One of the most innovative experiences at Saturday in Design to date, the MAKE it Precinct was about more than just a lot of fun and some seriously talented people, it was the continuation of a discussion, around collaborative designing and making in Australia and it’s importance to the future of our industry.

After several days of preparation, the Melbourne weather cleared on Friday for the ’Design a Cup’ evening. Four shipping containers, a massive scaffolding structure, and a canopy of large white discs made for an out-of-this-world pop-up location, curated by Brisbane-based architect and designer Christina Waterson.

With the winners of the competition announced, and the rotational moulding machine switched on, the proceedings were underway.

The next day, as the sun rose on a typically wet Melbourne, Waterson’s white ’Lilypad’ discs protected the visitors who’d come to learn more about the 3 manufacturers: Wood Turning with Evostyle, Metal Spinning with CNC Metal Spinning, and Rotational Moulding with Palamont.

Luke Ommundson, a third-generation wood turner, put his hands and keen eye to crafting detailed objects, from spinning tops to miniature chalices. His handiwork was also on show in the form of Coco Reynolds’ Bright Beads. Coco was in attendance throughout the day, talking to SiD attendees about her latest design. While last year’s Launch Pad winner, Jonathon Logan tested his own skills on the lathe.

Robert Marinucci and Steve Frank from CNC Metal Spinning showed off their skills, while keeping our canine visitors happy with some freshly spun dog bowls!

The talented MAKE it Crew were making the winning Design a Cup entries throughout the day, putting the custom-made rotational moulding machine to good use.

Visitors engaged with makers and mingled with their peers, getting to know the traditional and modern crafts on show. But it was the buzz on the day that was most apparent, as countless passionate and inquisitive people chatted and shared ideas.

On the Saturday night, howwecreate.com was presented with the inaugural SID Award for Best Showroom Experience – a reflection of a community ready to embrace makers, and to explore a collaborative approach to creating.

How We Create
howwecreate.com

Images © James Braund