What is a Public Lab Barnraising?

The Public Lab Barnraising is the closest thing we have to a Public Lab conference -- but with an emphasis on "doing stuff together" rather than just presenting/talking. In the spirit of bringing a community together to collectively raise a structure such as a barn, Public Lab comes together to develop tools, toolkits, supporting materials such as guides and tutorials, test the tools and develop new research directions and projects. Participants represent a wide range of interests from technologists and designers to social scientists and community organizers. A yearly Barnraising event is held each fall in Louisiana.

2015 Regional Barnraising: Midwest!

Last year, Public Lab ran the first ever Regional Barnraising event in the Northeast. This was a great way to draw new Public Labbers in, focus on regional issues and cater to people who are unable to travel to our yearly Barnraising in Louisiana. Built on the “unconference” model, this event emphasizes "doing stuff together" rather than just presenting, talking or hacking.

This year Public Lab is aiming to host the Regional Barnraising in the Midwest Region. The Public Lab Midwest community has expanded from one small regional list in Chicago, to interested groups in Wisconsin, Ohio Illinois and Missouri. Midwest projects such as hydrogen sulfide sensing, petcoke mapping and dust monitoring have laid the groundwork for a fantastic and dynamic regional event.

Stay tuned for more event information!

Past Barnraisings:

• 2014 Barnrasing: Cocodrie, Louisiana
• 2014 Northeast Regional Barnraising: Plymouth, Massachusetts
• 2013 Barnraising: New Orleans, Louisiana
• 2012 Barnraising: Cocodrie, Louisiana
• 2011 Barnraising: Asheville, North Carolina

Interested in learning more?

Join our Google Group here and ask us about it!