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TSD Guide 2026

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AT

GSA

A GUIDE TO


Hello! The Technical Support Department (TSD) are here to help with all the technical aspects and equipment needed for your creative projects. You can rely on us to provide guidance, troubleshooting and ensure your making process runs as smoothly and safely as possible. This guide explains how to access TSD workshops and services. You can also find a wealth of information on TSD’s Canvas pages. To contact TSD, please email tsdhelp@gsa.ac.uk or use our Helpdesk: qrco.de/TSDHelpdesk.

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Analogue Print Guide Print on Paper

SCREEN up to A1 any colour

LITHOGRAPHY

Page 18

up to A1 any colour

ETCHING

Page 18

up to A2 any colour

LETTERPRESS

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up to A0 any colour Page 18


Digital Print Guide Print on Paper

MFD

LARGE FORMAT

Inkjet: 111cm 4 colours

HIGH QUALITY LARGE FORMAT

Inkjet: 111cm 12 colours Page 15

RISOGRAPH

3D

Print on Textiles DYE SUBLIMATION

Page 15

Laser: A3 4 colours Page 14

Plotters: A0 6 colours Page 15

Stencil duplicator: A3 6 colours Page 15

PLA: 160 mm3 Page 16

PIGMENT INK

REACTIVE DYE

Inkjet: 160cm wide 4-8 colours Page 17

Inkjet: 110cm 4 colours Page 17 4


Facilities Wood, Metal & Casting

VARIOUS MATERIALS

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Equipment Library

VARIOUS

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DIGITAL STUDIO

HIGH-END COMPUTER Page 21 SUITE

SPRAY BOOTH

VARIOUS MATERIALS

LASER CUTTING

VARIOUS MATERIALS

MAKER SPACES

VARIOUS MATERIALS

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up to 1m Page 20

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STOW

WEST GRAHAM STREET

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REID

HALDANE

ROSE STREET

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DALHOUSE STREET

HILL STREET

SCOTT STREET

BUCCLEUCH STREET MARGARET MACDONALD

RENFREW STREET BOURDON

SAUCHIEHALL STREET

PITT STREET

HOPE STREET

BATH LANE

BLYTHSWOOD

WEST REGENT STREET BUILDING

W REGENT LANE


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REID BUILDING

Basement | 3D Making

Wood, Metal & Plastics Workshops Laser Cutters // 3D Printer // Spray Booth // Soldering & Electronics

3DMakeReid@gsa.ac.uk

Ground Floor I F&T CAD (Vinyl, Dye Sublimation & Large Format Print) s.black@gsa.ac.uk

Printmaking (Screenprint & Etching) d.farrar@gsa.ac.uk

Bureau (Info point & equipment loan) bureau@gsa.ac.uk Studio Team reidstudioteam@gsa.ac.uk

Centre for Advanced Textiles (CAT) (Digital Textiles Print [reactive dye & pigment ink])

cat@gsa.ac.uk

Second Floor | Caseroom e.pickstone@gsa.ac.uk Digital Photo Suite r.finnie@gsa.ac.uk

Third Floor I Fashion Workshop a.miller@gsa.ac.uk

Textiles Workshops (Knit, Weave, Print & Dye, & Embroidery)

l.calder@gsa.ac.uk

Fourth Floor | Silversmithing & Jewellery (forging, spinning,

casting, milling, pressing & stamping, CAD design & more)

s.guthrie@gsa.ac.uk

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STOW BUILDING

Ground Floor | Wood & Metal Workshops 3DMakeStow@gsa.ac.uk

Casting Workshop castingworkshop@gsa.ac.uk Digital Studio mediastudio@gsa.ac.uk Studio Team al.williams@gsa.ac.uk

First Floor | Fine Art Photography Workshops (analogue & digital processing, equipment store, lighting studio) & High-Quality

Wide Format Digital Print tsdphotography@gsa.ac.uk Recording Studio mediastudio@gsa.ac.uk

Second Floor | AV Equipment Library mediastudio@gsa.ac.uk Fourth Floor | Screenprint, Lithography, Intaglio & Painting a.mcgarrigle@gsa.ac.uk

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BOURDON BUILDING

Basement | 3D Making Small scale wood & plastics // Spray Booth // Photo Studio 3DMakeBourdon@gsa.ac.uk

Second Floor | Architecture Lighting studio & equipment store // Large format scanner & plotters // 3D Printing j.bishop@gsa.ac.uk

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HALDANE BUILDING

Ground Floor | Mould Making and Casting Workshop castingworkshop@gsa.ac.uk First Floor | Maker Spaces & Electronics Workshops. dunscombe@gsa.ac.uk j.tucci@gsa.ac.uk


Workshop Access Access to TSD resources is possible using booked slots on Connect 2. Slots are available up to one week in advance of booking. Although drop-in access is available, a booking will guarantee your space. Book via the QR code below or visit: qrco.de/Connect2. To ensure your safety, most workshops require inductions which you can book on Connect 2. Due to the limitations of space and resources, some workshops will prioritise inductions and bookings for programme-specific students. Please visit TSD on Canvas and the TSD Helpdesk: qrco.de/TSDHelpdesk for frequently asked questions and/or to contact us.

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3 Session Model To maximise the available workshop time, TSD use a 3-session operating model; protecting time for induction and project work, as well as extending evening access. For information regarding workshop inductions, please visit the TSD Canvas page or contact the relevant workshop team leader. Morning Sessions

10.00 > 12.30 Scheduled Induction & Project Access

Evening Sessions 17.00 > 20.30 Independent Access

Afternoon Sessions 14.00 > 16.30 Supported Access

NB Some areas may not adhere to the 3 session model during high intensity induction periods such as the beginning of Semester 1.

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Studio Team Our Studio Team helps to keep the buildings open later in the evenings and on Saturdays, so you can make the most of your studio time. They’re here to make sure the space feels safe, welcoming, and supportive, and they’re always a reliable point of contact if you need help. Most of our Studio Assistants are recent Art School graduates, so they really understand studio life and bring plenty of useful skills and experience with them. All of them are trained in First Aid and Fire Safety, so you’ll always have someone on hand if you need support.

Bourdon

Craig Laurie: c.laurie@gsa.ac.uk | 07903 152 585

Haldane & West Regent Street

Stephen Keane: s.keane@gsa.ac.uk | 07811 580 544

Reid

Tinsel Edwards t.edwards@gsa.ac.uk | 07811 580 517

Stow

Alan Williams: al.williams@gsa.ac.uk | 07816 127 625 10


Greener Making We’re committed to fostering creativity while promoting environmentally conscious practices. We encourage students to consider the ecological impact of their artistic processes. This includes reusing materials whenever possible and being mindful of the origin and provenance of your supplies. Our campus features several re-use hubs where you can find pre-loved materials (see maps on pp 25-27). We also urge you to remember to switch off machinery when not in use.

Accessibility We want our workshops to be as accessible as possible. If you experience any barriers, please contact us: tsdhelp@gsa.ac.uk 11


Closure Periods There are times of the year when access is prioritised for final year students or if a facility is closed. If this occurs, you will be unable to book it on Connect 2.

Semester 1

Independent Study Week There may be some closures over independent study week for maintenance & staff training, these will be communicated on Canvas in advance. Winter Break TSD resources are closed over the student winter break for maintenance, planning & staff leave.

Semester 2

Spring Break until Final Year Hand-ins From spring break until the end of semester 2 (or final submissions where these are earlier) access will be prioritised for final year students with advance access to Connect 2. More supported access will be available in the mornings in place of inductions and projects throughout this period.

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Semester 3

Access will be limited to students studying on programmes with 3 semesters of study in an academic year. Where possible, access to resources will remain open, however some sessions may be replaced with independent access to accommodate staff leave. Some closures will occur & be communicated in advance for maintenance. If you are likely to require significant assistance from a technician during this period, please discuss this with them well in advance of your deadline to ensure the required support is available.

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MFD Print At GSA we offer students a wide range of printing services that include both wireless and wired printing. While students are connected to GSA Wi-Fi they can print from their own device. Students must top up their print credits via the online web portal: qrco.de/gsaprint. Printers are spread across our entire campus meaning a printer is never too far away! Please contact the IT Helpdesk for any issues relating to the MFD printers: www.gsa.ac.uk/helpdesk.

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Large Format Our large format print service is open to anyone in the school. For heavyweight matt or tracing paper with a 4-colour printer up to 89cm wide or for cut vinyl up to 55cm wide, contact Sean who is based on the ground floor of the Reid building: s.black@gsa.ac.uk. We also have plotters in the Bourdon which can print up to 112cm. For this, visit the Technical Base on the second floor. For high quality archival prints up to 111cm wide, visit qrco.de/gsahqprint or scan the QR code below for details on preparing your file and to book your print consultation. A cold mounting service is also available and both are based on the first floor, Stow building. For questions regarding these services, please email: tsdphotography@gsa.ac.uk.

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Riso Print Our Risograph machine is located in the Caseroom on the second floor of the Reid building. You don’t need a Caseroom induction, you can watch a video here: qrco.de/Riso or scan the QR code below. Then email Ruth to arange a time to use it: r.kirkby@gsa.ac.uk.

3D Print Our 3D Print service does not require an induction. You must book a print slot on Connect 2: qrco.de/Connect2 and email your files to 3dprinting@gsa.ac.uk. The 3D printers are located in the basement of the Reid building. We use PLA filament and more info can be seen here: qrco.de/3DPrint.

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Textiles Print There are various ways to print onto textiles. Our dye sublimation facility works best on 100% polyester fabrics. A large format inkjet printer prints onto a substrate which you can then heat press onto your material. Contact Sean who is based on the ground floor of the Reid buiding: s.black@gsa.ac.uk. In the Centre for Advanced Textiles, we offer direct digital textile printing using either pigment or reactive dye printers. The maximum print width is 160cm x unlimited length and the process is compatible with a range of natural and synthetic fibers. Scan the QR code below, visit qrco.de/CATCanvas, or email cat@gsa.ac.uk for more information.

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Printmaking Inductions for our printmaking facilities are arranged through programmes for Painting & Printmaking, Communication Design, MLitt CAP, MFA. See maps on pp 24-27 for workshop locations. Due to resource capacities, access to workshops for students studying on other programmes is unlikely, though a limited number of consultations and loan equipment is available to support making in these disciplines on Connect 2.

Laser Cutting The laser cutters are student-led. Please follow the online induction here: bit.ly/laserinduction. Please also see the laser cutting guide to prepare your file here: bit.ly/laserprep.

Copy Room There are two copy rooms on campus for photographing small works. One is in the Reid basement, and one is on the first floor of Stow. These are bookable on Connect 2: qrco.de/Connect2. Additionally, there are documentation stations around campus: qrco.de/documentationstation. 18


3D Making All students can access the 3D Making workshops located in the Reid basement, Stow ground floor and Bourdon basement (see maps on pp 24-27). Access to wood & metal workshops requires an induction which can be booked on Connect 2: qrco.de/Connect2. Cutting lists, general advice, and material supply are all available without booking. View details of 3D Making facilities on TSD’s Canvas pages. You can also visit TSD Helpdesk: qrco.de/TSDHelpdesk for frequently asked questions or contact us: tsdhelp@gsa.ac.uk.

Casting All students can access the two Casting Workshops located in Stow and Haldane. There are also two kilns located in the Haldane building. Access requires an induction which is booked on Connect2: qrco.de/Connect2. Once inducted, students can work with a range of materials such as plaster, Jesmonite, concrete, wax, silicone and gelatine. More information available on Canvas here: bit.ly/gsacast. 19


Maker Space There are two Maker Spaces on the first floor of the Haldane building. Support for prototyping, modelling and small-scale fabrication is available alongside facilities for physical computing, kinetics, creative coding and electronics projects. We’re also developing facilities for bio-materials experimentation. Some processes require an induction. See more here: qrco.de/makersp.

Spray Booth There are three spray booths on campus: in the basement of the Reid building, in the basement of the Bourdon building and on the first floor in Stow building. Visit qrco.de/GSAsb or scan the QR code below for details on how to access the spray booth.

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AV Work In the annexe on the ground floor of Stow, we have the Digital Studio encompassing high-end postproduction machines, VR studio and computer suite. The recording studio is on the first floor of Stow and the lighting studio (including green screen) is on the second floor; you will need an induction to use these spaces. The AV Equipment Library on the second floor provides equipment loans relating to video, photo and audio work. Find out more here: qrco.de/MediaEL.

Loan Stores You can borrow a variety of equipment from areas such as the Bureau, the AV Equipment Library, and Photography Store. Equipment is bookable on Connect2 here: qrco.de/Connect2.

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Specialist Areas Due to resource and space limitations, access to certain areas may be restricted for students enrolled in programs outside their specialism. This primarily affects the following disciplines: Fashion, Textiles, Silversmithing & Jewellery, Photography, and Printmaking. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to provide the best possible support for all our students within their respective fields.

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Sensory Information We have maps to indicate which workshops are noisy, bright and busy environments. You can view these online here: bit.ly/sensorymaps

Technician Commitment GSA have signed the Technician Commitment, an initiative designed to enhance the visibility, recognition and importance of technical staff within the academic community. This commitment not only acknowledges the vital role technicians play in teaching and research but also ensures that we have clear career development pathways and opportunities for professional growth. By fostering a supportive environment, the Technician Commitment helps us maintain high standards of technical expertise, ultimately enriching your educational experience and contributing to the success at GSA.

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RE-USE HUB

CASEROOM

DIGITAL IMAGING SUITE

EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP

FASHION WORKSHOP

KNIT WORKSHOP

SILVERSMITHING & JEWELLERY WORKSHOP

2

3

WEAVE WORKSHOP

PRINT & DYE WORKSHOP DYE LAB

4

Reid Building


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SCREEN MAKING & RECLAMATION

RED ROOM

GREEN ROOM

SPRAY BOOTH

REID AUDITORIUM

PHOTO STUDIO

G

CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TEXTILES

STUDIO TEAM & TSD BUREAU

SB

B

METAL WORKSHOP

LASER CUTTING 3D PRINT SOLDERING & ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLY SPACES

1

CAD & PRINT


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LIGHTING STUDIO

PRINT ARCHIVE

PAINTING METHODS & PRINTMAKING PREP ROOM

SCREENPRINTING

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4

LITHOGRAPHY & ETCHING

Stow Building


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G

METAL WORKSHOP

DIGITAL STUDIO

CASTING WORKSHOP

WOOD WORKSHOP

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DIGITAL PRINTING DIGITAL SCANNING RECORDING STUDIO TSD PHOTO

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STUDIO TEAM & RE-USE HUB (MEZZANINE)

CAFE

SPRAY BOOTH

DARKROOM 1

DARKROOM 2

AV EQUIPMENT LIBRARY


Feedback We're always looking for feedback. If you have any comments, please use the evaluation form here: bit.ly/TSDevaluation.

Illustrations: Tintin Lindkvist Nielsen Instagram: @tintinart Website: tintinart.com

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This guide was printed on recycled paper with support from GSA Sustainability. Please recycle it after use.


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TSD Guide 2026 by The Glasgow School of Art - Issuu