David Pye distinguished the 'workmanship of risk,' where there is always the possibility of spoiling a given job, from the 'workmanship of certainty,' where the outcome is predetermined through the use of jigs, templates or other machines.
Professor William J. Turkel uses Pye's distinction as the basis for a research and teaching project that combines traditional historical methodology with hands-on practices of making and hacking.
In a small fabrication lab, colleagues, students and Turkel build and experiment with 3D printers, and explore desktop fabrication, physical computing, analog electronics and other technologies in order to better understand both historical and contemporary processes of making.
What is at stake, as Richard Sennett recently argued, is the rediscovery of "ways of using tools, organizing bodily movements, [and] thinking about materials that remain alternative, viable proposals about how to conduct life with skill."
When: Friday, March 16th at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Room H-763, Henry F. Hall Building (1455 De Maisonneuve W).
Open to public. Admission is free.
Professor Turkel will also lead a workshop, "Choosing a Hackable Platform" on March 15 at 4 p.m. in Room LB 646, J. W. McConnell Building (1400 De Maisonneuve W). In this hands-on workshop participants will build a few very simple musical instruments that combine electronic, mechanical and computational elements.
Turkel will also use the workshop setting for a more general exploration of the kinds of features that support or inhibit hacking. No prior experience is necessary. To sign-up for the workshop, please contact Sharon.Fitch@concordia.ca.
Related links:
• Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Society and Culture
• William J. Turkel
