LATEST UPDATES:
The BDW is closed on Election Day! As always, you can check our Calendar for the most up to date hours, and the newly shuffled workshop schedule for the second half of the semester is now visible!
For those interested: Our monitor applications have dropped and are available until Nov 17th at 11:59 PM. See details in the linked google form application, and on our “join our team” page.
Thoughts? Feedback? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you through our anonymous feedback form - you can also email designworkshop@brown.edu at any time for assistance.
LAST UPDATED: October 20, 2024
OUR MISSION:
The Brown Design Workshop is a student-run makerspace which aims to make the practices of design and creation more collaborative, open, flexible and accessible.
Who We Are
The Brown Design Workshop is a place to learn and make. We support new and resourceful types of learning where we iterate, create and collaborate. We strive to increase accessibility to knowledge, resources, and safe practices. We support each other in learning, we make mistakes and we improve because of them. We believe in accountability and support, striving to make a learning community that is welcoming to all.
Learn More
Get Involved
Whether you become a member through a class, join us for a specialty workshop or just to learn a new skill, there are plenty of ways to get involved! All of our materials and machines are entirely free to use.
↪ SAFETY FIRST!
See our policies to learn about how to safely operate in the space. These policies outline basic space operations.
↪ BECOME A BDW MEMBER
The BDW is for everyone! That means you! Learn more about what we do and what it means to be a BDW member.
↪ VISIT THE BDW
Our calendar has our workshop schedule and updated hours. This is the best way to get started as a user in the space!
Our Team
Our monitors are passionate about sharing skills and facilitating a safe and welcoming space where everyone has the tools to explore the joy of making. We teach workshops and offer guidance on best practices and tool safety. We have a wide range of interests and skills— check out our manager and monitor profiles to learn more.
Our Space
The BDW has a diverse array of tools and machines. We also have quite a bit of material for use—leftover from research projects, coursework, and events in the space. We generally recommend bringing your own materials, but please come have a look at what we have stocked as well!
10K
SQUARE FEET OF WORKSPACE
Workbenches, rolly chairs, and machines sprinkle the open workspace of the BDW, where students convene to learn, design, and build.
40+
STUDENT EMPLOYEES
The work and input of students continues to progress the BDW with their leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication to the missions of the space.
COME VISIT THE BDW!
10+
YEARS IN THE MAKING
The BDW, which started as a dream of faculty in 2013, now fully functions as a student-run makerspace.