Where imagination meets innovation: Inside CREATE_space
A new facility from the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts helps students and faculty transform creative ideas into real-world projects through hands-on technology and collaboration.
Bella Moyers-Chavez, '26 | Photos by Emma Stevenson, BS '27 | November 20, 2025
Share:
Step inside Tupper Hall and you’ll find a new place surrounded by possibility. CREATE_space, a new facility in the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts, is where imagination meets action, giving students, faculty and staff the tools to turn ideas into real projects. From the precision of a laser cutter to the intricate layers of a 3D-printed model, the hub invites anyone to explore, experiment and discover what their creativity can become.
Digital Fabrication and Technology Specialist Shockley Traub explains how the space "has become a catalyst for hands-on experimentation, giving students and researchers access to tools that turn ideas into tangible work."
CREATE_space supports work that bridges the arts, technology and entrepreneurship. It’s designed for every kind of project, whether someone is building a prototype, printing a poster or experimenting with a new concept.
"It’s a rare environment where technical precision and creative exploration meet," Traub said.
Turning creativity into reality
CREATE_space offers tools that make it possible to move from concept to creation. Equipment like the Bambu P1S 3D printer, Boss HP2436 laser cutter and NextWave HD520 CNC machine allow users to fabricate intricate designs or large-scale projects.
Those looking to borrow gear for their own projects can use the Central Checkout system. Students and faculty can check out everything from cameras, GoPros and tripods to ring lights and projectors. Audio equipment and tablets are also available, along with cables, USB connectors, power cords and DVI connectors.
State-of-the-art resources
Large-Format Digital Printers:
CREATE_space’s large-format printers produce high-quality posters, banners and art prints for student and faculty projects.
Bambu P1S 3D Printer:
Students can turn digital designs into physical models using the high-performance Bambu P1S 3D printer at CREATE_space.
Boss HP2436 Laser Cutter:
The Boss HP2436 laser cutter allows precise cuts and engravings on wood, acrylic and other materials for student projects.
GRAPHTEC FC2250-60 Plotter:
The flatbed plotter delivers clean, accurate cuts for stencils, prototypes and detailed graphic or engineering work, supporting advanced creative projects.
NextWave HD520 CNC Machine:
The NextWave HD520 CNC machine is used to mill and shape large pieces of wood or wood composites with exacting detail. This is the space's newest machine.
"It's the community"
Staff members are available to guide users through each step of the process. Consultations and training sessions help students gain hands-on experience with equipment and software, ensuring that anyone can learn to use the technology effectively.
"What makes CREATE_space special isn’t just the equipment, it’s the community," Traub said. "Students from every discipline in the College of Fine Arts come together, learn from each other, and build things they never thought possible."
The space is open to students, faculty and staff from a wide range of interests and fields. CREATE_space encourages exploration and collaboration across campus and provides a place for anyone to experiment, innovate and bring creative ideas to life.
