The Gray Design Building

The concept of an open studio environment is more than open and more than flexible. It provides for significant self-navigation of students’ education. By removing the obstruction of walls, students are able to learn from their peers both directly and indirectly. Exposure to projects from all disciplines allows for a broader and deeper definition of the field of design, encouraging a cross-disciplinary ecosystem and stronger sense of community.

At more than 8,000 square feet and comprised of multiple specialized areas, the Maker’s Suite is one of the most important elements of the design studio experience. In addition to traditional woodworking tools, the Maker's Suite features a large CNC router, laser cutter, robot arm, vacuum former, 3D printers, a digital knitting machine and more, ensuring that our students have all the tools they need to bring their designs to life.

One of the most noticeable and significant features of the Gray Design Building's exterior, the Maker Marquee serves to extend the Maker Suite's fabrication space to the outdoors. With a loading dock at one end and almost 4,000 square feet of covered space in which to work, the Maker Marquee allows students to build full-scale models in a protected environment, while putting design on display for the wider University community.

The Clearing is the "heart" of the Gray Design Building. Designed to connect the two floors both physically and visually, it allows natural light from the clerestory to fill the building. Surrounded by open studios, the café, the gallery, and the Maker's Suite, the Clearing serves as a hub, encouraging movement and interaction among the College community and visitors. From this spot, you can see throughout much of the building and appreciate the architecture of the reimagined warehouse. 

The Forum is the Gray Design Building's multipurpose, centrally located space for public gatherings. At 2,400 square feet, the Forum has seating for 90 on the main floor and an additional 35 in the balcony. The space can be  reconfigured for guest lectures, studios, workshops and other uses. Technology within the space allows live streaming of events to those outside the building, and the acoustically treated interior provides clear movement of sound.
 

Adjacent to the Clearing, the Gallery serves as the College of Design's primary exhibition space. Designed to showcase the diverse work of students, faculty, and visiting designers and artists, the 500-square-foot space offers a platform for experimentation, dialogue, and innovation that enriches the College's creative community.