RISD Materials Laboratory:

strategic planning for a curriculum based inspiration lab

Problem:
Students at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) indicated their frustration with

the inability to share knowledge about process, technique or material choices once a

project is completed. The students were often occupied with other projects, and wished

that they could ‘download’ their knowledge somewhere so that it could help others.

Solution:
Create a physical location where students, faculty, alumni and members of the general

public can share knowledge and foster enthusiasm about physical material choices.

Broken into several phases, the laboratory will consist of a physical material library, a

virtual database to store material exploration research findings of student work, and a

forum to spark inspiration and discuss process and methodologies.

The research was conducted over a two year period consisting of on-site audits of

existing material collections in New York, Boston, San Francisco and London. Our

findings were compiled into a 65 page report of findings that was presented to the

RISD Board of Trustees. Construction of the collection began in Spring 2010.

Stephen Keith Szermer

212 920 1656
 Project management via Basecamp 65 page report of findings presented Integrated into the
to the RISD Board of Trustees Fleet Library at RISD

An interactive billboard in the lobby of the Fleet Library provides

updates on material trends and advertises the physical collection
located on the second floor.

RISD Materials Laboratory:

strategic planning for a curriculum based inspiration lab