“Critical Making signals the ways in which productions – whether of video, web-based communications, gardens, radio transmitters, or robots – are understood as politically transformative activities… . Critical making also signals the integration/ simultaneity of processes and practices, the act of making “things,” and suggests that practices of “making” are potentially linked to critically-infused reflection about aspects of the process itself. Critical making invites reflection on the relationship of the maker to the thing produced, reflection on how elements (whether nuts and bolts, bits, and bytes, or breath, blood, flesh, brain, and neurons) work together – in short, consideration and awareness of the mediated and direct experiences of interacting with the material world.” (Ratto & Boler 2014:1-3, DIY Citizenship, MIT Press)
The Odette Critical Making Studio is part of the Moore Innovation Hub and is located in Bata Library 401. The studio is home to a variety of equipment and software. Because equipment and time needs vary from project to project, access to the space is by appointment by emailing library@trentu.ca or using our Booking Page.
We are happy to answer questions about potential projects any time and encourage users to contact us early in your planning to learn about how the studio can support your project.
Equipment
Ultimaker S5 3D Printer
The Ultimaker S5 is available for use in-studio only. Materials kept on hand are PLA in a variety of colours and PVA. There may be a material charge for using the printer if there is a large amount of material being used in printing your model(s). Any potential costs are determined prior to printing to allow for users to make an informed choice about costs. Users may bring their own materials and use the printer without cost however all materials must be approved in advance. While the S5 is capable of using a large variety of materials, not all may be possible due to the air handling capabilities of the studio. Available print cores are: AA 0.25, AA 0.4, and BB 0.4.
The Ultimaker S5 uses Ultimaker Cura to prepare prints which can be downloaded and used at home to prepare print jobs ahead of time. Cura is not 3D modeling software. For 3D modeling, TinkerCAD, SketchUp, and Blender are popular tools that have free options but there are many others.
PFAFF Creative 1.5 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The PFAFF Creative 1.5 is available for use in-studio only. All materials must be supplied by the user and there is no cost for use. The studio also has cutting mats, transparent acrylic ruler, fabric scissors, and rotary knives available for use. Premiere+2 Ultra is available for use in the studio to design embroidery files. You can learn more about using this software by visiting the Premiere+2 Learning Center. Please note that only the Mac version of this software is available at this time.
Cricut Maker
The Cricut Maker cuts a variety of materials such as fabric, paper, and balsa wood. Currently available tools and accessories for the Maker are: Knife Blade, Rotary Blade, Fine-Point Blade, Deep-Point Blade, 0.4 Tip Marker (Black, Blue, Yellow, Red, and Green), Light Grip Mat, Strong-Grip Mat, and Fabric-Grip Mat. Users provide their own materials for cutting. Users are also able to bring their own Cricut accessories and tools. The Maker uses Cricut Design Space which is a free software that is available on computers in the studio; users can also work prepare projects in advance from home by creating their own Design Space account for free. This equipment is for in-studio use only.
Cameras
PhaseOne XF IQ1 60MP
For in-studio use only, the PhaseOne XF IQ1 60MP camera combines with Kaiser rePRO column and Hensel Expert D500 lights allows for high-quality photography of materials using CaptureOne CH. The currently available lens is a Schneider Kreuznach 80mm LS f/2.8.
Nikon D7500
Available for borrowing, the Nikon D7500 is a 20.9 megapixel camera that is also capable of shooting 4K Ultra HD video. Available lenses are: AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, AF Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4-5.6G.
Vuze+
The Vuze+ 3D 360 VR Camera is available for loan. Users can learn more about using this camera by consulting the documentation from the manufacturer.
Camera Accessories
All of the camera accessories listed below are available for loan.
Opteka X-Grip Camera Action Handle
Eleganto Collapisble Chroma Key Panel
Audio
Microphones & Audio recorders
All microphones and audio recorders are available for loan.
RØDE NT1-A 1" Cardioid Condenser Microphone (with SM6 Shock Mount with Detachable Pop Filter and stand)
Zoom H.6 Handy Recorder with X/Y Capsule and MS (Mid-Side) Capsule
Audio/Video Capture
Audio and video capture equipment is available for use in studio only.
BlackMagic Intensity Shuttle USB 3.0
Computers & Software
We have two iMac Pros and one standard iMac available for use. In addition to standard software, the following specialized software is also available.
