Barnard College Barnard College

Design Center

Welcome

to the Design Center at Barnard College! We’re an interdisciplinary makerspace for active experimentation with materials and tools, supporting design projects as well as the pedagogy and learning associated with making. Incorporating a broad tool set that includes 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, sewing and embroidery machines, soldering irons, woodworking tools, and more, the Design Center expands opportunities for design-centered thinking across the Barnard College curriculum. Our team is committed to addressing design justice and inclusivity in the fabric of our programming, and to empowering members of the Barnard community to discover, experiment with, and pilot new technologies and design practices.

DC Overview

Safety Orientations

All new users are required to complete a one-time Safety Orientation to work in the Design Center. These 45 minute sessions are offered daily and cover safety guidelines to be mindful of when using our space and tools. Click here to learn more and sign up for a Safety Orientation session.

 

Open Hours

We hold open hours 7 days a week where community members can utilize the Design Center. Click here to view our online calendar.

Course Support

We work with faculty to integrate design projects into their courses and host class sessions and tool training in the Design Center. Find out more about requesting course support from the Design Center.

 

"Getting Started" Series

Our "Getting Started" workshops train participants to use our most popular tools. Click here to sign up for upcoming sessions.

Made at the Design Center

Click here to visit our online project gallery to see projects our users have created in the Design Center! 

News

Barnard Students and Alumnae Awarded Fellowships Around the World

Eight prestigious programs will host dozens of College scholars who will conduct research as close as within the U.S. or work as English Teaching Assistants as far away as Indonesia.

July 14, 2025

Break This Down: Unpacking the Hidden Politics of Interior Design

In Ignacio G. Galán’s new book, the Barnard professor explores how furniture helped shape fascist ideology in Italy. 

July 14, 2025

Summer 2025 Reads

This year’s crop of books from Barnard authors offers an array of genres, from heady history to fun fiction and more. 

July 8, 2025