Technology is transforming designer concepts by eliminating the traditional gap between design and production. Many VCUQatar students will never experience the designing process and creation of tactile objects through fabrication documents and communication with manufacturers due to the lack of appropriate facilities available locally, which can be discouraging as they pursue entrepreneurial careers. This course proposes a new model for the making and distribution of locally designed and fabricated goods by examining rapid manufacturing, and more specifically-3D printing. With the cooperation of a local shop, a business plan which combines the factory and reseller was developed. This sustainable and innovative production methodology allows students to create and produce small batches of local designs that can be submitted as digital files, fabricated on demand, and sold to regional communities.
The results of this course were exhibited in the Katara Art Center in collaboration with the Dutch Embassy in Qatar.
