A good idea is priceless, especially when one works with dedication. In small steps it becomes a reality and serves society. The embodiment of a practical and very useful idea is the creation of a shared workshop. Following the example of co-working office spaces, a work area can be rented and all the equipment available in the workshop can be used. Such multi-functional premises are not new for countries such as Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and the USA. In Bulgaria, the first steps in this direction have been made thanks to three enthusiasts who decided to transfer the experience to this country. For this purpose they found a suitable building - the former textile factory in Sofia, closed some 30 years ago. There they invested a lot of personal labor and money to turn the old brick building into a modern and artistic place for work and creativity. The first available machines are already working there, among which one can find CNC milling machines, lathes, polishing machines, two lasers for engraving and a 3D printer, as well as a machine for forming plastic parts under vacuum.

"We are ready to provide all this to designers, artists, craftsmen, engineers, inventors, freelancers, in general, to anyone who has an idea and is looking for a place and help to realize it. We will help them with our experience and knowledge,” Georgi Komsalov, who has laid the foundations and provided technical support for the project, says.

"People need such a space. Often they become obsessed with owning machines and tools without using them in an optimal way. We have everything and provide it for use. Even if something is missing, we will try to get it as soon as possible. In fact, we help people realize their ideas and understand that sharing experiences can be very valuable. We have never thought of this project as a business venture, but more as a place that will benefit many people. That's why we're here to help."

The creators of the space are people who have different interests and this helps them a lot in working together. According to Yasen Nedyalkov, an architect from the team, "a center has been formed where people with different professions gather and everyone contributes to an idea or project." One of the first who established a space in the shared workshop is Marieta Nedkova – master craftsman of leather goods:

"I came across this space while looking for a place for a workshop. My work is a bit noisy, harmful chemicals are also used and there are some that are not convenient to store at home. I was also looking for a place where I can be visited by people who want to learn the craft as I also organize creative workshops. I came across this shared space quite by accident. It turned out that a shared workshop with specially equipped workplaces could be much more useful than an office or a studio. There are machines for woodworking, for ceramics, for making models. There is also an office space with high speed internet. If a person has a creative project, they can come and use the equipment. Often people in their free time focus on creative activities. There are those who want to make their own furniture or wooden toys for their children. As long as they wish, they can use a space for rent and if someone is not familiar with the machines, they can get instructions and advice from a specialist here on site.”

English: Alexander Markov

Photos: private library