Steampunk: the future if it happened before

Imagine the reality of the nineteenth century. Imagine a world without electricity, any activity that relies only on mechanical power of steam. Imagine you write science fiction stories (like those of HG Wells and those less known, Conan Doyle), perhaps set in the Victorian London, and to design objects that do not exist. You should adapt them: how can a screen function without electricity? Without the necessary technology?

The term Steampunk was born in the 80s, probably coined by writer K. W. Jeter, to name the kind of novel that provides an anachronistic use of technology. Soon becomes an aesthetic, a world made of metal and ingenious designs hyper-technical, complex engineering, forcing in the very idea of design elements to give early modern aura. Unnatural. Functional to justify their existence in a world that does not require.

In addition to contaminate the film (“Brazil” by Terry Gilliam and “Steamboy” Otomo are full of references), the incredible Steampunk brought together a community of fans and artists who seek to make the most possible ‘outside time’ any contemporary object. From this huge amount of contributions, was born The Steampunk Workshop site that, through examples, tips and tutorials, offers this type of art, on the border between design and modding.