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Public Open Day: PLASTICS

Public Events

Plastics use has become a hot topic, but how much do we really know about this black sheep of the material world? Our next Saturday Extravaganza in October tackles plastics - discovering the miraculous material properties of this contentious group of materials; testing it physically with different hands-on making processes; unpicking the thorny issues of current plastics use, circular lifecycles and recycling processes; and taking a look at plastics' remarkable cultural history.

We will be taking over the street outside the Institute of Making, filling it with demonstrations and making stations. Explore different types of plastics including celluloid and the history of cinema, 3D printed musical instruments composed of PLA and furniture joinery with PET water bottles. Make a custom whisk by rapid-prototyping neon thermoplastic Polymorph, then immortalise your creation with a professional portrait before taking it home to be infinitely recycled. The event will consider what ‘biodegradable’ and ‘sustainable’ really mean, as well as delving into the psychology of behaviour change. Designers Smile Plastics will show their products and host a Great Bin Competition, Thames21 digs into a paddling pool of Thames waste, while Mark Miodownik presents a special plastics-themed display of the Materials Library.

More details to come late-September, for now save the date on your diary and sign up to our mailing list to be the first to receive event updates and news.Free, open to all, drop in from 1pm, gates close at 5pm.

 

Do you have particular access requirements?

The Makespace has wheelchair access to the Materials Library and downstairs workshop but not up to the mezzanine. We would like to make sure that everyone can use the Makespace, our events and our website as easily as possible so please let us know if you need any additional support or assistance while using our facilities. We are always interested in feedback to help us improve access to our facilities.

Event location

Institute of Making Bloomsbury
University College London
Malet Place
London
WC1E 7JE
More details about Bloomsbury

Do you have specific access requirements?

Please let us know if you have any access requirements in order to attend this booking by emailing members@instituteofmaking.org.uk.

Contact events@instituteofmaking.org.uk if you have any additional questions.

We look forward to seeing you soon!