Top 4 Super Cool Resources Available in the Communication and Media Department at RPI

Whether you are a current RPI student, or are looking at potentially coming here in the next few years you’ll want to hear about the cool things in the COMM department. This stuff can be available to all RPI students but especially those interested in research related to Communications and Media. 

From VR, to video production studios, to sound mixers , to graphic design, drawing spaces, and live video studios much more these labs and studios hold tools that are both informative and FUN. The perfect mix for technology focused students.

Here are the top 4 places in the Communication and Media Department:

1. The VAST (Visualization, Animation, Simulation Technology) Studio

VAST Learning Space at RPI

An area that is closely related to the Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences Department is the VAST studio. The VAST studio is essentially a powerful computer lab that can handle work in many different fields. Though the main focuses are animation and game development. This space is used as both a classroom and as a lab for students to work on assignments or independent projects. (Let me tell you the power in these computers has saved my projects many a day! )The website is another great place to learn more about the space. Below is a picture of the space:

Multipurpose Student Space

In addition to the classroom setting, there is a multipurpose space that is available for personal use and for presentations to professors and peers. Lots of game demonstrations happen here so be sure to check out the latest games from students!

Many Clubs also meet here like the RPI Game Development Club. Weekly meetings, game jams, and workshops can teach anyone to better their game development skills regardless of your major! Check out their website here: https://gamedev.union.rpi.edu/

2. HASS Media Studio

HASS Media Lab

The HASS Media Studio is a very new studio used for all sorts of media recording, mixing, and control. There are a number of recording studios available to students in many clubs and classes. Isolation booths and band recording studios are here that can be used for so many research applications related to technology. In conjunction to have the media studio at your fingertips also make sure to check out the equipment available to students. DSLR cameras, led lighting sets and all different types of mics to help them with any video editing work that they need to do. Here is an article from when the space was first built in Spring 2019!

3. Cognitive and Immersive Systems Lab

Cognitive and Immersive Systems Lab

The cognitive and immersive lab give students the amazing opportunity to change how they learn and communicate by using VR and immersive rooms to put a student directly into the learning environment. This space is home to many different departments and disciplines like computer science, computing systems, engineering, arts, media, communication and more. If you are interested in understanding the future of communication and human-computer interaction check out the website.

4. EMPAC: Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center

EMPAC: Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center

Every campus has an architectural jewel and EMPAC is RPI’s. Designed by renowned architecture firm Grimshaw Architects, this space boasts 4 main spaces that are some of the most pristine acoustically engineered spaces. These spaces include a renowned performing arts center, experimental studios, and production studios are utilized by students, faculty and artist apart of the curatorial program. The technology and design within this building focuses on integrating “audio, video, lighting, computer, and stage rigging networks…..an ideal environment for human interaction with digital media.” Besides all of the amazing technology at your fingertips there is an amazing cafe on the lower level. On Wednesdays the cafe becomes student runned and they have an amazing menu! Josh Groban also performed Totally worth the visit and of the communication departments coolest resources! Click here to learn more!

As you can see the Communication Department has a lot of resources that aren’t just boring ol’ classrooms. A lot of these technology focused spaces are sources of great research and fun, informative hobbies for students. One additional thing: many of the students that use these spaces aren’t even majoring within the Department of Communication and Media, they just do it for fun! So make sure to check out these spaces today either in person (check out this website related to in person tours) or through this online tour of RPI. Check out Russell Sage Laboratory and EMPAC for specifically things related to the Communication and Media Department! If you are interested in applying check out the Admissions website.

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