Materials

Material choice is an integral part of the design process that should be considered carefully before fabrication begins. The fabrication lab hopes that its resources will not only be a powerful tool to shape material but also a unique method to stimulate ideas through its shaping of the material. The CNC routers in the lab have the capability to mill a wide variety of materials (with the exception of rubber, glass, and ferrous metals). Common materials to mill include wood and foam, but experimentation is encouraged. Below is a list of places to obtain material. For more information, take advantage of GSAPP's access to Material Connexions. Also, the materials library will soon be open in the mezzanine of Fayerweather.

Material Connexion

Material Connexion is a library of materials open to all GSAPP students. Their materials database has recently been updated and can be accessed here. No login is required.

Anyone on the school's network can access the database by going directly to the login page using the link above. Students and faculty can access the Materials Database remotely (off campus) by creating a free Personal Account. A Personal Account can also be used on campus and offers certain benefits and advanced features, such as saving and tagging materials. A valid school email address must be used as a username.

Purchasing Materials

McMaster-Carr
Carries a wide array of tools, supplies, and raw materials. Generally, a great resource for anything from Pet G to office supplies. Usually delivers within two days.
*note: most end mills can be found here
*see the Hardware section for more information on end mills

Canal Plastics Center
345 Canal Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 925-1666
For your plastic needs. Relatively inexpensive acrylic, styrene, etc.

T&T Plastic Land Inc.
315 Church Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 925-6376
Another great resource for various plastics.

Walker Supply
61 Walker St
New York, NY 10013-3513
(212) 226-5554
A general use hardware store with a wide supply of insulation foam. Call ahead of time to confirm they have the desired size.

Metropolitan Lumber
617 11th Ave
New York , NY 10036
Phone: 212-246-9090

AJO Home & Lumber Depot
610 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10024
(212) 580-8080

Materials for the Arts

Visit the website here.

Since 1978, Materials for the Arts has provided thousands of New York City's arts and cultural organizations, public schools and community arts programs with the supplies they need to run and expand their programs. Materials are gathered from companies and individuals that no longer need them and redistributed to the artists and educators that do. In the process, hundreds of tons are removed from the waste stream every year and kept out of landfills, helping to sustain our environment and promote reuse and waste reduction. MFTA helps artists realize their visions, provides students with a richer educational experience and furnishes businesses and individuals with a simple and efficient way to enhance the cultural life of their city.

In order to make an appointment at Materials for the Arts, please contact Nathan Carter at nrc2106@columbia.edu, the GSAPP liaison for the organization. Students may not make appointments themselves.

LOCATION:
33-00 Northern Blvd. 3rd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-729-3001

RECIPIENT MEMBER SHOPPING HOURS:
Warehouse shopping hours exclusively by appointment in thirty-minute increments on the half-hour:

Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Warehouse closes at 2:00 p.m.)
Thursdays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Warehouse closes at 6:30 p.m.)
First Monday of every month 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Warehouse closes at 7:30 p.m.)

OPERATING HOURS:
Donation Drop-Offs must be pre-approved: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The MFTA Office is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.