Onboarding

Studio Reassembled is different from a traditional design studio environment. This page addresses common questions to help you get started.

The Basics

Q: I’m here! Where do I sit?

A: Each studio has an assigned table and Media Cart. Consider this your home base. Studio meetings happen here, and you can work here whenever and however long you’d like.

Q: Is there a map of this place?

A: Yes - here.

Q: What should I do first?

A: Sign up for the Studio Reassembled WhatsApp group by following this link. Studio-wide announcements will be made here.

Q: What if I don’t always want to work at my studio table?

A: There are lots of options! Some you have to reserve, others first come, first serve (FCFS). Options include:

Quiet Conference Rooms (Reserve Here).
Desks w/ Monitors (Reserve Here).
Workshop Tables (FCFS)
Booths (FCFS)
Cyclorama (FCFS, or Reserve for Events)
Model Shop (FCFS)

Q: Can I leave my things on the studio table?

A: The politics of each studio table are determined individually by members of that studio. As a group, you will decide how to organize your space. If you're using a shared or non-studio area, please make sure to clean up before leaving. This means either using the shared studio storage racks on the west side of the space, your studio table, or your personal locker.

Q: Where do I store my personal items that I don’t want to bring every day?

A: There are black lockers located on the SE & NW corners of the studio floor. There are enough lockers for at least one per student. You are responsible for purchasing a lock.

Q: Where do I make models? Where do I store them?

A: We recommend using your studio table, the model shop, or the workshop tables. Please use cutting mats, and do your best to clean up after yourself. Models can be stored on the storage racks on the west side of the studio plan.

Q: I brought lunch. Can I store my food somewhere?

A: Yes. There are refrigerators at the cafe as well as in the model shop for you to use.

Resources Available To You

Q: How does the library work?

A: Each semester, faculty place requests for books and periodicals related to their course topic. These books are available for all students to peruse in the studio reassembled library, located in the center of the floor plate on the outside of the steel mesh seating. The current book list can be found here. When you’re finished reading, please put the book back where you found it.

Additionally, Rebecca Price, Taubman College’s librarian, assists students and faculty in locating course materials pertinent to studio topics, including books and periodicals. Stationed at the Studio Reassembled library a few days a week (see calendar for availability), Rebecca is responsible for curating a rotating selection of purchased and on-reserve books and periodicals relevant to participating studios.

Q: What is the TVLab Annex? How do I use it?

A: The TVLab Annex is an extension of the TVLab on the second floor of Taubman College, available to participants using the Studio Reassembled Pilot. Here’s a list of everything available to you, and instructions for how to access it. If you’re curious about using something for your studio project and don’t know where to start, email studioreassembled@umich.edu for a consultation. Inventory available for use includes:

XR-Ready PCs
VR Headsets
3D Printing w/ Free White PLA+ Filament
iPad Pro & Apple Pencil Pro
Computer Monitors
Green Screen / Photo Booth Equipment
Green Screen Room
Lighting Equipment
DSLR Camera

Q: What is a Cyclorama?

A: It’s the big space with the colorful curtain and steel mesh seating in the middle of the room. It operates as the Studio Reassembled library, a screening room, and an informal workspace. You can plug your laptop in and connect to the projection screen.

If Problems Arise

In any workspace, issues arise. If the issue you are facing is one internal to your studio, connect first with your instructor. If the issue is a systemic one related to the Studio Reassembled pilot, reach out to Jacob Comerci (comerci@umich.edu).