Autofabricantes

Creator: Autofabricantes|Art form: Design, Digital media|Knowledge valorisation : Co-creation, Outreach|Place: Madrid,Spain|Location : N/A|Target group: Academics, Cultural and creative professionals and institutions, General public, Private companies / industries, Public authorities & policy makers|Domains: Democratic Change and Society, Digital Age|Duration : Long term project

Open source code for the design and creation of prosthesis

Challenge: Access to low-cost technologies and the logics of free culture imply the possibility of generating customisable and adaptable alternatives for each body.

Autofabricantes is a collective research project that seeks to generate alternative and accessible open source solutions for functional diversity. It develops personal technical assistance and works on the generation of free knowledge for autonomy and quality of life, using digital fabrication and involving families, users, technicians and anyone who wants to participate in co-production processes.

It pursues a world where inclusion and sovereignty are finally a reality. This initiative is possible thanks to the knowledge and dedication of all the collaborators. We currently have the support and funding of the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation and Medialab Prado.

Resources needed

Knowledge developed in open source, easy to be replicated to improve the lives of people with functional diversity.

Purpose of artistic intervention

Design, through open source software and 3D printing, of prostheses and materials for people with functional diversity. In addition, the involvement of citizens and families in the co-creation process has an artistic and community perspective.

Positive impacts

All their work is carried out from the perspective of increasing the autonomy of people with diversity, recovering the creative and productive capacity of nearby communities. Returning the autonomy of knowledge, manufacturing and care to the networks of proximity, connecting with the rest of the communities to exchange what they have learnt.

Replication

We can see how shared knowledge, access to and control of the means of material production by citizens makes it possible to break down the standards and norms that govern human bodies and relations. It allows us to understand autonomy and full life capabilities in relation to new forms of production. Blending these two new paradigms is proven to be feasible, works and can be replicable. With technologies and environments in our favour, we have the opportunity to move forward and join forces to have free, individual, distinct and common bodies and technologies.