Brilliant Lyddle End things continue to be done. These are particularly splendid. But some people still need a bit of extra time, so I'm extending the deadline to the middle of April. Though actually that's when the Easter holidays are. Let's say after Easter. Let's say the 20th. Get them done by then, and get them to me or get them on flickr and on the blog. Then we'll work out how to collide them all together.
The last lot of Lyddle End 2050 buildings go to the post office tomorrow. Then, that's finally it for the ones I'm sending out. You can still join in if you like, obviously, but you'll have to supply your own building. (And big thanks to the people who've already done that.) Deadline is the end of Feb. Then we need to think of a way of displaying them all, in the real world and online.
A powerpoint sketch for my Lyddle End house. If Archigram had had powerpoint, maybe they'd have actually got something built.
I've restarted the steady flow of tiny buildings into the postal system, so if you've not had yours yet, just hang on. Or, if you want to get your own, as Dom and gang have done, that'd be great. It's been a bit tricky to find overseas Hornby stores so participants outside the UK are going to get really small buildings in the post from me. I hope that'll be OK.
Obviously it's no longer realistic to expect everyone to be done by the end of January. So let's now say the deadline is the end of Feb. But, in the mean time, it'd be nice if everyone who's got a building would record it on flickr, perhaps write a note about their plans, or show their early thinking as Keiran has done. That we way can see who's playing and what progress is being made. Tag it lyddleend2050 and it should show up on the blog.
And, I think I should say that's it for new entrants. At least for buildings supplied by me. If you've emailled to date then you're in. After now, not so much. Though if you want to get your own then welcome aboard, hurrah.
Here's some Lyddle End 2050 news for all you speculative modellers. To start with, more people have already finished. Max has just emailled me a shot of the Tuck Shop Fabricator and this splendid blurb:
In 2050, the permanent and nomadic residents of Lyddle End use the community Fabricator to build whatever they need. They do their paperwork and receive legal advice in the Tuck Shop, the owner of which can deliver a very personal service. (people still like to go to the shops.)
Nanotech/ Biotech agreements between Asia and Europe mean that creation at the atomic level is now possible. This photo shows the local butcher building a pig. (Those that eat meat still like to have it cut from something previously sentient, rather than the petri-pork that has replaced tofu.)
This is an early model fabricator. It needs to assemble from other matter. Absorbtion rods at the back suck C02 from the air (cleaning the planet) for raw material and re-sculpt this matter on the fab-deck. Other 'fabs' resculpt landfill or rock - but recycling the Earth's mess is obviously the priority.There are no Home fabricators (legally) - the act of creation cannot yet happen in a small or enclosed space.
Each community fabricator is named after the first thing made. This one is called Dodo.
Alan's also done an incredible milk-producing cow tree to sit along side his cottage. And there are people thinking and planning in Photoshop, really interesting, thoughtful stuff. You can keep up with all the developments at the Tumblr thing.
Which of course will be frustrating for those of you who haven't even got your models yet. I'm fully seized of the need to address this and am on the case. Lauren is very kindly sorting out models for those in Australia and I've found an online shop that will do North America for me. And I'll get some envelopes for everyone else. Or, of course, you could get your own.
I put another bunch of Lyddle End properties in the post a few days ago. There are about 30 out in the world now. But I think, with the analogue friction of the Christmas season now in full effect, I might stop sending stuff until the New Year. The Post Office queues are too depressing. (Except for a couple of hand deliveries I still need to do.)
So if you've not had one yet, don't fret. You could go and get your own, let me know and I'll send you some money. Or you could wait until January. And if you need an extension on the deadline that's fine.
Above is Arthur's prototype. I guess genetic manipulation is going to take a big leap forward.
I've had a few anxious emails from would be modellers, wondering where their Lyddle End buildings are. Suffice to say it's not you it's me. And it's not Royal Mail. Demand for properties has bucked the general down turn and it's proving difficult to keep up. (Partly because I'm only buying houses in sets of ten or so, in a feeble attempt to hide how much I'm spending from myself, and Anne.) If you've asked for one, please be patient, or if you'd like to pop out and get your own, let me know and I'll paypal you the money. This would be especially convenient if you're outside the UK where it's proving difficult to find online suppliers. Still, onwards. Or something.
Well, the Lyddle End project seems to be going nicely. James has speculated the first speculation - and it's a triumph. Awesome, well-researched and perfectly logical. About 15 buildings have found their way into the hands of builders, with more to come. I've found a supplier in Australia so they'll go out soon too. I've not found one in the US yet, so I might have to ship some from here. Which'll be a pain but do-able.
People have been asking for a deadline, so I'm going to say end of January. That should give everyone a decent amount of time. Then we'll work out how to get everything together. News and linkage is all being gathered automatically here. Just use the tag lyddleend2050 on flickr or delicious.
And there we are again. Dawdlr's just updated. Some lovely little moments in there. Next update May 21st.
