If you've ever felt the urge to tinker with, hack, destroy, or construct something, you've passed the prerequisites for The Hacktory in Philadelphia. This non-profit geek school offers a number of courses that all involve technology in art.
The Hacktory's main aim is to spread the reach of gadget art. They do so via material exchanges, community events, interactive courses, and an arsenal of shared equipment. Current classes include 'Designing Circuit Boards' and 'Building Mechanical Marvels and Desktop Gadgets.'
The Hacktory is located on 1524 Brandywine Street, near City Hall.
Hacker How-Tos for Aspiring Nerds
The Hacktory
Trend Themes
1. Gadget Art Education - Non-profit schools like The Hacktory in Philadelphia are redefining education by offering courses that merge technology and art into something practical and appealing to aspiring nerds and gadget fans.
2. Community Material Exchange - Initiatives like The Hacktory's community-based material exchange program are offering people access to rare materials that would otherwise be unobtainable and ultimately fuel innovation.
3. Shared Workspace - Shared workspaces like The Hacktory are not only providing individuals with necessary equipment, but community as well, thus helping them to forge beneficial long-term working relationships.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Innovative institutions that blur the lines between traditionally siloed departments such as technology and art can be the next growth frontier.
2. Arts & Crafts - Recycling and upcycling in artistic and craft endeavors to fuel innovation and promote 'green' initiatives is trending in this industry.
3. Technology & Manufacturing - Entering a collaborative workspace that affords access to niche prototyping and finishing tools, as well as industry experts, opens up opportunities for idea tangibility.