Fabricating (Other) Computations: Digital Fabrication and Technological Appropriation in Latin America

Abstract

This paper introduces and examines the latest and current background of digital fabrication in the context of Latin American architecture and presents updated information from the Homo Faber: Digital Fabrication in Latin America Project, which focuses on laboratories exploring the application of manufacturing technologies in architectural experiments and design objects. The results point to a context including several dynamics involving the emergence of digital craft in communities, the redesign of standard building components, the creation of mobile laboratories, experiments connecting low and high technologies, hacking practices, as well as bottom-up strategies to implement these technologies in the industry. The overall conclusion is that technology transfer and technological appropriation processes are still being carried out in the region.