Architecture Student Facilities
The Architecture Fabrication Shop is available for student use on a first-come, first-served basis, free for all Iowa State architecture students during scheduled hours.
The Architecture Fabrication Shop is located within the Iowa State University Communications Building, room 1125.
The Architecture Fabrication Shop and Robotics Lab are primarily used by students studying in the Department of Architecture. These spaces provide a unique learning environment for seminars and studios. The Shop is also available as an open makerspace during shop hours.
Current hours:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 AM – 9 PM | 9 AM – 9 PM | 9 AM – 9 PM | 9 AM – 9 PM | 9 AM – 5 PM | 12 PM – 5 PM | 12 PM – 8 PM |
Hot desks
- 20 tables, 16 LCD monitors with HDMI cords, 5 rolling TVs with HDMI cords
- Please do not make models in this area.
Model making and general work
- 20 tables
- Please bring all model-making supplies, use a cutting mat when making models, and clean up before leaving. There is limited temporary model storage. Please read the signs.
3D printers
- 24 x 3D45 Dremel 3D Printers
- You will need to bring your own Dremel PLA Filament.
- Blue tape, glue sticks, and scissors are provided.
Photography spaces
- 5 x FotodioX LED Studio-In-a-Box (20 x 20″)
- White, gray, and black photo paper
- A set of lights
Large format printer
- 1 x EPSON SC-T5170 Large Format Printer
- You will need to provide you own paper.
Please begin by reviewing and completing the required Canvas Modules. This training is required for use of the shop.
The equipment in the Architecture Fabrication Shop is supported by CASTLE fees and the Department of Architecture. Please see the AFS Canvas for workflows and machine specifications.
Students are expected to bring their own supplies, dispose of any trash, and remove large items to the dumpster.
A variety of equipment and tools may be available for student use in cases where access is arranged for coursework. Individual student use outside of supported coursework is not available.
Printing and cutting
- Formlabs Form 3 SLA Printer and Formlabs Wash and Cure
- Clear resin is available for small prints. If you require specialized resins, please purchase resin and a tray from Formlabs and bring with you. These machines require AFS staff support.
- Lulzbot Taz Pro Dual Extrusion FDM Printer
- Please provide your own filament. Must be 2.85 mm diameter. This machine requires AFS staff support.
- Potterbot
- Plasma CNC
Sewing and embroidery
Textile equipment
- Louet Erica 30 Table Loom
- Toika Leena Table Loom – 8 Harness
- Beka Warping Board
- Silver Reed SK155 Knitting Machine
- Silver Reed LK150 Knitting Machine
- Addi Express Knitting Machine
- Hand knitting tools
- Hand crochet tools
Vinyl and laser cutting, wire bending
- US MH Vinyl Cutter + Plotter
- DiWire CNC Wire Bender
- Glowforge Pro Laser Cutter + Air Filter
Environmental and energy
The Architecture Fabrication Shop (AFS) offer materials for purchase. Individuals interested in purchasing materials should do so in the Architecture Fabrication Shop (Communications Building, room 1125). Please have your NetID and university ID number (UID). The department of architecture will issue the fee to your university bill. Instructors interested in purchasing materials for their courses may do so. Instructors should work with the AFS Shop Manager and provide the course fee worktag for the purchase.
FY25 Approved Rates:
| Item | AFS Rate | Quantity |
| 1.75mm PLA Filament | $20 | 1kg spool |
| USB Memory Stick | $10 | unit |
| Micro SD Card | $8 | unit |
| Chipboard 4ftx4ft | $5 | sheet |
Design-build tools in the AFS include an impressive array of hand tools, power tools, and equipment for sitework and concrete design.
Design-build tools are not for general student use, but may be used under instructor supervision for approved courses. Please see the College of Design Model Shop for access to hand and power tools for other coursework.
Rather than throw out your prints, please drop off unwanted prints at 1055 Communications during open hours. Please mark your prints with the type of filament used so it can be sorted appropriately for repurposing.
As 3D printing technology becomes increasingly more affordable and accessible, questions about how it contributes to plastic pollution become more pressing.
One of the common types of 3D printer filament is PLA, which is not recycled by most curbside municipal recycling programs. As a result, failed 3D prints cannot be tossed into the recycling bin. However, a feature of the thermoplastics that are used in 3D printing is their ability to be melted down and re-extruded without a significant loss of material.
At the AFS, we are pursuing several filament reuse/recycling research initiatives to assist in sustainability efforts. This includes a reform collaboration with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering that aims to create 100% recycled PLA filament for printing on the Dremel 3D45 printers at the AFS, as well as a grinding and melting process in which 100% ground filament is melted into sheets that are then post-processed into a new form.
Using the Architectural Robotics Lab
The Architectural Robotics Lab explores the emergent field of research, design, and construction utilizing robotic technology. It works to connect developments in computation to the challenges of construction through teaching, research, publication, and exhibition.
The ARL is located within the AFS (Communications Building, room 1125). Access to the ARL is limited to students in related coursework.
Industrial Robots
Desktop Robots
A Cyclone in the Making
Find your place at Iowa State University’s College of Design, where we like to ask questions, poke and prod, create something new, and make a difference through design.