AM: #Scribble event and project direction.

During a previous design project, I attended a #scribbleAKL event at Auckland Library. Scribble is a weekly event where people get together and share ideas, giving and receiving feedback in a collaborative and creative environment. The session I attended discussed the expansion and evolution of Auckland Libraries ‘makerspace’ facility. Chatting to Sophie Annan, the librarian in charge of the makerspace and facilitator of this scribble event, I learnt of their dismal budget allocated to the makerspace, and the difficulty she faces in sourcing furniture for the project. This passing comment sparked an idea:

could I make beautiful and cost effective furniture?

Pressing this issue further, Sophie informed me that it was not only makerspaces around the country that were facing this issue, but many educational facilities as well, especially in lower decile areas. A quick google search also revealed a huge need for school furniture in developing nations. Could this insight provide a user opportunity?