• Print Lab
• Computer Labs
• Classrooms
• Screen Printing
• Library

Print Lab

The Department of Design is fortunate to have a fully-operational production lab. The lab provides students access to equipment found in the industry and establishes a learning environment that allows for hands-on education. The 1,390 square-foot production lab includes the following equipment: hand and power guillotine paper cutters, foil-stamping, various mechanical and perfect binding units, offset and photopolymer plate making units, medium and large format inkjet printers, two Vandercook proofing letterpresses as well as a Heidelberg GTO offset press.

Computer Labs

The Department utilizes two computer labs. The labs give students an opportunity to utilize equipment and technology that enhances their topics of study. The general facility is open 24 hours and has twenty-four 21.5" iMacs with the latest design software. The new media lab is equipped with twenty 27-inch iMacs hosting the latest new media software including the Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro Studio. In addition, the lab has two recording suites with 27" iMacs and Cinema 4D software and an attached presentation room. Both labs are equipped with scanners, b&w printers, and overhead digital projection, and are supported by the University Server with fast Internet access. Design students also have access to a variety of equipment within the department including HD cameras, tripods, still camera, green screen, light kit, and the use of a photo studio. There is also access to a larger abundance of equipment through the University Academic Technology and User Services.

Classrooms

Design has 3 dedicated classrooms with capacity for 18 students each. They are located in the architectural award-winning Art Annex building across from the main Fine Arts building. All rooms have high ceilings, ample natural light, utility sinks, internet hookups, and storage areas.

Screen Printing

Students in the Department of Design have access to a 251 square-foot screen-printing lab. The facility is equipped with an exposure table, reclamation sink as well as storage racks for water-based techniques. The screen-printing facilities give students an opportunity to integrate the screen-printing process into their class projects and portfolios.

Library

Western Washington University's library currently holds approximately 25,000 titles in Art and Design, including subscriptions to the major graphic design periodicals such as Print, Communication Arts, Graphis, Eye, Baseline, Visible Language, Design Issues, Novum, Dot dot dot, among others. In addition, through the Orbis Cascade Alliance library consortium, students are able to easily search and request library materials owned by 26 other higher education institutions throughout Oregon and Washington states.