Materials Research

The Center for Sustainable Design Strategies (CSDS) is the hub on Pratt's campus for sustainable design practices. CSDS includes the Materials Resource Center, showcasing approximately 100 samples of materials that have a lower impact on the environment and health than other traditional materials. Samples vary but include wood, textiles, metals, and glass. Information about these materials can be accessed on the CSDS website, under the Materials Reference Library. In addition to this collection, CSDS provides classroom and project-level instruction on sustainable materials and life-cycle research.

Location: Engineering, Basement 3A

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday by appointment

Email: csds@pratt.edu

Phone: 718-399-4281

The Material Lab is a collaborative research center dedicated to advancing the study of materials at Pratt Institute. Housing over 25,000 unique material samples, the Material Lab’s circulating collection supports haptic design research and facilitates practical discussion about materials grounded in their characteristics, composition, application, and impact.

Additionally, our community-building initiatives supplement and contextualize our physical collection and include frequent office and studio visits, a lunch-and-learn series, and our annual Material Lab Prize. Through the Material Lab’s expansive resources and programming, student designers establish and refine a material literacy that will guide their design work in and beyond their time at Pratt.

Location: Engineering Building, Room 005

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:00pm (Note: currently the Material Lab is available by appointment only. Visit our website to schedule an appointment.)

Email: Materiallab@pratt.edu

Phone: 718.687.5337