1 nonprofit
DES.ENG.AGE. presents Silicon Souls during the Dutch Design Week at NulZes Fund
DES.ENG.AGE. presents Silicon Souls during the Dutch Design Week at NulZes.
A Platform for Creative Technical Collaboration, and techno-conscious discussion
What is DES.ENG.AGE.? It is a project that brings ASML engineers together with creative minds from Eindhoven. The goal is to connect the worlds of technology and design, helping to build a stronger creative culture around ASML and in the local area. It also gives ASML employees a chance to take part in hands-on creative projects, learn new skills, both technical and creative to work on projects from start to finish. Most importantly, we aim to support a society where technology is developed with thought and care, shaped by both engineers and artists who consider its impact on people and the planet.
What’s the Story Behind “Silicon Souls”? In the past, alchemists dreamed of turning lead into gold. Even Isaac Newton spent years exploring this idea. In recent times, scientists at the Large Hadron Collider managed to do it. However, we believe the real magic is in semiconductors. We take sand and turn it into silicon chips that store information, ideas, and money on them. These chips power everything around us. It’s not just turning matter into something valuable; it’s creating the foundations for whole digital worlds. Since Eindhoven is often called “Europe’s Silicon Valley,” we believe we should lead not only in tech, but also in responsibility. At DES.ENG.AGE. we think that “those who create are responsible.” That’s why Silicon Souls, our contribution to Dutch Design Week, is meant to highlight the deep connection between innovation and ethics where technologists think about their impact, and citizens are part of shaping the digital world.
What will “Silicon Souls” look like? We want to show the hidden complexity of the microchip industry in the form of a beautiful and meaningful piece of art, and abstract installation. This project will be built together by ASML engineers and local designers. The artwork will look like a large chandelier, shaped like a cone, hanging from the ceiling. It will be able to move in the x and y directions (and possibly z). It will contain fine sand, which will trickle onto a silicon wafer. As the chandelier moves, it will "expose" patterns of the sand metaphorically tracing the steps of chip fabrication. The polished surface of the cone will reflect a structure of pillars and connections an architecture that could be buildings or the layered structure of a microprocessor. Each layer will represent a story or idea sparking conversation with visitors. We also intend to pay homage to the employees of the industry by incorporating 3D figurines of people who contributed to the project.
How Can You Help?
We’re looking for engineers who want to volunteer their time and skills. Here are some areas where we need help:
o 3d scanning
o 3d printing with resin or ceramic slurry
o Calculating load bearing capacity of NulZes ceiling and beams
o Designing x-y stage that moves a “chandelier” that drips sand
o Designing nozzle system for sand
o "Wafer stage" design on the ground
o Helping Luuk van den Broek (our resident designer) with the cone that that is to be the main structure for the “chandelier”
o Help with the woodwork
o Connect the piece to the ceiling [TIG welding]
o Arrange area for seating
o Design and write on the walls
o Audio system for explaining the piece (is it a looped speaker or headphones, can it be rented or from ASML borrow)
o Record sounds
o Build up and install (scenography) from readymade objects
o Code movement and experience
o Create DUV etched silicon with disengage manifesto message that can be viewed under the microscope
o Work as mechanical engineer for integration.
o Electronics
o Coding
o Lighting design [illumination from the inside of the chandelier to project message]
o Safety expert
o Volunteer to stay at the DDW (Performance to offload sand from printed wafer)
We’re also looking for donations to help cover the costs of creating and displaying the artwork.
