Computing labs and facilities
We have a wealth of specialist rooms and equipment that enable students and academics to create cutting-edge work, and form friendships, networks and collaborations.
Hatch lab
This state-of-the-art digital fabrication and physical computing space, has been equipped with all the bells and whistles necessary to bring your digital designs and ideas into the physical world.
- A host of computer-controlled equipment, including a laser cutter, 3D printers, and CNC mills and routers
- 12 fully-equipped electronics workbenches, including soldering equipment, oscilloscopes, and bench power supplies
- Metal-engraving laser for printing custom circuit boards and prototyping
- Optical and digital microscopes for electronics inspection
- High-end woodworking equipment, and manually operated equipment, such as power drills, sanders, drill press, and jigsaw
All located in a gorgeous purpose-built space filled with natural light, with beech worktops, concrete floor and old church masonry walls.
Computer suites
The Goldsmiths computer suites are equipped with more than 200 iMacs running Windows 10 and MacOS in parallel. These machines are all centrally managed, ensuring that any software you need for your studies is available on every machine – this includes the Adobe Creative suite, and a host of other programmes to aide in creative computing, as well as software and web development.
Each lab also features an HD projector, speakers, voice reinforcement, and the ability to stream lecture slides to each iMac for easier viewing.
Virtual reality lab
The space is equipped with a full multi-camera motion capture studio, similar to that used in the making of Avatar, Avengers, and The Last of Us.
This system allows you to capture live-action performances, and translate them into perfect animated replicas to be used later in your animation, creative computing, or games programming projects. The equipment is also capable of doing this in real-time, so as you act out your scene, your VR avatar copies you on screen.
The lab is also equipped with an 8.1 Ambisonic surround sound system, sound recording/mixing equipment, and custom Oculus rifts and LEAP Motions, which allow you to interact with whatever virtual objects and world you create.
Sonics Immersive Media Lab
This is a space designed for complete versatility, where students and researchers learn to use cutting-edge sound, lighting and video technologies. An interdisciplinary, cross-departmental initiative, this world-class multimedia facility was designed collectively by the departments of Media, Computing and Theatre and Performance.
The facility has hosted events including John Akomfrah's Unfinished Conversation, the world premiere of Eliane Radigue's OCCAM IX performed by Laetitia Sonami and the London satellite event for Sonorities 2015.
The SONICS group comprises staff and visiting fellows from the Computing, Music, Sociology, Visual Cultures, Media and Communications, and Theatre and Performance departments. For more information visit the SONICS website.
Games lab
With HD projection and 7.1 surround sound, the Games Lab is set up to showcase students' work and the latest in gaming technology.
The room is set out as a casual, comfortable workspace, where students can develop work on desktop PCs or bring their own laptops. We are currently fitting VR-specific facilities suitable for Oculus Rift and Vive.
Goldsmiths Digital Studio
This is a space that brings students and artists together. The studio has several specialist solder stations, basic electronics consumables and hacking equipment making it the perfect home for physical computing activities.
The studio has long been a hub for digital experimentation and is the home for our MA/MFA in Computational Arts, as well as our research consultancy and prototyping service, Goldsmiths Digital.
St James Hatcham
This is a dedicated exhibition space available for all departments on campus.
The building retains iconic features including the beautiful stained glass windows, while benefitting from modern finishes. This makes it an outstanding exhibition space for our MA/MFA Computational Arts and BSc Digital Arts Computing degree shows.