Think of this as a "writing with materials" exercise. You will provide a 250 word (1 page) write-up of this. Bring two copies of your write-up to class on Wednesday, Sept. 8th. We will have a look at them in class. You need two copies because we will exchange and comment on each others work twice. Two copies for two separate set of comments. Consider this part of your homework grade. I will check if you did it.
Let us call this an "object" lesson. Your task for this lesson will provide the foundations for option number 1 of your first paper. (You will be given two options for writing your first paper.)
1. Following on the example we tried in class, you will located your own piece of obtainium*. Obtainum here, refers to any found (discarded) object that is used for purposes other than originally intended or designed. (For example, a discarded couch used as a couch is not necessarily in the spirit of obtainium.)
2. You will put your piece of obtainium to use in the development of your own design. You should try to think of new possible uses for your obtainium. The design can be simple or it can be complex. The important thing is putting thought into the process.
If possible, please take pictures of the object before and after modification to include in your paper (if you choose this option).
a. There are two different ways to approach this. First, is to think of something you would like to design and seek out the necessary materials. Second, is to find something you want to figure out what to do with it.
b. Once you have gathered materials and have a design plan, go about implementing and testing the design.
3. Write up a 250-word description of your process and project.
Things to address in the write-up:
What is the obtainium? (possible original function, material, properties, useful qualities, ways in which it can be transformed)
What did you do with it?
What else could you have done with that object?
How did you come up with the idea?
What skills and materials did it take to make the object?
How much would a similar design cost if you were to buy something like it new?
Did you begin to notice where stashes of good obtainium can be found?
4. Print two copies of your write-up and bring to class.
5. Have fun and be creative!
Rules for obtainium:
a. You should NOT buy anything new or spend any money for this project. Finding more obtainium for implementing your design, however, is strongly encouraged.
b.Further, it should go without saying that you will NOT steal anything. Stealing is not in the spirit of obtainium. It needs to be obviously discarded.
c. You should NOT already own the object, or the object should not be something you borrow from a friend.
d. Stay away from things that could cause a risk to your health. Do not reuse things that are hazardous, toxic, rotting, or otherwise nasty.
Instructables is good website for inspirations: http://www.instructables.com/
*Obtainium - The word obtainium likely originated from but was most certainly popularized by SRL crew finding or liberating discarded or obsolete items and re-directing them from industry, science, and the military and re-purposing them for anarchic machine performances. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Pauline and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival_Research_Labs)
Let us call this an "object" lesson. Your task for this lesson will provide the foundations for option number 1 of your first paper. (You will be given two options for writing your first paper.)
1. Following on the example we tried in class, you will located your own piece of obtainium*. Obtainum here, refers to any found (discarded) object that is used for purposes other than originally intended or designed. (For example, a discarded couch used as a couch is not necessarily in the spirit of obtainium.)
2. You will put your piece of obtainium to use in the development of your own design. You should try to think of new possible uses for your obtainium. The design can be simple or it can be complex. The important thing is putting thought into the process.
If possible, please take pictures of the object before and after modification to include in your paper (if you choose this option).
a. There are two different ways to approach this. First, is to think of something you would like to design and seek out the necessary materials. Second, is to find something you want to figure out what to do with it.
b. Once you have gathered materials and have a design plan, go about implementing and testing the design.
3. Write up a 250-word description of your process and project.
Things to address in the write-up:
What is the obtainium? (possible original function, material, properties, useful qualities, ways in which it can be transformed)
What did you do with it?
What else could you have done with that object?
How did you come up with the idea?
What skills and materials did it take to make the object?
How much would a similar design cost if you were to buy something like it new?
Did you begin to notice where stashes of good obtainium can be found?
4. Print two copies of your write-up and bring to class.
5. Have fun and be creative!
Rules for obtainium:
a. You should NOT buy anything new or spend any money for this project. Finding more obtainium for implementing your design, however, is strongly encouraged.
b.Further, it should go without saying that you will NOT steal anything. Stealing is not in the spirit of obtainium. It needs to be obviously discarded.
c. You should NOT already own the object, or the object should not be something you borrow from a friend.
d. Stay away from things that could cause a risk to your health. Do not reuse things that are hazardous, toxic, rotting, or otherwise nasty.
Instructables is good website for inspirations: http://www.instructables.com/
*Obtainium - The word obtainium likely originated from but was most certainly popularized by SRL crew finding or liberating discarded or obsolete items and re-directing them from industry, science, and the military and re-purposing them for anarchic machine performances. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Pauline and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival_Research_Labs)
Leave a comment