The Rivet

Discovery Space

swipe to view photos

CLIENT GOALS

Discovery Space is a Science Center in State College PA, serving the central PA community. The center is primarily aimed at providing engaging science activities for children up to age 14. The mission grew towards serving the greater community and the vision to start a maker space was born. In Fall 2018 Discovery Space applied for and won a large start up Centre Inspires Grant from the Centre Foundation. The grant reinforced the community minded goals of Discovery Space, which were to reach out to the larger inter-generational community from teenagers to retirees and bring them together to ‘make’.

SOLUTIONS

WMF worked with Discovery Space to develop plans to renovate an existing garage behind the science center into a 3 part maker space featuring paces and equipment for metal work, wood work, 3D printing, laser cutting, industrial sewing, jewelry making, ceramics and a flexible layout to allow makers to explore and the Rivet to change over time. WMF provided renderings and worked with ‘Riveters’ to share 3D views of the finished space, using VR head sets and controls, which helped with fundraising for the project. We also guided the zoning and building process, working with great volunteers and contractors who donated time and expertise to the endeavor.

RESULTS

The Rivet opened to the public in February 2020. Two of the three work areas have been completed, with the wood and metal shops slated for a future phase of construction. Fundraising is underway to complete renovations in the near future.