Pumping Station One
Pumping Station: One is a non-profit organization, commonly referred to as a hackerspace, in Chicago, IL. It is modeled after similar organizations located in the United States and Europe. The facilities consists of workspace and 2,000 sq feet storage.
AbOUT
The stated mission of Pumping Station One is to "foster a collaborative environment wherein people can explore and create intersections between technology, science, art, and culture." The organization provides a workspace and social group for people interested in learning and exploring all aspects life including science, technology, arts, crafts, software development, foreign languages, and anything else members express an interest in. Members are encouraged to share the knowledge they already possess and structured classes are very common. A member is not necessarily a "hacker" in the computer-sense, some members are not even computer experts, but rather "someone who makes something and modifies it and uses it in a way that wasn’t originally intended." Other members volunteer their professions to support the group, such as through legal support.
History
Pumping Station One started as a loosely knit social group of like minded individuals meeting regularly at local cafes. In April 2009 the lease was signed on the present space at 3354 N. Elston Ave. in the city of Chicago.
The Facilities
The Pumping Station One facilities are divided up based on their function and include:
- Main Floor - A general space with seating and open tables for project work and meetings.
- DJ Booth - A full-featured DJ Booth for space members who are musically inclined.
- Lounge - A smaller meeting area for classes and general work.
- Homewreckery - The "arts & crafts" section of the space. This contains equipment for sewing, screen printing, and other related activities.
- Loft - A smaller meeting area for classes and general work. Includes the space's library of technical books as well as the MythTV system.
- Workshop - This is where the space's full collection of power tools and hand tools are stored and used. The Workshop also features a Gingery-style charcoal foundry.
- Electronics Nook - This is where most electronics related things reside such as meters, scopes, soldering equipment/supplies, mixed electronics devices for hacking and parts salvaging.