Platform_Architecture_and_Design_1.pdf

MAKERS
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The term “maker” was coined along with the development of the digital 3D printer, but for the Milano Makers Association,
founded several years ago in Milan by Cesare Castelli and Maria Cristina Hamel, it refers to all those creative spirits who
aspire to become discovered and well-known, and who are involved in self-production for this reason. We wanted to interview
them at the recent presentation of their book titled “Makers in Italia, il design nell’autoproduzione” entirely self-produced and
featuring written contributions and images by opinion leaders and Makers who have taken part in the first two years of the
association’s existence.
How did the maker in Italy concept come to be created and developed and what has been your role?
Makers came about with the advent of the idea of 3D printers and the related technological development, but for us the concept
of maker also refers to self-production at the craftsman’s level. We decided to give a voice to these different set-ups by creating
this association, so that those who register have the chance to participate in the events that we organize during the year.
Jewellery by Patricio Parada
What does the book that you’ve just published talk about?
It tells the story of the first two years of our work as Milano
Makers, and explains our point of view, how we believe in
and focus on those who use their own intelligence, and how
we analyzed a series of products ranging from the most
experimental to those used in everyday life. We also explain
the concept of Sharing design in the book in which ownership
of the methods for creating a product no longer exists but
rather they become shared, and this means that everyone can
obtain market visibility.
In which direction is the world of self-production going,
how is it evolving?
One of the most interesting challenges is to try and establish
a network among all the different makers in order to arrive
at a critical mass able to genuinely communicate their
creativity.
Who are the most important protagonists? Are there
any success stories you’d like to tell us?
Tommaso Schiaffino, for example, presented his
Alberi di Luce together with us at the Fabbrica del
Vapore and was noticed by one of the producers of la
Grande Bellezza, the film by Paolo Sorrentino. Last
year Schiaffino created a journey of light for the
Fuorisalone 2014 in via della Spiga. Another successful
example is Patricio Parada, a South American designer
who designs and creates jewellery that has aroused a
great deal of interest.
Can you tell us about any of the events scheduled for the
Fabbrica del Vapore?
The events haven’t finished, and will continue through
the 2015 edition of the Fuorisalone: we are looking at
an exhibition by Chinese designers who particularly
appreciate the cultural aspect of Milano Maker.
From the 14th to the 8th of May we will be organizing
a show to mark the inauguration of Expo on the theme
of food. Then, in partnership with the Town of Faenza,
Maria Cristina Hamel is preparing the Ceramic and
food design exhibition. She has asked 20 internationally
renowned designers to work together with craft
workshops on the production of containers for food.