here’s a short ‘about’ txt, taken from our entry for the upcoming ‘Hackerspaces’ book ::
>>> Tell the story of the beginning of the hackerspace. How did you come
>>> up with the idea? How did you choose the name of your hackerspace?
>>> What was your original vision?
moddr_ came about in 2007 when a group of students and graduates from the
Media Design MA course, at the Piet Zwart Institute in Rotterdam, decided
there was room for another 'new media' place in the city next to the
already established and rather famous v2_lab. We wanted to create a place
that is more accessible to young artists and hackers, without the need for
overblown project descriptions and ridiculous budget applications.
The name 'moddr_' resembles the dutch word 'modder', meaning mud, and we
chose this name to show that a large part of our practice involves the
modification and re-creation of already existing technology. We tend to
dislike the idea of contemporary media being labeled 'new', and it is part
of our mission to display a critical perspective on issues related to this
through our artistic practice - basically the lab consists of some very
geeky fine-artists...
>>> What are some obstacles that you had to overcome at the beginning of
>>> your hackerspace when you were just getting started?
In terms of infrastructure we are part of the WORM venue in Rotterdam,
which also holds analogue film workshops, a sound studio, a shop,
several online projects, and of course a good bar and stage. One of
the obstacles to tackle was the integration of our space into their larger
structure, something which we now consider to be an ongoing process, and
together with WORM we now organize events, gigs, meetings, exhibitions, the
lot...
>>> Describe your hackerspace. What do visitors to the space notice that
>>> is special about the space? What kind of tools and resources do you
>>> have at the space?
Basically it is a small souterain-style space which we use as an atelier. It holds
electronics tools and equipment, networking facilities, a large
meeting/eating table and a garden with BBQ and a tent for when it rains. No
lazzzor...
>>> How often do you meet? What happens at these meetings?
We work on a daily basis in the studio, however we also travel quite a bit
so also sometimes nobody is there for a while. Going's on in the space range
from moderate productivity to insane parties, making plans for world
domination and scheming the Singularity.
>>> Describe a disaster that occurred in your hackerspace. (flood,
>>> lightning, accident or some such thing)
The Saga of the Whistling-Shit-Pipe; a bathroom renovation was needed to
prevent our toilet from bringing forth weird crappy sound in C-Minor.
>>> What are some things that have come out of your hackerspace that you
>>> are most proud of?
The 'Pirates of the Amazon' Firefox add-on (and consequent drama), the
'DADAMACHINIMA' exhibition, the 'Web2.0_Suicide_Machine', and several
workshops ,events and parties we did...
>>> Was there anything that you did that was essential to the start of
>>> your hackerspace? Do you have any advice for people who might be
>>> thinking of starting a hackerspace?
Don't do it man. Better get a job.
last modified: 1224966619