Facilities & Resources
Art & Technology Studies Facilities & Resources
The Department of Art and Technology Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers the following equipment and facilities:
Bio Art Lab facilitates artistic research utilizing the tools and techniques of molecular biology including DNA extraction and amplification, PCR, culturing of bacteria, protein expression, and synthetic biology.
Kinetics Lab is fully equipped with a fabrication and machining facility, power supplies, extensive hand tools, and hundreds of electronic and mechanical components.
Electronics Lab contains all of the tools and electronic parts to quickly develop new hardware. We support a range of microcontrollers from Atmel (e.g., Arduino) to modern ARM processors (e.g., Raspberry Pi).
Surface-Mount Lab is outfitted with tools and equipment to produce circuit boards using surface-mount electronics. Students are able to design, mill, assemble, and prototype circuits in house.
Digital Audio Lab features keyboards, samplers, analog and digital synthesizers, a surround-sound system, live recording capabilities, specialized audio software, and key support equipment.
I/O Lab runs a suite of 3D printers and desktop milling machines as well as a 3D scanner. The lab is adaptable and encourages experimentation within rapid-prototyping, part-making, and digital fabrication techniques.
Light Lab enables students to produce neon works, explore digital control of neon pieces, and experiment with additional light sources, such as LEDs.
The Black Box is a flexible studio/screening/project space with surround sound, light control, and video projection that is also equipped with a “C-Wall” or “Single Wall CAVE” using stereoscopic 3D video, motion tracking systems, head mount displays, and multichannel audio.
Flex Space is a communal space and multi-purpose facility that may host a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, lectures, performances, workshops, receptions—in addition to allowing the ATS community to come together in small groups and improvise according to need.
Retro Lab is a hybrid facility that can be used for teaching, art making and research. It features a growing collection of functional vintage computers, digital and analogue media, and electronic devices. One of the most prominent items is a newly acquired Paik/Abe Video Synthesizer (constructed from 1969–71). The lab also features a 36-module Sandin Image Processor (designed between 1971–74), a Commodore 64 and an Apple IIE.
Individual graduate studios create space for experimentation, conceptualization, and construction of individual and collaborative projects.
