i. institutional support and commitment to continuous improvement

School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects
Master of Architecture
Master of Architecture with emphasis in Interior Architecture
cess. These “smart studios” were designed after several years of full-scale prototyping and actual user
research conducted in the department’s previous location.
All students are required to own a powerful laptop computer for use in the studio instructional space
and elsewhere. SAIC provides key-served software licenses for use on these student-owned laptop
computers. Labs of School-owned computers are becoming less critical as the laptop initiative be-
comes more established, and newer labs accommodate student laptops accessing high-end peripher-
als. Within a few steps on the same floor as these desks and critique areas, the students have access to
a broad variety of auxiliary instruction and fabrication spaces.
1) Undergraduate classrooms/studios #1227–29, 1255, and 1256
Each Undergraduate classroom/studio is fully equipped with tables and storage lockers to accom-
modate up to 16 students. The tables are wired to include power and data connections and have a
durable butcher-block surface. Storage islands also have butcher-block surface, expanding student
workspace. Every classroom is also equipped with an A/V system. Each room has a teaching station
where the instructor can control the projector, screen, and audio system. Faculty are able to connect
a laptop, video camera, or other AV equipment through these projectors. Workstations for students
afford a place for everyone to plug in their power supplies, use a wired network connection and con-
nect their laptop to the projector for critiques to share their work with the class. Rooms #1227, 1255,
and 1256 also double as presentation rooms and contain an HD ready system. Large 16:9 format
screen, high-end NEC projector, and universal playback deck for DVD, MiniDV, and VHS tapes allow
guests from all over the world to present their materials.
Specifically, NEC Projectors, Extron control systems, Da-Lite electric screens, and professional qual-
ity Denon DVD players are installed in the space. Many rooms utilize Soundtube speakers, which
hang from the ceiling to minimize acoustic bleed between spaces. Many of the systems are housed
within Extron cabinets with a unique shelf system that drops down when in use and, then, folds up
to save space, making for an efficient, graceful integrated system for multi-use spaces.
2) Undergraduate classroom/studio #1242
This undergraduate classroom/studio is a facility that is used in conjunction with classes that pri-
marily use the Sullivan Fabrication Studio. Faculty and students use this area as a workspace for
constructing projects. The room is equipped with butcher-block tables and can accommodate up to
16 students.
3) Graduate classrooms/studios #1230, 1231, and 1233–38
Each graduate classroom/studio is fully equipped with tables, storage lockers, and AV presentation
systems to accommodate up to 14 students. The tables are wired to include power and data con-
nections and have a durable butcher-block surface. Storage islands also have butcher-block surface
expanding student workspace. Every classroom is also equipped with an A/V system, which has the
same components and functionality as the Undergraduate classrooms described above
4) Seminar classrooms #1240 and 1241
These classrooms are private teaching spaces that can accommodate up to 16 students. Every class-
room is also equipped with an A/V system, which have similar functionalities to the studio class-
rooms described above.
5) Presentation room #1226
This room is a presentation room, containing presentation capabilities similar to the studio and semi-
nar spaces described above. In contrast to the abundant natural light in most spaces in the Sullivan
Center, the lighting in this room can be adjusted with an advanced Lutron lighting system. Complete
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