focus on learning and skill development has been integral to Maker’s Asylum's mission and has allowed us to create a vibrant and inclusive community of makers, learners, and innovators.
➡️ Reflections on Building Maker’s Asylum
💬 If you could do one thing differently in the journey of Maker’s Asylum what would it be?
Moving to Goa earlier than I had anticipated has given me the opportunity to reflect on various aspects. My journey at Maker’s Asylum has been truly remarkable, and every aspect of it holds its own beauty. In hindsight, I realized that during my time in Mumbai, I often felt overwhelmed and stressed due to the constant pressure of paying rent and ensuring the smooth operation of the space. Dealing with logistical challenges was a constant demand.
However, being in Goa has provided me with a different perspective. I have found a sense of tranquility and mental space that allows for more thoughtful thinking and creativity. This newfound clarity has enabled us to develop better programs and concentrate our efforts. Personally, I appreciate this aspect greatly and it has positively influenced our work at Maker’s Asylum.
💬 What has been your biggest learning out of bringing to life AND growing Maker’s Asylum?
To create a thriving community space, it is crucial to deeply understand the cultural and philosophical aspects associated with it. While there has been a proliferation of various maker spaces worldwide, what sets apart a truly exceptional one is its cultural foundation and the community it fosters.
Nurturing such an environment demands immense dedication and perseverance over the years.
This is a realization that many of us are now beginning to appreciate and prioritize. It serves as a valuable lesson that guides our journey toward building a successful community space.
💬 What would be your best advice to someone thinking about opening a makerspace?
A few years ago, my advice would have been cautious, discouraging even. However, now I believe that the landscape has changed significantly. While establishing and growing a makerspace is undeniably challenging and demanding, if you are willing to embrace the selfless nature of the endeavor, it can be truly rewarding.
In the past, makerspaces were relatively unknown, making it arduous to convey their value and significance to others. Thankfully, platforms like yours and others have played a pivotal role in raising awareness and highlighting the importance of makerspaces. Consequently, more people are now discovering and supporting these spaces. Thus, opening a makerspace today presents a more favorable opportunity compared to a decade ago.
If you are resolute about opening a makerspace, ensure that you have a clear plan for its operations. It's crucial to establish a steady influx of students or members who will actively participate and contribute to the space. This steady flow of individuals is key to the success of your makerspace.
💬 If you could chat with makerspaces now, what would you like to ask them?
💬 And if you could chat with members of makerspaces?
I'd be curious to understand how the makerspace has transformed the lives of those who have been visiting it. It would be insightful to learn about the changes they have experienced since becoming a part of the makerspace community.
💬Last but not least, where would you want to bring Maker’s Asylum next?
Since our move to Goa and our initial interview in 2021, we have been actively considering the expansion of Maker’s Asylum in a hybrid format, which is where we currently stand. Our vision is to not only take Maker’s Asylum to the world but also invite the world to experience it in Goa. We envision a hybrid approach where our programs, community, and cultural exchange can span across different parts of the globe.
However, when it comes to the physical space, we envision it to remain where we are now, serving as a hub for people to explore and appreciate the beauty of Maker’s Asylum alongside us.
Maker's Asylum has been featured in a document about Makerspaces. Click on the image below to watch their episode!
Curious to learn more about Member's Experience in Coworking Spaces? Join our online event on the topic next Tuesday [free ticket here]
Last but not least, if you wish to discuss the story of Maker's Asylum, join us on Discord!
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