OK, now someone buy me an industrial laser-cutter.

Ronen Kadushin (link via Core77) has released a series of beautiful lamps and housewares. But here's the interesting bit: you don't buy them, you download them. He's put up the plans up in DXF format, calling it Open Design.

In Open Design, the design is a two dimensional "cutout" represented as digital information. It relies on the Internet's communication resources, to publish, distribute, and copy the designs under a CreativeCommons deed. Coupled with The flexibility of CNC production methods, all technically conforming designs are continuously available for production, in any number, with no tooling investment, anywhere and by anyone.

He may be a little ahead of his time, as I don't have ready access to a computer-controller laser cutter*, but I applaud the effort. It is a sign of good things to come. I love watching Open Source ideas spreads into ever-wider application. And, of course, none of this would be possible without the Creative Commons. You're doing the Lord's work, gentlemen. Keep it up.

* On second glance, maybe I do.