Studio and Lab Resources
Amazing things happen inside the studios at the School of Architecture & Community Design. Visions that dwelled within the minds of students become physical models that showcase their respective talents and style. Take hands-on learning to a whole new level.
The School of Architecture & Community Design (SACD) is committed to providing the best possible support for our students, so they can learn and master the skills and technology of the discipline. At the HMS-Architecture building, students have access to a wide range of resources to hone their creativity.
Centrally located on the ßÙßÇÂþ»-Tampa campus, the HMS-Architecture building consists of four floors. Breezeways and exterior walkways on the ground, second and third floors create openness and provide a view of the surrounding environment. Along with classrooms, galleries, office space for SACD student organizations, a student lounge, and research and design studios, HMS-Architecture houses the following:
- Computer Lab
- Fabrication Lab
- Wood Shop
- SACD Digital Design Center
- USF Advanced Visualization Center
- St. Petersburg Urban Design Lab
Computer Lab
The HMS-Architecture Computer Lab is open 24 hours, seven days per week. Students have access to a variety of software programs with which to refine their skills. Equipped with 16 work stations, the lab also functions as a classroom for digital skills classes. Student fees support low-cost plotting and printing in the lab.
Lab hardware
- Lab computers
- 4-color and 8-color plotters
- Color and black and white laser printers
- Flatbed scanner
- Large format scanner
- Projectors (both ceiling-mounted and portable)
Lab software
- Autodesk 2016 Architecture Suite
- Autodesk 3ds Max
- Adobe Creative Cloud Suite+CS6
- Rhino
- SketchUp Pro
- SketchUp Podium
- Maxwell
- V-Ray Plugins
- And more
Fabrication Lab
Inside the Fabrication Lab, students transform their design projects into 3D models. Building upon the methods learned in class, they strengthen their drafting and constructing skills. Working with a wide selection of materials provides the opportunity to become familiar with different contexts. Through experimentation, students are able to assess what materials work best for which purpose and design.
Digital Fabrication
- CNC routers
- Large format laser cutters
- o Five with medical-quality BOFA filtering systems, distributed in advanced studios
- o One with a mechanical exhaust fan located in the third floor digital fabrication room
- MakerBot 3D printers
Wood Shop
- Table saw
- Band saw
- Chop saw
- Panel saw
- Scroll saw
- Circular saw
- Jigsaw
- A jointer and planer
- Drill press
- Belt and palm sanders
- Air compressor
- Angle and die grinders
- Routers
- Assorted clamps, chisels, hammers, hand saws, drill bits, hole saws, pliers, Kreg Jig, brad nailer
SACD Digital Design Center
Staffed by two graduate students who hold office hours and offer frequent workshops for students wishing to develop digital skills in a particular area.
USF Advanced Visualization Center
The USF Advanced Visualization Center staff assists students and faculty with the use of advanced technologies for the creation of visualization for education and research. It houses over 40 3D printers and an Advanced Visualization Student Lab. Visit the website for more information.
St. Petersburg Urban Design Lab
Located in the city of St. Petersburg (25 miles to the west of the USF Tampa campus along the Gulf Coast), the Urban Design Lab houses a single design studio and is also used for conducting seminars. Full IT support, plotter and laser cutter equipment are available.