Hi MAKE readers! I’m Nick Normal, an artist, maker, blogger and all-around enthusiast of maker culture. I live in the wonderful borough of Queens, which will also be host later this month to the 1st annual World Maker Faire in New York City!
I frequently document spaces and events around NYC with a before-and-after lens, and thought it might be interesting to give everybody a sneak peek at what goes on behind the scenes to produce such a magnificent event. The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has been a great host, and we have many acres on which to display over 400 maker projects for this inaugural Faire. I’ll be blogging various projects as they arrive on-site and I really hope you can make it out to the event and see the grounds once they’ve transformed from park land to the awesomeness that is Maker Faire!
On Wednesday, some of the Maker Faire team were in town and we met up at the NYSCI along with some makers who wanted a walkthrough of the grounds, to take some measurements, place tents, see how the sun shades certain areas, and sort out other logistics like programming of time-based performances and events, figure out electrical needs and placement, etc. Super-fun day, and I think this was the visit where everyone could really start to see it coming together, because now we have our 400+ projects submitted and know better the size and scale of what we’re working with. The next two weeks will be intense, as this place will completely transform! For now this is what the NYSCI and the Maker Faire grounds look like:
The southeast lawn, this area will be immediately to the right of the Science Avenue entrance and will be home to many outdoor activities, tents and off in the distance will be the world-famous Life-Size Mousetrap and Coke Zero and Mentos stage.
The NYSCI recently installed some wonderful screens throughout the museum, currently displaying some Maker Faire promo pictures and information in anticipation of the event!
Two interior shots in the NYSCI — lots of projects will be strewn throughout these areas.
Maker Faire founder Dale Dougherty giving one of his poignant speeches about the underpinning philosophies of how makers interact with each other and how their projects become collaborations — their proximity and placement throughout the Faire are crucial to developing a sense of community and mutual maker-understanding!
Louise giving one of her signature gallops to show distance and fence line and to give a general impression of the layout of this area of the grounds.
Taking a break under some shade with folk from the Madagascar Institute — discussing their chariot races, propane corral, and their carni-rides.
a model of the Swimming Cities “Ocean of Blood” sculptural watercraft (on land for Maker Faire) project and the area where it will be placed!
Another interior shot of the NYSCI — lots of electric and electronic and interactive project will go indoors here!
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