Rm 1003 and 805, 623 S. Wabash Ave.,
312.369.7539

A+D’s Fabrication Facilities provides students the opportunity to develop a full range of skills within their concentration so they can take an idea from a concept stage into a three-dimensional form.

These shops span two floors: one designated primarily for woodworking (10th floor), and the other for metal, foams, and plastics (8th floor).

Our facilities combine a traditional shop with more contemporary equipment. Equipment includes: table saws, band saws, scroll saws, sanders, jointers, planers, drill presses, milling machines, wood lathes, punch presses, metal rollers, brakes, step shears, nibblers, vacuum formers, CNC mills, frame saws, panel saws, etc

Several full-time staff members with a wide range of expertise manage the Shop.

Rm 1011, 623 S. Wabash Ave.,
312.369.7539

The A + D Ceramics Lab is utilized by many disciplines throughout the department. Students are able to explore hand-building techniques, throw on one of our five wheels, learn slip casting, glaze, and eventually fire their pieces in one of our two computerized kilns.

Rm 805, 623 S. Wabash Ave.,
312.369.7539

Columbia College’s Metals Lab provides A+D students with the opportunity to explore light metal fabrication techniques through the use of specialized hand forming tools, stationary metal tools, and acetylene soldering. Courses offered in the area include multiple levels of jewelry making, enameling and patina workshops, and a Light Metals Sculpture class. A variety of tools are available including enameling kilns, forming hammers and stakes, breaks and shears, and a plethora of jewelry tools.

Who Can use the Fabrication Facilities and When?

The A+D Fabrication Facilities are places where users will operate potentially hazardous equipment. For safety and liability reasons, shop users must be current faculty, staff, or enrolled students at Columbia College Chicago within the Art and Design Department. Furthermore all users must present a valid Columbia College ID card when using shop resources. Those who have attended a shop demonstration from the Shop Managers or Shop Technicians can work with appropriate shop equipment based on authorization level during normal shop operating hours once presenting the CCC ID; students must be registered for classes during that semester to use the shop.

Fabrication Facilities Demo

All students, staff, and faculty within the A+D Department interested in working in the Fabrication Labs must attend the appropriate Shop Demonstration from the proper Shop Personnel.Non-A+D students, staff, and faculty are not eligible to use the facilities nor attend a demonstration. This Demonstration will provide you with Shop access/privileges for two years time. To renew your privileges you must attend another demo. Demonstrations are given during the second week of the fall and spring semesters and on the equivalent “second week” in summer and J-term sessions. In addition to the “Demo Week” system, each of the three demo levels is conducted at least once a month throughout the calendar year. You must complete the demonstrations in the proper order; completion of the corresponding demonstration is a prerequisite for your attendance to the next demonstration.