Hackerspaces: Making the Maker Movement

by Sarah R. Davies

A new industrial revolution. The age of making. From bits to atoms. Many people are excited by the possibilities offered by new fabrication technologies like 3D printers, and the way in which they are being used in hacker and makerspaces. But why is the power of hacking and making an idea whose time has come?

Making the Maker Movement takes the rise of the maker movement as its starting point. Hacker and makerspaces, fab labs, and DIY bio spaces are emerging all over the world. Based on a study of hacker and makerspaces across the US, the book explores cultures of hacking and making in the context of wider social changes, arguing that excitement about the maker movement is not just about the availability of new technologies, but the kinds of citizens we are expected to be.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 3, 2017

Reviews

[Severin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very US centric unfortunately but some good thoughts in here, even critical ones. Some important critique/controversy of the entire movement is hidden away in the conclusion, while I think it would've deserved a bit more space. Still found it quite thought-provoking, and would totally recommend this to all who are interested in how hacker/makerspace work or maybe should work.

[I Read, Therefore I Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah R Davies is Assistant Professor in the Department Of Media, Cognition and Communication at the University Of Copenhagen and in this fascinating and informative (if USA-centric) book she examines why people get involved inthe maker/hacker movement, how the hacker/maker spaces are organised and run (including how exclusive/inclusive it is), the wider trends within the movement and how the movement considers itself against wider culture.