They are wacky, geeky and like to show off, so you may have
noticed the growing subculture of the “Maker s”. This group of people uses available
tools, recourses and new knowledge and technology to create, hack, fix, invent
and play. In their prime, “Makers” are in a group setting, and the focus is on sharing
skills, tools and resources, learning new technology and applying it all creatively.
This sub-culture is built by energetic individuals
who love tinkering and socializing with likeminded people. These hobbyist
inventors and creators have a strong element of humor running through their organizations
and as a result they entertain their communities with their latest toys and
antics at fairs and festivals.
“Constructivism” is
a theory of knowledge that states that knowledge is acquired from the
interaction between the experiences and the ideas of human beings. In that case,
“Maker” communities, who are sharing and expounding on each other’s ideas and
experiences, hold a wealth of knowledge that is ever growing, although playful and
leisurely in nature. We are beginning to see them as a source of answers and
innovations. As maker culture becomes more popular, maker spaces, hacker
spaces and Fab Labs are becoming more common in universities. Publications such
as “Make” by O'Reilly media, in publication since 2005, and websites like hackaday.com/,
inspire people to join these communities or begin projects of their own.
The Milwaukee Maker’s Space is regarded as a social club.
This close knit group of people has to get along to work and play together, so
you must have a sponsor and be voted in to join. I am not yet a member, as I
don’t have a lot of extra time that merits a membership, but I frequently visit
with a friend who is a member. The Milwaukee Maker Space is a myriad of “shops”.
This warehouse is divided into sections according to different areas of concentration
when it comes to creating. There are sections for electronics, 3-D Design,
laser printing, Sewing and crafts, large format printing, screen printing, machining,
jewelry making, photography, wood working, ceramics and more. These shops not
only work separately, but just as often merge together in the creation process,
just as the people who occupy the shops have their own projects and also join
in group endeavors. The place is buzzing with intent conversation and
technological jargon, but also jokes and laughter. And I always leave having
learned something new.
No comments:
Post a Comment