Frank Kolkman

In his work, experimental designer Frank Kolkman  (1989, Arnhem) manages to combine his curiosity about how things work, with analytical thinking and intuitive design. Kolkman studied Product Design at the ArtEZ University of the Arts in Arnhem and subsequently received his Master’s degree in Design Interactions at the Royal College of Art in London.

The aim of his work is to challenge our ideas about contemporary and future technologies.  He hopes to encourage people to think about the socio-political implications of these developments. One tool for achieving this goal can be found in his art project, DIY Surgical Robot (OpenSurgery) in which he examines the possibilities of surgical robots. Or, in the projects (Black Gold), his proposal for extracting caviar in a humane manner; or Tiny Education Bunny, a project that demonstrates the possibilities of combining small electronics, laser cutting and 3D printing.

You can find out more about these three projects by following the links below: 

OpenSurgery
https://vimeo.com/131449531

Black Gold
https://vimeo.com/86143603

Tiny Education Bunny
https://vimeo.com/87634543

Social Design Coalition
Frank Kolkman is part of the Social Design Coalition which is made up of the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Museum Vrolik, Makerversity the Waag Society and De Punt. This year, in conjunction with the Coalition, Kolkman hopes to focus on the theme 'end of life'. In this, he will ask questions concerning the 'afterlife' at a time when the religious system of beliefs is gradually being replaced by a growing trust in rational science and technology.  What should we think of the technical possibilities for extending life? Or, the possibilities of ending life voluntarily? At the end of the year, the results of this research will be presented at one of the Coalition's participating organizations.