Digital What? So I am embarrassed to admit this, but I did not know what digital fabrication was. Well...sorta. I knew what it was, but I was unfamiliar with the term. I have a bachelor's in architecture so I am very familiar with the practices. However, I have not heard that phrase nor term. Nonetheless, I was fascinated about the Fab Academy and digital fabrication.
According to Wikipedia:
"Digital modeling and fabrication is a process that joins design with production through the use of 3D modeling software or computer-aided design (CAD) and additive and subtractive manufacturing processes. 3D printing falls under additive, while machining falls under subtractive.[1] These tools allow designers to produce material digitally, which is something greater than an image on screen, and actually tests the accuracy of the software and computer lines."
Project Management
So I have to admit, I've always been afraid of information technology. Every time I think about html, I picture the screen from the Matrix with the scattered green characters. But what is html? HTML is a computer language devised to allow website creation. Fab Academy requires you to create a personal webpage to display and post your progress throughout the course.
After being lost in space for the first hour and a half, it started clicking....literally. Fab Academy uses a program called Git. Git is an open source control system used to track changes in computer files and to coordinate those files with multiple people. After watching various tutorials and receiving assistance from the Fab Techs, I was grasping the concept.
Final Project
When I initially realized I had to come up with a final project, I was stumped. Not because I felt that I was incapable, but because there are so many possibilites. So I put my thinking cap on and thought about my son. I have a 3 year old who at times, think he's older than me. Like most toddlers, my son is fascinated with lights. So for my final project, I'd like to create an illuminating marquee wall sign that has various flashing modes. Will I be able to pull it off? We shall see. Fortunately, I've heard that with digital fabrication anything is possible.
