A Space for Makers in Orlando

Happy birthday, Factur

Orlando’s non-profit maker space, Factur, is about to celebrate two years of providing a shared work space and classes to builders, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Our maker community is small, but it’s vibrantly creative. From a robot designed to resemble an inchworm, to the world’s largest arcade cabinet, the makers in Orlando work on some impressive projects. Factur serves as a platform for new ideas, experimentation, and creative design. There are areas set up for 3D printing, laser-cutting, podcasting, electronics, sewing, woodworking, metal-cutting, ceramics, turning, engraving, painting, and whatever else members can come up with. The space and all of the tools are available 24/7, so for those people who have their best ideas late at night, there’s a place to go.

I’ve personally been working on laser-etched wood necklaces. Next I plan to tackle some geometric wood art.

 

 

Factur is located just outside of downtown Orlando, near Lake Ivanhoe and Loch Haven Park. The location is ideal for a space that encourages experimentation in the arts and sciences. It’s only blocks away from the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Shakespeare Center, Mennello Museum, and Orlando Repertory Theatre. Orlando Fringe Festival takes over the park for a few weeks every year, and it doesn’t get much more experimental than that. Factur members get involved in local events throughout the year, including Otronicon at the Orlando Science Center, and Maker Faire, which will be at the Florida Fairgrounds this year.

Factur has many of Central Florida’s creative foundations represented in its membership. There are experience designers who have worked for local theme parks and attractions, space buffs who make homemade rockets, rapid prototypers who contribute to engineering projects with UCF researchers, and theater artists involved with the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. One member makes laser-cut dinosaur heads and telescopes, another makes beautiful tables and doors out of reclaimed wood.  There are set builders and programmers, costume designers and welders.
 

 
More than anything, Factur is a symbol of Orlando’s growth as a creative community. We’re lucky to have a place to tinker and experiment, and to meet other people who like to create. I’m excited to see what comes out of another year.