The Department of Computational Arts maintains two labs, The Art and Technology Learning Lab (ATLL) and the Transmedia Lab, that are used as teaching/studio spaces for the Digital Media Program
The Art & Technology Learning Lab (ATLL) is located in Accolade West 102. It is a 30 seat, Mac computer lab which services a variety of courses in Computational Arts. Located in Accolade West 103, The Transmedia Lab is a multipurpose class room, performance space, workshop and art studio which services a variety of courses in Computational Arts.
Computational Arts Technician
Frank Tsonis is the Computational Arts Technician in the ATLL. Frank is available to assist students with technical concerns in the lab. His office hours are 8:30 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
If Frank is not available, the Lab Monitor on duty is available to answer students’ questions.
Lab Monitors
A group of students are hired to work as lab monitors in the CA Lab every year. Their responsibilities include providing technical support and assistance to students working in the lab. The lab monitors typically work during the open lab hours and keep the lab open late into the night.
If you have any ATLL-related questions, from connecting to the CA server to coding in Max, feel free to ask the lab monitors.
Lab Hours
The Art and Technology Learning Lab (ATLL) and the Transmedia Lab are used as both a classroom and a studio. During scheduled class time, the room in unavailable for student use. However, during open hours, students enrolled in a Computational Arts course may use the room to work on their projects.
Schedules are posted online here: https://ampd.apps01.yorku.ca/dmlabs/lab-schedules In order to gain access to the Transmedia Lab during open hours, students must speak with the DM Technician or Lab Monitor.
Lab Account Maintenance
Always log out of your account before leaving the lab. Furthermore, please delete any unused files and make sure to empty the trash before you log out. Accounts on the CA server are not for personal file storage. For personal file storage lease us your York U Google Drive Account.
Laptops for Loan
The Computational Arts Lab maintains MacBook Pro and PC laptops which can be used by Computational Arts classes. Students wishing to borrow a laptop for in-class use may do so by requesting one directly from the Lab Monitor. A student ID is required.
Special Access For Digital Media Graduate Students
Students in the Digital Media Graduate Program may obtain keys and a code for access to the The Art and Technology Learning Lab (ATLL) and the Transmedia Lab outside of open lab times. Access is granted under the following conditions:
- They must complete training with the Computational Arts Technician. Training is offered once a year in Fall.
- They must abide by the Lab Maintenance & Use policy
- They must sign a Computational Arts Equipment Damage Collection Policy Waiver (PDF) for the entire duration of their special access.
- Priority for room access is given to courses and prearranged bookings. Access during open times to all students must be maintained.
Keys are available for a $40 deposit through the Computational Arts office, located in Rm. 232, Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
PLEASE NOTE: Under no condition are the graduate students allowed to perform the duties of the Lab Technician or Lab Monitors, such as granting other students access to rooms or equipment. This access is a privilege and may be revoked at anytime.
Art & Technology Learning Lab (ATLL): ACW 102
Software Available in the ATLL
A large selection of software for web design, interaction design, graphic design, document publishing, 3D modeling & animation, sound production and application development are available in the ATLL. This software is used for classes and may be used by students during open lab hours.
The following is a list of software available in the lab:
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Equipment Available in the ATLL
The ATLL maintains some equipment which may be borrowed for course-related work. Only students students enrolled in a Computational Arts course may book and borrow equipment. Booking privileges are not transferable to any other party for any reason. Breach of this regulation may result in penalties ranging from suspension of privileges to criminal prosecution. Before equipment is removed from the lab, the borrower must display proficiency in the use of the equipment and sign the Damage Collection Policy Waiver.
Click here to download a copy of the Computational Arts Equipment Loan Guidelines (PDF)
Students enrolled in a Computational Arts course wishing to book equipment must do so between Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm. Equipment must be booked in advance in person at least 48 hours before it is picked up. Booked equipment may be picked up in the ATLL from the CA Technician between Monday to Friday, 1 – 4pm and kept overnight. Equipment on loan must be returned in person to the CA Technician the following day by 10am. If equipment is taken out on a Friday afternoon, it must be returned the following Monday morning by 10am. In the event of a cancellation, students must give at least 24 hours notice from the date of their equipment booking.
The following is a list of equipment available in the lab:
| Digital VideoSony HVR-A1U HDV Camcorder (x2)
Panasonic HDC-TM700PC HD Camcorder |
Digital Photography | Digital AudioEdirol R-09 WAVE/MP3 Recorder
Soundman OKM II Binaural Microphones MOTU Traveler Firewire Audio Interface (x2) |
| Video ProjectorsEpson PowerLite 1775W LCD Projector
Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 7100 LCD Projector BenQ MW526 DLP Projector Microvision ShowWX Laser Pico Projector |
WebcamsPS3 Eye IR-mod (x2)
Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 (x2) Unibrain Fire-i (x2) |
Other EquipmentApple iPad 3 (x2)
Google Nexus 7 Microsoft Xbox Kinect (x3) LEAP Motion (x3) Oculus Rift DK2 (x2) |
The Transmedia Lab: ACW 103
Working in the Transmedia Lab
Students working the Transmedia Lab should keep in mind that the room is a shared space. As such, those working in the Transmedia Lab should be familiar with the Transmedia Lab Maintenance & Use policy, which requires them to maintain a safe, clean and healthy environment for all those that use it. Students found in violation of the Transmedia Lab Maintenance & Use policy will lose access to the Transmedia Lab.
Click here to view the Transmedia Lab Maintenance & Use policy. [Under development]
Booking the Transmedia Lab
The Transmedia Lab may be booked during open hours for performances, screenings, classes or other activities. If you wish to book the Transmedia Lab, you must obtain written permission from the Chair of Computational Arts. Once you have obtained written permission to book the Transmedia Lab, please contact the DCA Technician to finalize the booking. Please consult the online schedule: https://ampd.apps01.yorku.ca/dmlabs/lab-schedules
Ladder Usage
The Little Giant ladder in the Transmedia Lab can only be used by persons who have received ladder training from the DCA Lab Technician. Ladder training is organized through classes that require use of the ladder. A list will be maintained of persons who are allowed to use the ladder. Anyone not on this list is not permitted to use the ladder under any circumstances.
Transmedia Immersive Projection + Sound System
The Transmedia Lab has a four-screen immersive projection system that is coupled with a nine-channel audio system. In order to use these systems, students must arrange with the Computational Arts Lab Technician or Lab Monitors.
Click here to view the Transmedia Lab Setup Overview
Transmedia Lab Facilities & Equipment
In addition to the Immersive Projection + Sound System, the Transmedia Lab contains a 22′ x 26′ studio lighting grid system and a full compliment of limbo curtains that may be used to enclose the entire stage area of the room.
There are also a wide range of tools and equipment that may be used by students while working in the Transmedia Lab.
| Stage & LightingStrand 200 Lighting control board
6″ Fresnel stage lights (x11) Ellipsoidal zoom spotlight (x16) DDS dimmer pack 3′ x 8′ x 8″ stage risers (x12) |
Audio9-channel Ambisonic Speaker System
Alesis X2 Mixing Console Alesis RA-100 amplifier (x2) |
ToolsDeWalt 18V compact drill/driver
191 piece hand tool set 10 ft. wooden work bench (x2) Rigid 12-gal. wet/dry vacuum |
| Physical ComputingSoldering Kit (x2)
Digital Multimeter Microcontrollers Motors & Actuators Sensors (infrared, sonic, accelerometers, pressure, etc.) |
Miscellaneous50′ VGA extension
25′ VGA extension (x2) 25′ AC extension (x5) 25′ USB extension (x2) 25′ Firewire 400 extension (x2) Universal projector mount |