1. do, make, share
parterning with the Aiken Public Library
to equip the community
Joel Kohn MCAD: Introduction to Sustainable Design Fall 2012

2. It begins with a chainsaw
My wife and I moved into a
house in Aiken, SC. I had
inherited a chainsaw from
her grandfather, and I was
going to cut firewood, but
the chainsaw would not
start. I realized that I did not
know know how to fix it. On
top of that, I realized that I
did not really know how to
properly (safely) operate a
chainsaw.
What good it is a tool if you
don't know how to use it?

3. What if there was a
place I could go to
borrow a tool, perhaps
even a functional
chainsaw?
I could partner with the
public library to offer a tool
lending service and a
makerspace.
The service could also offer
instruction and guidance on
use and repairs.

4. Tool Library Makerspace
Share hand tools, power Share advanced tools and
tools and knowledge knowledge
Low cost to free to use Creative space
Provides instruction Access to technology like
computers and CNC
Organizes service projects machines
Enables home maintenance Safe-fail environment
Helps translate imagination
into reality
Stimulate interest in STEM
topics
I could help move my
community towards
sustainability.

5. Sustainability
Dematerialize
Reduce Localize
Fewer tools needed to satisfy demand. CNC millers and 3-D printers allow use
of digital recipies to produce items.
Reduced impacts of manufacture and
distribution. Small scale permits local production.
Transmaterialize Informationalize

6. Reuse and Recycle
Tools tend to be durable and Transform scrap into useful
their useful lives are often prototypes and products.
longer than its first Cardboard makes an
ownership. excellent substrate for CNC
milling or laser cutting.
Increase frequency of E-waste could be
individual tool's use. disassembled for electronic
components and used to
build new equipment.
Leftovers could be properly
recycled.

7. Restore
Shared learning and hard
work can create strong ties
in a small community. A
makerspace and tool library
based at the centrally
located public library in
Aiken could help strengthen
community bonds, connect
the generations, encourage
creative exploration, and
encourage the realization of
ideas.
Aiken's population of elders
play a key role in my vision:
a source of knowledge and
practical experience related
to tool use.
This initiative could help
increase library patronage,
and possibly provide a new
source of revenue.

8. Strategic Recommendations: Phases
I II III
Establish tool library Scale up tool library Establish makerspace
Lower cost and expertise Contact local businesses for Acquire/build space as first
needed to establish/operate advice, operating locally, project of the makerspace
and potential sponsorship
Find interest Apply for grants to purchase
Solidify operational budget computers and CNC
Recruit founders and income sources equipment
Apply for grants Potentially move towards Alternatively use second-
benefit corporation structure hand computers and open
Work out details with library source models to contstruct
Rent space from the library CNC equipment
Lead tool drive to establish to provide incentive for
tool collection partnership Seek advice from
established makerspaces

9. Marketing
Politically conservative
region South Carolina
Focus on creating public-
private partnership
Do not draw from tax money
Makerspace as innovation
engine Aiken County
Focus on giving back to the
community
Benefit corporation structure City of Aiken
is particularly applicable to
this situation: harness
private enterprise for public
good

10. It ends with possibility
By partnering with the
Aiken Public Library and
local volunteers, I could
help create the change that
I seek: a place to connect
tools and knowledge to
those without.
Through the creation of a
tool library and a
makerspace, I could help
encourage a love of
creation.
Illustrations: Joel Kohn