Patrick Besse from Villeneuve sur Lot, France has quite a mesmerizing workspace. If not charmed by the colors and lights, one can observe the professionality and uniqueness of such a workspace. And as an interviewer, publishing workspaces, such as the one Patrick has, is what makes me curious when people submit their passions.

What is your current occupation?
 Patrick Besse: Currently retired. However, I started my working life as an industrial electrician. I trained myself in the electronics in the 80s (I had the complete collection of Elektor from the n°1 FR). Then, I worked as a technician for different IT companies. Afterward, in the 2000s, I was a web administrator for a Paris company.

How would you best describe your space? And how do you use it?
 Patrick: It’s “my little lab!” There is no extra space, but I have everything on hand. The workshop and the computer area live on the same desk. Part of the tools are gathered on a V-Slot rail, equipped with 3D-printed media. The rest of the equipment and the printers are staying in the sliding gate cupboard. Moreover, all the space is optimized for a Tetris game that I use daily.
Workspace of Patrick
The fascinating workspace of Patrick Besse.

How long have you had your place, and where is it located?
 Patrick: My lab has been in a room of the house that I separated in two parts for the past 4 years.

What were your objectives and goals when designing and/or setting up your space?
 Patrick: Space gain, brightness, and the practical side.

What kinds of projects do you work on in your area (for example, DIY electronics, programming, robots, and so on)? Why do you prioritize such projects?
 Patrick: I like the connected objects of the printed circuits drawing and the Arduino programming. But also, web design (PHP, CSS, etc.) and photography, and 3D print.

What sort of equipment and tools do you have in your space? Can you tell us how and where you store the equipment and tools?
 Patrick: I have almost everything I need (3D printer, scope, magnifying glass, tools, etc.). I just miss a good microscope, another 3D printer and also time for my projects :-)

What do you consider to be your most important or valued piece of equipment or tool? And why?
 Patrick: The computer, and the magnifying glass! Given my age, this is the tool that uses me most often.

What is the most crucial or valuable piece of equipment or tool in your opinion? And why is that?
 Patrick: The originality of my little lab is surely the V-Slot rail, which is equipped with tool supports, printed in 3D. Furthermore, there is even a support for welding rollers that moves on this rail and is stored under the supports of multimeters. Also, I have a folding “stem” to keep the cables of the welding irons above my workbench.
Workspace of Patrick
Neat and fully equipped, this workspace has many tools & instruments.

Are you planning to purchase new equipment or tools? Or maybe you are going to build a new workbench or install improved lighting?
 Patrick: Only a good microscope with HDMI.

Tell us about your favorite electronics-related project. What did you build and why? What components, MCUs, and/or kits did you use? Did you learn anything interesting?
 Patrick: I made a connected light panel called SwinGraf which can display messages, animated GIFs, or audio spectrums. It works with an ESP32. You can see it on GitHub, but I have not yet had time to clean the code to publish it. I also have a site with this same name that presents my projects and my other passions (3D print, photography...)

Are you currently working on an electronics or programming project?
 Patrick: I will first finish what is started. Then I might try, maybe, a connected object related to the photo or video. I have some ideas, but nothing concrete at the moment.

Do you have any advice, tips, or encouragement for other engineers or makers who are thinking of putting together a workspace?
 Patrick: The workspace must make you want to work. It must be comfortable, bright, and spacious. It takes a lot of storage. I easily give these tips, but I am not the best example.
 
Do you enjoy learning about where other engineers and makers work on electronics projects? Take a look at these electronics workspaces.

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