On Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 in the Higgins Lounge, micro-architect Derek “Deek” Diedricksen with speak on “Funky Junk and Frugality.” The talk is part of our fall symposium, Framing Freedom.

Made from free and recycled goods, Diedricksen’s artistic and functional micro-shelters – with names like “Hicksaw,” “Boxy Lady,” and “Gypsy Junker” ­– challenge conventional assumptions about the American home and consumerism with humor, thrift, and imagination. In this presentation, he will share images of his work and discuss his path to a more independent life through creative re-purposing of “free, found, and funky junk.”

Designer and builder Derek Diedricksen is the author of Humble Homes, Simple Shacks (Lyons Press, 2012), the host of the upcoming HGTV series “Extreme Small Spaces,” and the host/director/producer of the YouTube series, “Tiny Yellow House.” He has spoken and had his work displayed at M.I.T., Walden Woods, and NYC’s Maker Faire (where he won a “Best In Show”). Diedricksen’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Salon, NPR, Readymade and MAKE Magazine. He also appears in “TINY,” a documentary about the small house movement. He tours the country teaching workshops to those eager to learn about building small dwellings, both through The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, and his own Relaxshacks.comworkshops.

It should be a fun evening. Please help spread the word. Students, staff, faculty and the public are welcome!