The Queensland College of Art has unveiled its new design studios at South Bank.

The state-of-the-art creative space will provide cutting edge facilities and equipment for students pursuing a design and fine art career.

The 3D print and laser cutting labs, microelectronics workshops, fine arts studios and flexible work spaces allow students to take their concepts from design to prototype under one roof.

Griffith University Vice Chancellor and PresidentProfessor Ian O’ConnorAC officially opened the new space saying the new facilities wouldprovide a launching pad for the designers and artists of the future.

“The students of today will have the jobs of the future — ones that may not even exist yet – and industries like 3D printing are forecast to be a $7 billion dollar a year industry by 2020.”

“Griffith has made a significant investment in providing spaces and facilities that will ensure an excellent educational experience. This will help us attract and retain students who will succeed at university and become graduates of influence.”

Professor Paul Mazerolle, Pro Vice Chancellor (Arts, Education & Law) lauded the new facilities as “world class”.

“Students at our South Bank campus now have access to the very best facilities and equipment across a whole range of creative pursuits, from 3D printing to design, photography and fine arts.”

“We have made a significant investment to ensure that our students and faculty are right at the cutting edge,” Professor Mazerolle said.

Visitors were able to see the many exciting and revolutionary products created by students with access to Griffith’s 3D printing facilities, including abespoke stereo, high tech movie props and high fashion.

The revitalised creative spaces also included a new studio for the QCA’s unique Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art program, an upgraded lecture theatre and a flexible work space for fine art and photography classes.

Queensland College of Art Director Professor Derrick Cherriesaid the newspaces would further enhance the reputation of the QCA, which was recently named Australia’s top ranked creative arts school.

“In this refurbishment we have created flexible learning spaces that reflect contemporary directions in both teaching and professional practice,” he said.

“The traditional separation of learning spaces into studios, workshops, seminar rooms, and lecture theatres does not support the collaborative, open and flexible learning environments needed by a forward-looking art and design
college in the 21 st century.”