# Hacker How-Tos for Aspiring Nerds The Hacktory By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-10-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hacker-nerd-hacktory References: [core77](http://www.core77.com/blog/materials/designphiladelphia_2008_the_hacktory_11488.asp) & [thehacktory.org](http://thehacktory.org/) If you've ever felt the urge to tinker with, hack, destroy, or construct something, you've passed the prerequisites for The Hacktory in Philadelphia. This non-profit geek school offers a number of courses that all involve [technology in art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hofa-gallery). The Hacktory's main aim is to spread the reach of gadget art. They do so via material exchanges, community events, [interactive courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-labs), and an arsenal of [shared equipment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sparkfun-electronics). Current classes include 'Designing Circuit Boards' and 'Building Mechanical Marvels and Desktop Gadgets.' The Hacktory is located on 1524 Brandywine Street, near City Hall. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Gadget Art Education:** Non-profit schools like The Hacktory in Philadelphia are redefining education by offering courses that merge technology and art into something practical and appealing to aspiring nerds and gadget fans. - **Community Material Exchange:** Initiatives like The Hacktory's community-based material exchange program are offering people access to rare materials that would otherwise be unobtainable and ultimately fuel innovation. - **Shared Workspace:** Shared workspaces like The Hacktory are not only providing individuals with necessary equipment, but community as well, thus helping them to forge beneficial long-term working relationships. ### Where This Applies - **Education:** Innovative institutions that blur the lines between traditionally siloed departments such as technology and art can be the next growth frontier. - **Arts & Crafts:** Recycling and upcycling in artistic and craft endeavors to fuel innovation and promote 'green' initiatives is trending in this industry. - **Technology & Manufacturing:** Entering a collaborative workspace that affords access to niche prototyping and finishing tools, as well as industry experts, opens up opportunities for idea tangibility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hacker Resource Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hackpost-guide.md) - [Open Tech Learning Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imaginary-hub.md) - [Technology Connection Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/codecraftchaos.md) - [STEM Holiday Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-gift-shop.md) - [Security Testing Gateways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hackgate.md) - [Creativity-Centered Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gap-workshop.md) - [Broken Bike Lock Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/people-and-places.md) - [Hackathon Team Finders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hackbud.md) - [Youth-Focused Accessible Digital Labs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-labs.md)