Work in the 3D large workshop tends to be more experimental, with a Fine Art focus, as opposed to 3D small wood, which focuses on design-driven, highly structured work.
The large workshop provides bandsaws, pillar drills, large sander/linishers, mitre saw, a mitre guillotine and laminating press as well as a large number of portable power tools and hand tools.
The small workshop is aimed primarily at modelmaking in wood, and is equipped to support students in a variety of processes, including drilling, sanding, cutting and shaping.
Ask a technician
Questions answered by Specialist Technician Adrian Di-Duca
What can students do here?
The 3D Large (fabrication) workshops operate over two sites, Kings Cross and at Archway. We have tried to keep both workshops as similar as possible - you will find the same machinery, power tools, hand tools and systems in both workshops. Hopefully this encourages a familiarity for students and staff alike.
In both workshops you’ll find bandsaws, chopsaws, tablesaws for cutting, pillar drills, sanders and linishers for shaping wood. Plus a full range of hand-held power tools and every hand tool you would expect to find in a well equipped workshop. The King’s Cross workshops also have a Streibig vertical panel saw and CNC (computer numerical cutting) facilities.
As we work with students from all courses - Fine Art to Industrial Design we have a flexible approach that allows all students the chance to explore the technical side of their practice in a supportive environment.
What is the most common request you get?
This would have been easier to answer years ago but today the requests are as varied and diverse as the wider contemporary Art and Design world.
Is there a particular project you remember?
There really has been so many, too many to single any one out. What I would say is that there is always something new and innovative happening and this makes the 3D Large workshops an exciting place to work for students and staff alike.
Have you ever had to say to a student that a project was impossible?
It doesn’t really work like that, an outright no is not an option. If an initial project seems undo-able it is only because every factor has not been taken into account. Issues such as timeframe, expense, size, difficulty, can all be realistically “negotiated” after talking to the student and finding exactly what the student wants.
An example: a few years ago a student said they wanted to make a two metre glass cube, create a vacuum inside and suspend objects. Their budget was £40.00, needless to say this was not going to happen, but in the end the student was more than happy with the results they got out of plastic sheeting, a timber frame and fishing wire.
How does the workshop fit into the overall history of CSM?
The 3D Large workshops incorporate Central Saint Martins and what was the Byam Shaw and the Back Hill Foundation course. A lot of investment and planning has created modern well-equipped workshops that benefit everyone.
What makes this workshop a special place at CSM?
The dedicated team of technicians.