After six months of renovation, the former Student Workshop reopened its doors on March 27, 2023 under a new name: WorkINGLab – Sick Makerspace. The expansion and modernization of the facilities were made possible through a generous donation from the Gisela and Erwin Sick Foundation.

The idea for the workshop goes back to Hartmut Gieseler, who laid the foundation in August 2012. His goal was to create a space where students could develop practical skills, work creatively, and realize their own projects independently. He managed the workshop until the end of 2023, when Lennart Osterhus took over as head in January 2024.

The WorkINGLab is organizationally anchored in the Center for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) and the Institute of Mechatronics: the ZLL is responsible for the didactic management and staffing, while the Institute of Mechatronics oversees the technical direction.

With the reopening, three themed workshop areas were created: Mechatronics, Metal, and Wood. Shortly afterward, the 3D Printing and Laser Cutting area was added, managed by Holger Winter. Administrative tasks are handled by Ellen Goldmann.

The WorkINGLab is open to all students, lecturers, and staff members of TUHH, including alumni. It can be used for both academic and personal projects. Many exciting creations have emerged here — such as the inclusive game “Settlers of Catan for the Blind and Visually Impaired”, which received the “Hochschulperle” (University Pearl) award in 2017. Materials and unused workpieces are recycled, reflecting the lab’s commitment to sustainability.

The WorkINGLab is more than just a workshop — it’s a place for creativity, learning, and collaboration.