Materials Lab
Process
The Architecture Materials Lab has 5,200 square feet of shop facilities in two locations for the exclusive use of architecture students. College programs are deeply rooted in the connection between designing and making. The lab contains tools and machinery for working with wood, metal and plastics and includes a large paint booth. Students build prototypes, models and mock-ups of construction details and take classes on how to use the lab as well as study the working properties of materials, an essential component of three-dimensional design.
Model Making
Model making teaches students to deal with the qualities of materials and issues of connection, structure and craftsmanship.
Instruction
All first-year students take two semesters of class in the lab, which acquaints them with the techniques to build models and mock ups from wood, plastic, plaster and metal. A short safety orientation class is offered for transfer and graduate students. Electives are also available for more advanced instruction.
Lab Use
Students must pass a written test that gauges their knowledge of safe work practices in order to use the facilities. A short Safety Orientation Class prepares students to pass this test. The safety classes are offered at the beginning of each semester, the precise times posted on the bulletin board by the door to the lab. (Incoming freshmen and Program 3 graduate students receive this instruction as part of their coursework.)
Lab Schedule
During the semester, the Architecture Materials Lab in Crown Hall and in 3410 S. State Street is open:
Monday-Thursday, 9 am-10 pm
Friday, 9 am-6 pm
Saturday, Noon-5 pm
Sunday, Noon-10 pm
Lab access is restricted during class meeting times in the lab.
Contact
Crown Hall Lab 312.567.3259
3410 S. State St. Lab 312.567.3999
Professional Staff
John Kriegshauser
kriegshauser@iit.edu
Christopher Miller
cmille15@iit.edu
Brett Balogh
bbalogh@iit.edu
Capability
The Architecture Materials Lab includes a comprehensive collection of hand and power tools for checking out as well as the following stationary equipment:
Powermatic 20" Wood Planer
Precix CNC Router Table
CNC Bridgeport Milling Machine
2 Universal 60 wt. Laser Cutters
4 Delta Unisaw Tablesaws
Powermatic Jointer 8"
Powermatic Bandsaw 20"
Laguna Bandsaw 16"
2 Rockwell Bandsaws 14"
2 Delta Compound Miter Saws
Safety Speed Cut Panel Saw
2 Delta Jig Saws
Rockwell Disk Sander
Delta Combination Sander
Rockwell Belt Sander
3 15" Drill Presses
Vacuformer 16"
Laboratory Oven
Hot Wire Bender
Hot Wire Foam Cutters
Cincinnati Buffer
Bridgeport Vertical Milling Machine
Logan Engine Lathe
Delta Horizontal Bandsaw
DoAll Bandsaw
DiAcro Sheet Metal Shears 36"
DiAcro Sheet Metal Brake 24"
DiAcro Bender
Baldor Grinder
2 Oxy-Acetylene Welding Sets
Lincoln Arc Welder
Miller Spot Welder
Lincoln Mig Welder
Lincoln Tig Welder
Paint Booth 8' wide x 6' deep