UNC Asheville STEAM Studio

UNC Asheville STEAM Studio, located at 821 Riverside Drive in Asheville, North Carolina, is a cutting-edge educational space where Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) converge. This innovative institution, situated at the River Arts Makers Place (RAMP), aims to engage the next generation of makers, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs in a collaborative environment.

Equipped with state-of-the-art tools for 3D modeling and printing, as well as water jet, laser, and plasma cutters, UNC Asheville’s STEAM Studio provides students with the resources to bring their creative ideas to life. The facility also boasts metal fabrication equipment, woodworking facilities, and spaces designed to foster cross-disciplinary learning through collaborations.

Developed by UNC Asheville, a nationally recognized public liberal arts university, STEAM Studio serves as a bridge between the campus and the vibrant creative community of Asheville. The institution was founded by a collective of artists and engineers who recognized the value of collaboration and making-based education in empowering students to drive positive change in their communities.

At STEAM Studio, students from various disciplines are encouraged to think critically, apply empathy in problem-solving, and create high-quality objects. The institution offers curricular classes from departments such as Art, Engineering, Music, and more, providing students with diverse opportunities for hands-on learning and skill development.

In addition to academic classes, STEAM Studio offers community-based programs for youth and adults, as well as informal classes for the UNCA community. Through collaborations with artists, entrepreneurs, and institutions, students have the chance to work on real-world projects and gain valuable experience in designing and fabricating special projects.

The 12,000 sq ft facility at STEAM Studio includes a wood shop, machine shop, welding fabrication bay, configurable workspace, and a computer lab/classroom. With cutting-edge technology such as water jet cutting, CNC machining, laser cutting, and 3D printing, the institution fosters innovation and collaboration in a variety of disciplines.

As a collaborative making space, STEAM Studio emphasizes the process of creation and the value of each individual's contribution to the community. By integrating art and science, the institution nurtures collaboration and creativity, leading to new solutions for real-world problems.

Through a combination of liberal arts education and technical skills development, STEAM Studio prepares students to be innovative change-makers in a rapidly evolving world. The institution also hosts visiting makers and scholars, supports senior projects and research, and engages in real-world projects with local clients, providing students with valuable hands-on experience.