Color Lab

Blue color rocks organized and labelled

Home to an extensive collection of research objects, the Color Lab is a prime location for investigating color in art and design. Its reference library helps students and faculty place color in context, while specialized equipment supports creative experimentation.

More about the Color Lab

Exploring color in depth

The Color Lab encourages departments to build new coursework into their programs, fosters and supports independent and shared inquiry by scholars, artists and designers, and nurtures the development of a community of inquiry on the subject of color.

The lab has two locations on campus: a materials collection on the second floor of the Fleet Library and an exhibition space at the Design Center, where you’ll find a rotating collection of work by RISD students and faculty.

On-campus research labs

Student working with a 3D printer
Co-Works Research Lab

This research space brings together a cross-departmental community to experiment with advanced tools and techniques through peer tutoring, sponsored studios and interdisciplinary collaboration.

a mosaic of images created by Rhode Island School of Design students
Movement Lab

Through experimental research, active learning and exchange, this space supports investigations of the social, cultural, ecological and expressive properties of movement.

Student feeding fish at the Nature Lab
Nature Lab

With high-powered imaging systems and access to more than 80,000 specimens housed in the lab, students can explore design in nature at the meeting point of artistic and scientific research.