Alt space

An alt space, short for "alternative space," refers to a physical or virtual environment designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation outside of traditional work or living spaces. These spaces often emphasize community, accessibility, and experimentation. They can take a variety of forms, including coworking spaces, hackerspaces, makerspaces, community centers, and online platforms.

Alt spaces are characterized by their flexible and adaptable nature, often providing resources like shared equipment, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. They aim to lower barriers to entry for individuals and groups who may not have access to the resources or environment needed to pursue their interests or projects.

The focus within an alt space can range from technology and art to social activism and community organizing. What distinguishes them is the emphasis on self-direction, peer learning, and collaborative creation, diverging from more structured or hierarchical settings. The term encompasses both physical locations and online communities that share these values.