Last week, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeanette Hacket, officially opened Curtin University’s new digital creativity lab.
The architecturally designed lab features automated video projectors, large flat screen televisions and 40 high-powered iMac computers. A central glass articulating wall allows the lab to be readily partitioned to create two 20-seat labs that can run their software systems and networks independently of each other.
The lab is connected to a new state-of-the-art high speed Isilon server that will provide the data-handling power required for creative visualisation techniques and processes such as digital rendering, animation, virtual environment and augmented reality work.
Associate Professor Steve Mickler, Head of Curtin’s School of Media, Culture and Creative Arts, said the new facility has already opened doors for collaboration with other digital and multi-media students around the world.
“We have initiated discussions with overseas universities with a view to working together on collaborative, networked teaching, research and production projects,” Associate Professor Mickler said.
“The lab also encourages trans-disciplinary ventures such as 3D imaging collaborations between Curtin’s built environment students and students across the Faculty.
“It is fair to say that almost every career path our students pursue will involve using digital and new media at some level.
“The new lab will prepare Curtin students to work with the best technology available and to think and work creatively and cooperatively.”
The facility was funded by Curtin’s Faculty of Humanities with assistance from the Vice -Chancellor.
Curtin is currently building a linked sister facility to similar specifications in the School of Design and Art.
