addison.l.s.

Gershenfeld's "Fab" article touched upon - in the deepest sense - the idea of one machine labeled a 'personal fabricator' (PF) would ultimately construct almost anything programmed into its computer. They consist of 2-D panel printing that would be assembled together, logic board printing, sensing, actuation, and display; in whatever form. One student of his built an alarm clock that focuses on the task of actually keeping the person awake after the alarm sounds. In order to snooze the alarm, one must complete a complex touching of randomly generated lights on little posts.

Now, Gershenfeld stresses the motive behind the projects he writes about. It is not an invention with which to market across the world, but rather a motivation of personal pleasure in making and using their inventions. It is this idea, in its purity, that gives Gershenfeld further evidence that this machine will be a success in many ways. He applies this device to the real world;
"The big machines will continue to mass-produce things used in large quantities; nuts and bolts are valuable because they're identical rather than unique. But little machines will custom-make the products that depend on differences, the kinds of things being made in the fab class and fab labs." He goes on to explain that students constantly focused on personal needs/wants.

A question comes to mind; Will the PF become too focused on personal obsession and selfishness? This argument could go on for days, I just wanted to present the idea.

I want to focus on Kahn's text regarding light. He begins to define the Sun as the center for all light, shadows, and life, really; since the Sun (light) produces life and we perceive the world, most of us anyway, through recepters in our brain/eyes. Our view on reality is then noticed. With this notification, we produce desires that forms whatever follows. In other words, form follows desire. The form we develop births elements. And design is the internal fighting to develop these elements. He proceeds to discuss the relationship of realizations of nature, form, and design. "To an architect the plan is a sheet on which appears the order of the structure of spaces in their light."

To relate the two articles, I want to simply converge these two notions. So, allow nature to guide your design path and use the PF as a tool, not only a convenience. Gershenfeld explains that he believes the PF will serve as a means to put the idea of the machine back into the hands of the human; instead of the other way around as it supposedly is today. In doing so, control the machine; do not let the machine control you. I'm interested to see where this concept/practice goes, but at the same time nervous.

"I might say that everything must begin with poetry."
-Kahn