Editor’s note: In recent years, the Triangle startup scene has seen a shift towards DIY, community-built innovation, a trend that is well-represented through a new trend in “hackerspaces.”

This story is the first in a series that will explore both the meaning of the term, as well as the organizations that are bringing it to life in and outside of the Triangle.

DURHAM, N.C. – Tucked in downtown Durham’s startup district is a space that fosters what can only be described as kaleidoscopic collaboration between innovators of all kinds.

At Splat Space, “geeking out” is not only accepted, it’s encouraged. And it holds a broad definition that fits all of its members, whether they’re artists, musicians, biotechnologists, engineers or even educators—all are welcome.

The organization was founded six years ago, dubbed “Durham Makerspace.” As membership grew from just a small handful of innovators to a larger, more diverse mix of professionals and creators, the name was changed to “Splat Space,” which implies a somewhat upcycled, “do what you want” mentality.

This concept is representative of a larger effort to reclaim the term “hacker.” The goal is to redirect the label away from its often misunderstood criminal reputation toward an association with innovation.

Splat Space defines the term as “people who are interested in learning all they can about the fields that interest them, explore the bounds of those interests and create new and interesting ways to apply that knowledge.”

There’s more to the story. read the rest at:

http://exitevent.com/article/durham-hackerspace-cultivates-multidisciplinary-alliance-among-innovators-120616