神奈川大学日本常民文化研究所

Research and Study

Topical Joint Research Project: Research on the History and Folklore Materials in Digital Fabrication Era

Purpose

  • FabLab Minatomirai
  • 3D scanned digital image of iron

A “FabLab” is a community-based workshop that is equipped with everything from digital fabrication equipment to analog machine tools. Digital fabrication refers to the technique of producing objects based on digital data using 3D printers and laser cutters. A FabLab is not merely a facility equipped with digital equipment; it is an international network of community-based workshops that fosters “a culture of producing the things we use for ourselves” (FabLab Japan) .
 The FabLab MinatoMirai, located on the first floor of Kanagawa University's Minato Mirai Campus, opened in the 2021 academic year. In cooperation with FabLab Minato Mirai, this joint research project seeks to create replicas based on either actual historical/folklore materials or precisely measured drawings and to create 3D scans of genuine artifacts. Through interdisciplinary cooperation between FabLab, which pursues state-of-the-art manufacturing, and the ISJFC, which uses traditional objects as study materials, FabLab Minato Mirai will undoubtedly take on an even greater significance through its function as a social commons.

Duration: 2020-