The F.I.T ALabs project was a design opportunity to reveal
to the campus community the variety of different creative processes taking
place at F.I.T. The project comprises 14 lab spaces, which are used for a range
of activities including fragrance, fabric and dye testing to jewelry, shoe, toy
and print design. Within the ALabs project, SHoP designed three computer
classroom spaces that required specialized AV and IT interface with specific
programs. The classrooms included a Video Editing Room interfaced with TV
studio equipment such as video cameras, microphones and lighting and dimming
controls, switcher, editing console, recorders, monitors and racks, with a
capacity that includes live action editing and voice over. SHoP also designed a
Haptic Computer Lab where students of the Toy Design program could utilize
haptic software to digitally sculpt their forms. The haptic software interfaces
with a 3D printer that directly translates their designs into physical
prototypes. The spaces were designed to maximize natural daylight and visually
connect the exhibition and circulation galleries to the lab spaces.
Because of the specialized nature of the project, the design
team maintained a direst interface with the students, faculty, and facilities
management staff throughout the project. SHoP also used its iRoom technology, a
jobsite workspace that layers 3, 4, & 5D digital models to improve
information management during the construction process and provides a virtual
method to track progress.