Solar Airstream Fab Lab

Maker News
Solar Airstream Fab Lab

Two pioneering artists,ย Coral Lambert andย Paul Higham, will soon be embarking on a tour with their Solar Airstream Fab Lab, equipped for both 3D printing and metal casting. This modified Airstream hasย solar panels, a 3D scanner,ย two 3D printers (MakerBot and Rostock), and equipment forย casting objects in iron and bronze using environmental mold making techniques.

The Solar Airstream Fab Lab is a 1960โ€™s Airstream converted into a digital sculpture lab and research studio, harnessing solar energy via 2 x 22ft panels on the roof it is primarily a mobile studio for small scale production of art. Housing Paul Highamโ€™s custom built rapid prototype machine where he manifests objects from data, whilst Coral Lambert works at each site developing environmental foundry processes utilizing the mobility of the studio.

This uniqueย fab lab’s backstory mayย resonate with those who’veย lostย aย workshop or studio:

Never wanting to be without a studio again the couple bought the Airstream after Hurricane Katrina flooded and destroyed their 33,000 sq ft home studio in New Orleans. It is not only an American icon of a utopian dream, it is also the symbol of freedom, innovation and independence that comes to life.

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Starting mid-October in NY, they’ll be making their way down the East Coast, arriving mid-November for a month-longย Florida “Space Coast” tour. Along the way, Coral and Paul will beย researching, collecting data, and scanning objects of interest. They’ll also be givingย lectures, demos, andย Airstream Expositions along the way. For thoseย located along theย tour path, you can inquire about arranging a visit toย your school or makerspace byย contacting Paul.

Follow the journey on theirย blog,ย orย support their tourย by purchasing a t-shirt.

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Jessica designs art, making, and STEAM experiences for learners of all ages. She's developed and produced hands-on workshops, public programs, video media, project guides, and PD resources for organizations like Maker Media, the Exploratorium, and Franconia Sculpture Park. She holds a BFA in Sculpture from RISD and an EdM from Harvard.

She's shared hands-on activities with attendees at Maker Faires since 2007.

View more articles by Jessica Henricks
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