Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
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This thesis delves into the socio-spatial reality of a so-called ‘’Fablab’’ – short for fabrication laboratory- in Amsterdam. The Fablab is a workplace that facilitates open-source maker practices...Show moreThis thesis delves into the socio-spatial reality of a so-called ‘’Fablab’’ – short for fabrication laboratory- in Amsterdam. The Fablab is a workplace that facilitates open-source maker practices and education in efforts to demystify digital fabrication tools and machines such as 3D printers and laser cutters. Each of the three main arguments of this research touch upon knowledge production practices at the Fablab at different levels of analysis. First, at the level of the individual, this thesis describes sense-making activities through embodied making. In the fashion of the ''gewoon doen'' [ENG: ''just doing it''] mindset, makers are induced to involve their bodies in the maker process. Second, the open-source values of the Fablab are embedded in the open-ended layout of the space. Likewise, the socio-spatial set-up of the Fablab constitutes joint-making practices, resulting in collaborative knowledge. Third, situating the Fablab in relation to the other maker spaces at Waag allows for the investigation of inter-lab exchanges of knowledge. The spatial intimacy and open attitude of the makers present at Waag result in the interdisciplinary coming together of information. Altogether, this research attempts to tackle the question of how the socio-spatial situation of the Fablab shapes the production and coming together of embodied knowledge.Show less
