The Technical Support Department (TSD) takes care of all the technical aspects and equipment needed for your creative making activities. We are the go-to people who assist students and staff with all making enquiries. We provide guidance, troubleshooting and work to ensure the making process runs smoothly and safely. This guide explains how to access TSD workshops and services. You can also find a wealth of information on TSD’s Canvas pages. To contact TSD, please use our Helpdesk: gsa.ac.uk/helpdesk.
TSD CAMPUS LOCATIONS
First Floor | Fine Art Photography Workshops [analogue & digital processing, equipment store, lighting studio] // High Quality Wide Format Digital Print g.mcghee@gsa.ac.uk
Second Floor | AV Equipment Library mediastudio@gsa.ac.uk
STOW BUILDING Ground Floor | Wood, Metal and Casting Workshops // Digital Studio // Studio Team c.barrowman@gsa.ac.uk // castingworkshop@gsa.ac.uk mediastudio@gsa.ac.uk // al.williams@gsa.ac.uk
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workshop ACCESS
Access to TSD resources is possible using booked slots on Connect 2 with limited drop in access. A booking will guarantee your space. Scan the QR code below or visit: qrco.de/Connect2.
In order to ensure your safety, most workshops require inductions which you can book on Connect 2. Due to the limitations of space and resources, some workshops will prioritise inductions and bookings for programme-specific students.
Please visit TSD on Canvas and the TSD Helpdesk: gsa.ac.uk/helpdesk for frequently asked questions and/or to contact us.
3 SESSION MODEL
To maximise the available workshop time, TSD use a 3 session operating model; protecting time for induction and project work, as well as extending evening access. For information regarding workshop inductions, please visit the TSD Canvas page or contact the relevant workshop team leader.
NB Some areas may not adhere to the 3 session model during high intensity induction periods such as the beginning of semester 1.
STUDIO TEAM
Each building has a Studio Lead & Studio Assistant team. They provide safety & support during opening hours and act as the first point of call for any queries.
If they cannot help you, they will be able to contact the right staff member for you; whether your question is about a technical process, accessing student support, or where to store chemicals. The studio team can be identified by their green lanyards. Studio Lead contact details are listed below.
Alan Williams: al.williams@gsa.ac.uk | 07816 127 625
greener making
We’re committed to fostering creativity while promoting environmentally conscious practices. We encourage students to consider the ecological impact of their artistic processes. This includes reusing materials whenever possible and being mindful of the origin and provenance of your supplies. Our campus features several re-use hubs where you can find pre-loved materials. We also urge you to remember to switch off machinery and equipment when not in use.
accessibility
We want our workshops to be as accessible as possible. If you experience any barriers, please contact us here: gsa.ac.uk/helpdesk.
closure periods
There are times of the year when access is prioritised for final year students or if a facility is closed. If this occurs, you will not be able to book it on Connect 2.
Semester 1
Independent Study Week
There may be some closures over independent study week for maintenance & staff training, these will be communicated on Canvas in advance.
Winter Break
TSD resources are closed over the student winter break for maintenance, planning & staff leave.
Semester 2
Spring Break until Final Year Hand-ins
From spring break until the end of semester 2 (or final submissions where these are earlier) access will be prioritised for final year students with advance access to Connect 2.
More supported access will be available in the mornings in place of inductions and projects throughout this period.
Semester 3
Access will be limited to students studying on programmes with 3 semesters of study in an academic year. Where possible, access to resources will remain open, however some sessions may be replaced with independent access to accommodate staff leave. Some closures will occur & be communicated in advance for maintenance. If you are likely to require significant assistance from a technician during this period, please discuss this with them well in advance of your deadline to ensure the required support is available.
At GSA we offer students a wide range of printing services that include both wireless and wired printing.
While students are connected to GSA Wi-Fi they can print from their own device. Students must top up their print credits via the online web portal. Visit qrco.de/gsaprint or scan the QR code below.
Printers are spread across our entire campus meaning a printer is never too far away! Please contact the IT Helpdesk for any issues relating to the MFD printers: gsa.ac.uk/helpdesk.
LARGE FORMAT
Our large format print service is open to anyone in the school. For heavyweight matt or tracing paper with a 4-colour printer up to 89cm wide or for vinyl up to 55cm wide, contact Sean: s.black@gsa.ac.uk. Sean is based on the ground floor of the Reid buiding. We also have plotters in the Bourdon which can print up to A0. For this, visit the Technical Base on the second floor. For high quality archival prints up to 111cm wide, visit qrco.de/gsahqprint or scan the QR code below for details on preparing your file and to book your print consultation. A cold mounting service is also available and both are based on the first floor, Stow building. For questions regarding these services, please email: tsdphotography@gsa.ac.uk.
riso print
Our Risograph machine is located in the Caseroom on the second floor of the Reid building. You don’t need a Caseroom induction, just email Ruth to arange a time to learn how it works: r.kirkby@gsa.ac.uk. You can also watch a video here: qrco.de/Riso or scan the QR code below.
3D print
Our 3D Print service does not require an induction. You must book a print slot on Connect 2: qrco.de/Connect2 and email your files to 3dprinting@gsa.ac.uk. The 3D printers are located in the basement of the Reid building. We use PLA filament and more info can be seen here: qrco.de/3DPrint.
TEXTILES PRINT
There are various ways to print onto textiles.
Our dye sublimation facility is suitable for sythetic fabrics where a large format inkjet printer can print onto a substrate which you can then heat press onto your material. Contact Sean: s.black@gsa.ac.uk who is based on the ground floor of the Reid buiding.
In the Centre for Advanced Textiles, we offer direct digital textile printing using either pigment or reactive dye printers. The maximum print width is 160cm x unlimited length and the process is compatible with a range of natural and synthetic fibers. Scan the QR code below, visit qrco.de/CATCanvas, or email cat@gsa.ac.uk for more information.
printmaking
Inductions for our printmaking facilities are arranged through programmes for Painting & Printmaking, Communication Design, MLitt Print, MFA. See maps on pp 24-27 for workshop locations. Due to resource capacities, access to workshops for students studying on other programmes is unlikely, though a limited number of consultations and loan equipment is available to support making in these disciplines on Connect 2.
laser cutting
Inductions are not required for laser cutting. Please book your session on Connect 2: qrco.de/Connect2. Please also see the laser cutting guide to prepare your file here: qrco.de/lasercutting or scan the QR code on the right.
3D Making
All students can access the 3D Making workshops located in the Reid basement, Stow ground floor and Bourdon basement (see maps on pp 22-25). Access to wood & metal workshops requires an induction which can be booked on Connect 2: qrco.de/Connect2. Cutting lists, general advice, and material supply are all available without booking. View details of 3D Making facilities on TSD’s Canvas pages. You can also visit TSD Helpdesk: gsa.ac.uk/helpdesk for frequently asked questions and/or to contact us.
copy room
There are two copy rooms on campus for photographing small works. One is in the Reid basement and one is on the first floor of Stow. These are bookable on Connect 2: qrco.de/Connect2. Additionally, there are documentation stations around campus: qrco.de/documentationstation.
maker space
The Maker Spaces are on the first floor of the Haldane building. Support for prototyping, modelling and small-scale fabrication is available alongside facilities for physical computing, kinetics, creative coding and electronics projects. We’re also developing facilities for bio-materials experimentation. You can use the Maker Space without an induction. See more here: qrco.de/makersp.
spray booth
There are three spray booths on campus: in the basement of the Reid building, in the basement of the Bourdon building and on the first floor in Stow building. Scan the QR code below or visit qrco.de/GSAsb for details on how to access the spray booth.
digital studio
The Media Studio has moved from the Reid and split into two spaces in Stow. In the annexe on the ground floor we have the Digital Studio encompassing high-end post-production machines, VR studio and computer suite. The AV Equipment Library is on the second floor for all equipment loans relating to video, photo and audio work. Find out more here: qrco.de/MediaEL.
EQUIPMENT LIBRARY
You can borrow a variety of equipment from areas such as the Bureau, the AV Equipment Library, and Photography Store. Equipment is bookable on Connect2 (scan the QR code below) here: qrco.de/Connect2.
specialist areas
Due to resource and space limitations, access to certain areas may be restricted for students enrolled in programs outside their specialism. This primarily affects the following disciplines: Fashion, Textiles, Silversmithing & Jewellery, Photography, and Printmaking. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to provide the best possible support for all our students within their respective fields.
technician commitment
We are happy to announce GSA have signed the Technician Commitment, an initiative designed to enhance the visibility, recognition and importance of technical staff within the academic community. This commitment is crucial because it not only acknowledges the vital role technicians play in teaching and research but also ensures that we have clear career development pathways and opportunities for professional growth. By fostering a supportive environment, the Technician Commitment helps us maintain high standards of technical expertise, ultimately enriching your educational experience and contributing to the success at GSA.
REID BUILDING
This guide was printed in black and white on recycled paper with support from GSA Sustainability. We have also restructured the information in the guide, hopefully making it more usable, as well as reducing it by twelve pages. Please recycle it after use.
