Ford Hall

Studio-Modeled, Immersive Learning Laboratory

Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research and Innovation was designed to optimize our industry-driven curriculum in a state-of-the-art game studio environment that equips students with today's leading systems and technologies. Here, you'll find 33 research game labs; student game studios; a usability lab and simulated living room; an extensive library of games and developer tools; and much more! 

The Dallas area is recognized as one of the top places in the U.S. to live, work, learn and play. It is the nation's 4th largest metropolitan area; a leading center for business, innovation, culture and service; one of the birth places of the video game industry; and home to a growing ecosystem of game studios, app developers and tech companies.

Learn More: Our Facilities
SMU Guildhall Campus
SMU Guildhall Campus
SMU Guildhall Campus
SMU Guildhall Campus
SMU Guildhall Campus
SMU Guildhall Campus
SMU Guildhall Campus
SMU Guildhall Campus
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campus

Ford Hall & the SMU Dallas Campus

Our Location: 3100 McFarlin Blvd., Suite 306, Dallas, TX 75275

Administrative hours of operation: M-F 9:00am-5:00pm

The Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research and Innovation ignites the future of research and education at SMU. The new 50,000-square foot interdisciplinary research hub equips faculty, students and industry partners with tools and resources to collaborate, solve complex problems and power new enterprises. Ford Hall is located on SMU’s main campus at the corner of McFarlin Boulevard and Airline Road.

Our game studio environment: At SMU Guildhall, students work in the style and pace of the video game industry, and Ford Hall was specially designed as a studio environment modeled after the best game studios around the country. Our classrooms offer state-of-the-art high-tech design and function, and our student project studios mirror the look, feel, and functionality of real game studio spaces.

Students are able to enjoy an extensive resource library of technology, software and equipment, audio, and games, as well as SMU's many luxuries and resources, including the student library, dining spaces, the Deason Innovation Gym (DIG), the SMU Teacher Development Studio (TDS), and one of the fastest academic supercomputers in the nation—ManeFrame II—located in the SMU data center.

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