The use of 3D printing and similar technology is growing in popularity with city students and has received a significant boost.
Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) has received a grant from the Office for Students (OfS) of £1.5m to support creative computational technology.
The university's current 3D workshop has access to digital processes such as 3D printing and CNC routing, which enables students to create work from digital images or drawings.
Over the next three years NUA, which has around 2,700 full-time students, hopes to create a new creative technology lab.
This will include equipment to support teaching including in physical computing, coding, creative audiovisual, 3D scanning, soft robotics and digital prototyping.
Professor Larra Anderson, pro vice-chancellor (academic) of NUA, said: "This funding ensures that we have the infrastructure, facilities and resources to help shape the creative sector and industries in Norwich and the wider region."
Abby Colwell, a second-year Fine Art student and a frequent user of the 3D workshop, has recently purchased her own mini 3D printer.
She has been experimenting with technical processes such as laser cutting, 3D printing, casting and mould-making.
In her first year, Abby produced a pair of small dancing figures made from wooden blocks which NUA staff said "looked awesome".
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Technicians in the workshop commented on how she "spent hours patiently glueing each block together".
It is hoped that the funding will allow NUA students to be more ambitious with the scale of their projects.
The use of 3D printing has become increasingly common in recent years as affordable technology has become available, with plans often shared online.
This was shown in Norfolk during the Covid pandemic when some with 3D printers made protective face visors for local NHS staff during PPE shortages, including a project coordinated by the University of East Anglia that produced over 5,000 face shields.
More examples of the NUA students' work can be viewed on Instagram on the @NUA3Dworkshop account.
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