Architects have long been involved in the burgeoning Do-It-Yourself movement:  tinkering with rapid prototyping machines, developing experimental building materials, and of course, testing the limits of the human brain (via sleep deprivation).

Though it’s often referred to as a ‘subculture,’ the DIY phenomenon can hardly prefixed with sub- anymore. Etsy,  Ikea Hacker, and open-source scripting all illustrate how tinker culture has permeated the design world. On September 25-26, an estimated 45,000 DIY enthusiasts are expected to descend on the New York Hall of Science in Queens for the World Maker Faire, a celebration of innovation and curiosity in design, science, and culture. We can only assume that extra ‘e’ adds a bit of the old school to what could be billed as the world’s most forward-thinking science fair.

Inspired by the culture of the California tech community – where ‘hacking’ is a design process, not a criminal activity – the Maker Faire will feature (among many other things) live robot stand-up, 3D printers, volumetric projection systems, DIY 3D photography workshops, and (drum roll please), a beautiful Coke Zero and Mentos fountain demonstration (pictured below).

You can even enter your own tinkered project as a last minute addition to the Faire. Though the deadline has passed for official submissions, they might still have room for a particularly revelatory design hack! Metropolis has an interview with founder Dale Doherty, and you can check out the Faire’s website here.

by Kelsey Campbell-Dollaghan

posted in Events

tagged design, Hacking, Inventions, World Maker's Faire

more articles by Kelsey Campbell-Dollaghan