Maryland Science Center Maker Space

Project Overview

  • Client: Maryland Science Center
  • Project: Maker Space
  • Location: Baltimore, Maryland
  • Partner: PIKL Studio

Scope: Custom architectural millwork and integrated decorative metal fabrication

Delivery Model: Design-assist fabrication with full shop drawing, fabrication, and installation coordination

The Maker Space is organized as a freestanding interior structure measuring approximately 44’ L x 28’ W x 16’ H, incorporating work areas, enclosed support spaces, secure access points, and flexible partitions. The installation needed to feel open and approachable while meeting durability, safety, and operational requirements.

Design Challenges and Objectives

This project presented several key challenges common to complex cultural and educational interiors:

  • Creating transparency and visibility while maintaining controlled access
  • Integrating moving elements such as pivot doors, swing gates, and rolling partitions
  • Supporting flexibility for future program changes
  • Coordinating multiple materials within a unified structural system
  • Delivering a robust solution capable of withstanding heavy daily use

Early collaboration was essential to resolve these challenges before fabrication began.

Design-Assist and Shop Drawing Collaboration

We partnered closely with the project team during the design-assist phase to evaluate constructability, material performance, and detailing strategies. Through early engagement, we helped align design intent with fabrication realities—reducing risk and streamlining downstream execution.

Key contributions included:

  • Field measurement verification
  • Development of coordinated shop drawings integrating millwork and metal components
  • Review of tolerances, connections, and interfaces
  • Clear documentation to support approvals and sequencing

By resolving details at the shop drawing stage, the project team minimized RFIs and avoided disruptive field modifications.

Integrated Millwork and Metal Fabrication

The Maker Space structure combines custom millwork with an industrial commercial metal fabrication framework to create a modular yet refined system.

Fabricated elements included:

  • 12’ pivot door and 4’ swing gate assemblies
  • Check-in desk and lift-up counter
  • Enclosed office with sliding interior window
  • Sink station millwork
  • 28’ rolling partition system
  • Storage and display casework

Structural and infill systems:

  • Unistrut-based framing using P9000 / P9200 and P1000 / P1001 profiles
  • Custom metal connectors and brackets
  • Hardboard pegboard infill panels
  • Clear PVC panels
  • Clear double-wall polycarbonate panels

This hybrid system allowed for strength, flexibility, and visual transparency—supporting both supervision and engagement within the space.

Material Selection and Finishing

Material choices were driven by durability, safety, and long-term performance in a public environment. Finishes were carefully coordinated to balance an industrial aesthetic with a clean, approachable appearance.

Key materials and finishes included:

  • Galvanized steel structural supports
  • Custom powder-coated metal brackets
  • Clear matte plywood panels
  • Specialty infill panels selected for visibility and impact resistance

Finish samples and approvals were managed early to ensure consistency throughout fabrication and installation.

Fabrication, Logistics, and Installation Support

All components were fabricated with tight tolerances and pre-coordinated for efficient installation. Protective packaging and sequenced delivery supported smooth integration into the active construction site.

Installation was coordinated to:

  • Align with site readiness and access constraints
  • Minimize disruption within the occupied facility
  • Maintain clear scope boundaries with other trades

This structured approach helped keep the project on schedule while ensuring the quality and integrity of the finished installation.

Project Outcomes

The completed Maker Space delivers:

  • A flexible, transparent environment for hands-on learning
  • Durable custom fabrication suited to heavy public use
  • Integrated millwork and metal systems that read as a cohesive architectural element
  • A clear demonstration of how early design-assist collaboration improves project outcomes

The project stands as an example of how architectural millwork and decorative metal fabrication can support complex programmatic needs while maintaining clarity of design and constructability.

If you’re planning a complex interior project with custom millwork and metal elements, early collaboration is the key to protecting design intent and controlling execution.

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