EDUCATION: Art, Design and Media Studios

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 7Ar. Diane A. Jose

INTRODUCTION

Departments in further and highereducation are now usually grouped inlarger units (e.g. facilities) so thatresources can be shared with relateddisciplines.

The layout of any studio is conditioned bytype of work being undertaken and typeof supervision required.

Special Facilities

Architecture Drawing and painting: fine art Graphic design Ceramics; sculpture Media studies: video and film Industrial design: engineering Furniture and interior design Theatre and television design Photography Silver and jewellery: metalworking Textile Design, both print and weave Stained glass

Schedule of Accommodation

Will generally include:

Design studio and display areas

Technical workshops

Admin office

Storage

DESIGN STUDIOSAccommodation

General Requirements: Studios

Next to appropriate workshops or workrooms Exclusion of noise and dust should be

considered Storage is need for large drawings, models.

Reference books and clothes/protectiveequipment for copying drawings anddocuments, although the latter may becentralised

Good lighting is essential, all windows shouldbe fitted with some form of daylight controls(e.g. blinds)

Display Space

Nowadays, varied to include lecturetheatres, halls, corridors and entry areas.

Note that some specialist display areaswill still be required (e.g. for models orfilm and video)

Fine Art Studios

Studios for painting and sculpture requirelarge areas.

They must have a good natural daylight,with high-level windows equal to at least25-33% of the floor area, and with northor east aspect.

WORKSHOPSAccommodation

Sitting

Depends on type of work being done Light work associated with graphics, silver and

jewellery, photography and fashion – higher floor Metal, wood and plastics workshops where large

machines may be installed – ground or basement Workshop layout must conform to work flow and

safety. Provide ample space for movements esp. with

machines Non-slip floor finishes should be specified A workshop technician should be able to survey

the whole area from a partially glazed office.

Health and Safety

This is particularly important wheremachinery is in use – e.g. wood andmetalworking – or in darkrooms etc.where chemicals are used. Protectiveclothing, goggles etc. must be available insufficient numbers and safety proceduresmust be clearly displayed.

Ancillary accommodation

This will include offices for teaching staff,common room (consider for both staff andstudents), toilets and possibly showers.

May include printing and reprographicequipment, either housed in a studio or, ifsophisticated or large scale, sited in aseparate area.

CADD equipment is usually located inseparate computer areas, use beingshared with other disciplines.

Storage

All storage must be sited next to the appropriateworkshop and satisfy requirements for specific heat andhumidity conditions where required for specialisedmaterials being stored (e.g. clay, plaster).

External access must be convenient for goods vehicles

Special racking is need for paintings and largecanvasses, timber and timber-based board materials,plastics sheets, metal sections, rolls of textiles, glassand paper.

Correct archive storage for original drawings, models orother artefacts, which may have to be kept for indefiniteperiods, must be properly conditioned, and the structuremust be fire and flood proof.

DRAWING STUDIOSAccommodation

Workstation

Based on paper size used (A0 as thelargest)

The simplest form of workstation is:drawing board, equipment trolley (cart)and draughtsman's chair; where draftingwork requires reference to detailscontained on other drawings, eitherreference tables or vertical screens maybe required.

Workstation

Reference tables, which may also provideplan chest drawing storage below thework surface, should either be to the sideof the draughtsman in parallel with thedrawing board or at right angles to it.

Setting-out Studios

Also known as workshop ‘rods’

These are usually found in the constructionindustry, and joinery shops in particular.

Such drawings are prepared on rolls of paperset down at long benches.

Draughtsmen work standing up at thedrafting surface, which is horizontal and900mm high – either horizontal (plan chestswith drawers or vertical (plan file cabinets).

RESEARCH:

Organizational Structure of 3 Schools/Universities

Site Data: EARIST (in Google Earth)