workshop
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In a world where digital imagery is everywhere, it is all the more important that architects
are able to think and work with real materials and understand the processes of construction.
A well-equipped Workshop allows all Architecture students to experience the pleasure of actually
making things. This may include scale models of architectural designs, full-scale constructions,
or other objects such as furniture, light fixtures, even boats.
The Architecture Workshop is located on the ground floor of the School building with easy internal and external access. The area is flooded with natural light and is visible from the street so that the public can see the creative activity going on inside. The shop is almost 5000 sq. ft. in size and is equipped with machinery and tools for work in a variety of materials, including four table saws with blade capacities from 6” to 14”, to accommodate large timbers or paper-thin cuts, four varieties of stationary sanders, a band saw, a radial arm saw, compound mitre saw, panel saw, jointer, planer, scroll saw, lathe, and two drill presses. There are sixteen large assembly tables and a long workbench. Hand and hand power tools are stored in rolling boxes that can be brought directly to the tables. The shop is also equipped with a vacuum bag clamping system and a steam bending system. Sheet metal work equipment includes a 13” shear, a 45” shear, a 24” brake for folding sheet metal, grinders and benders.
The Workshop also contains up-to-date fabrication equipment associated with the
Integrated Centre for Visualization, Design and Manufacturing.
A CNC router, 3D digital printer and laser cutters take computer files and turn them
directly into physical objects. It consists of a ZCorp 3D printer, and two Universal laser
cutters and associated computers located in the “clean room” and a Techno-Isel CNC router/milling
machine located in the equipment area of the workshop. The digital fabrication equipment can turn
computer files with 3D digital models into physical objects.
The equipment is available to both undergraduate and graduate students with appropriate training
and under supervision of shop staff.
Safety is a prime concern in the operation of the Workshop. All applicable environmental and safety standards are observed. A Workshop Technician assists students with their projects, provides instruction on the safe use of equipment and maintains the facility. Though the assembly area is available to students at all hours, the larger tools only operate when the Workshop is supervised.