What exactly is a hackerspace?
A space for people to network, socialize, learn, and be creative.
Who’s brainchild was it?
Nobody wants to claim sole ownership, but the core group numbers less than ten.
Is Hackerspace a new concept or something that has been around for a while?
The earliest we can locate is “Computer Club an der RWTH Aachen e.V.” founded in Germany in 1982.
Are there other Hackerspaces in other parts of the US, World?
All over the world: Europe, Korea, Japan, anywhere people are free to create!
This is an exciting development – how has the response been so far?
The response has been overwhelming positive, and many have offered financial and material support.
What sort of amenities does the space have? Do people bring their own things to the space, or is everything there already?
We have a kitchen will full-sized fridge, sinks, microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, lots of drinks and food, etc. There is a space in the lounge dedicated to relaxing and entertainment with TV, games, a pool table, and movies. Internet access and a handful of desktops are available to members. We have a conference room where we plan to teach classes and give presentations. Our workshop houses our server system, contains numerous workstations, storage, and a variety of tools and machinery.
How much space is there? Can it be expanded?
Our current space in the Seneca Industrial Complex is 3600 sq/ft split into 4 major areas: lounge, quiet room, conference room and workshop. Yes, there is room for expansion.
How many members are there? Is there a cap on membership?
There are approximately 25 core members (who pay dues every month) and an additional 20 people who attend demos and other public events regularly.
Are there fees or dues?
Yes. The standard membership fee right now is $30/month. This includes 24/7 access to the space for the member using our custom made RFID door security system.
Is it more social or work, or do the two just blend together?
All of the members have different reasons for utilizing the space. We host educational demos about various topics, technological and otherwise, which attract many members and non-members to the space.
Others come down to the space to after their day job to relax and socialize while others use the space as a base of operations for free-lance and other work.
You’re in a very cool building located just down the street from the Larkin Building. What’s the best part about being in that part of town?
Cheap rent, easy access, copious parking!
Are there other artists in that building and does the complex (as a whole) have a name?
At least three media artist spaces co-exist within the Building, which is named “Seneca Industrial Complex”, “701 Seneca”, or the ‘other’ “Larkin Building”.
Is this open to the public as well, or do you have to be involved in an
intimate capacity?
We are not member exclusive and do our best to offer public events. Demonstrations are offered each month and are open to the public. We ran a computer repair workshop in December as our first community outreach event which had a large turnout.
Would you consider this an technology incubator space?
The goal of the Hackerspace is the bring people together for social and professional networking. The potential for commercial interaction exists but is not the primary purpose for Hackerspace.
Are there any missing components that you are looking for?
Currently we tend to be a bunch of computer geeks.. But we want to attract:
– Media artists
– Craftspeople
– Motorheads
– Inventors
– Metalworkers
– Freelancers
and other creative individuals to the Hackerspace.
Can you give us a quick breakdown regarding the current Buffalo technology market?
The general consensus is: Slowly growing, except for some of the bio-medical startups sprouting around Roswell and UB.
Where do you you see the market in ten years?
Without serious incentives, growth will continue to be stunted by less-than-business friendly tax and prevailing wage laws.
How can interested parties best reach you?
Our website has all the information for contacting us including:
– email: info@buffalo.hackerspaces.us
– website: http://www.buffalolab.org/
– twitter: buffalolab
Buffalo Hackerspace
701 Seneca St, Ste 440
Buffalo, NY 14210