Design Futures Lab

First Year Guide to the Design Futures Lab

What is the Design Futures Lab?

The Design Futures Lab (DFL) is a teaching and research lab and a very hands-on environment. Making is integral to all the disciplines of the Built Environment and we house a range of spaces and equipment available to help you with all of your model-making needs.

Where are we?

The Design Futures Lab is located on the ground floor of the Squarehouse Building (E4). Enter through the first set of doors, the ones with the DFL logo on them!

View on Google Maps
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Get Started

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To get started you will need to have the following:

  1. zID Number - You should receive a zID number once you have enrolled in your degree this will be used to create an account with us here to keep track of all your training.
  2. Student Card - Your student card will allow you to access the Design Futures Lab. Information about getting a student card can be found here.
  3. Student Email - Your student email is how we will contact you. You will need this when you are booking safety inductions, or making a booking to use equipment. Information about setting up your student email address can be found here.

Assistance with Enrolment, Student ID cards and IT support will be available from The Nucleus: Student Hub so feel free to reach out if you get stuck!


Get Equipped

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First Year in 2026?

To help you get started in your degree we have put together a kit with some essential materials you will need.

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Price: $150

For students studying:

  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Civil Engineering with Architecture

Who are enrolled in:

  • BENV1010

Kit contains:

  • Carry bag
  • USB thumb drive
  • A3 cutting mat
  • Steel ruler
  • Scale Ruler
  • Tape measure
  • Cutting knife
  • Craft Knife
  • Masking tape
  • UHU glue (35ml)
  • Fineline ink pens (0.1mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm)
  • Graphite Sketch Set (2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B)
  • Clutch Pencil
  • Notebook
  • A3 sketch pad
  • Yellow trace roll

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Price: $220

For students studying:

  • Interior Architecture

and/or

  • Enrolled in INTA2001

Kit contains:

  • All items listed in standard kit above

AND

  • Drawing board
  • Circle template
  • A3 Tracing Pad
  • A3 White Card Stock 300 gsm
  • 100 x 100mm foam block

PLEASE NOTE
Kit materials are sourced from multiple suppliers. We cannot guarantee uniform branded items across all kits.

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Price: $160

For students studying:

  • Industrial Design

and/or

  • Enrolled in IDES1314

Kit contains:

  • Carry bag
  • T-Square
  • Compass Set
  • Set Square
  • French Curves
  • 3M 19mm Low Tack Tape
  • A3 Bond Paper
  • A2 Bond Paper
  • A4 Sketchbook
  • 45 cm Steel Ruler
  • Vernier Calipers - plastic
  • Box Cutter
  • Craft knife
  • Technical Pencil 0.5mm with leads
  • Pigment liner set
  • Eraser Shield
  • USB thumb drive


How Do I Get a Kit?

Kits can be purchased in the Design Futures Lab Shop located in the Squarehouse. Payment is by card only, we do not take cash sorry.


Do I Have to Buy a Kit?

Buying a kit is not compulsory, however if you are enrolled in the any of the course codes listed above you will need all of the items to complete your in class work and assessments.

If you already have this equipment at home and/or want to source the equipment from somewhere else you do not have to buy the full kit.

If you already have some of the items in the kit and want to just buy some of the individual parts from us, come and chat to us in the Design Futures Lab and we can help you out!



Get Inducted

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Safety Inductions are your gateway to using the Design Futures Lab

Note: All students enrolled in BENV1010 will be required to obtain the Workshop Safety Badge and the Digital Fabrication Badge to complete tutorials and assessments

To gain access to the Design Futures Lab and the UNSW Makerspace Network users need to earn access Badges. Badging is how we ensure UNSW Making users have the skills to safely and efficiently use our network of materials, machines and spaces.

Remember that you will need to complete pre-requisite online learning components before you are able to book into a Badge Training session.

To get started using the Design Futures Lab you will need to gain our two main badges, the Workshop Safety Badge and the Digital Fabrication Badge. Once you have gained these two badges you will have access to the wood workshop as well as the laser cutting and 3D printing services. Badges for other equipment can be obtained at later stages during your degree when you need to use certain equipment.

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The Workshop Safety Badge is the primary badge at Design Futures Lab. Please complete some pre-requisite reading and assessment before being able to book a practical induction. When booking your practical induction, please choose training located at Design Futures Lab. Practical inductions run for 2 hours and teach basics skills and machines in the wood workshop. When attending the practical induction, please ensure you are wearing closed-toe shoes, no loose clothing or jewellery.


Start the Workshop Safety Badge
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The Digital Fabrication Badge will give you access to the laser cutting and 3D printing facilities. You will need to complete some pre-requisite reading before being able to book a practical induction. Ensure when booking your practical induction that you choose one located at the Design Futures Lab. The practical inductions will run for 2 hours and teach you how to safely operate a laser cutter and prepare files for 3D printing. When attending the practical induction please ensure you are wearing closed toe shoes and no loose clothing or jewellery. You will also be required to bring a laptop.


Start the Digital Fabrication Badge


Inductions

Practical inductions will commence in O-Week prior Term 1. Please make sure you have completed all of the pre-requisite readings and quizzes before booking and attending the practical inductions.