As a center for research and creative experimentation at the college, the Color Lab provides a visible and accessible resource platform and pedagogical nexus demonstrating RISD’s commitment to the study of color—its history, material dimensions, scientific properties and cultural significance—as a core component of art and design.

The 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 RISD Color Lab is an open space where visitors can come to study, work, think, play, and learn about the one aspect of art and design that draws us all together : COLOR. Browse additional Color resources housed in Fleet Library Special Collections.