(Updated April 2013)

The School of Architecture at North Carolina State University sees computers and digital media as powerful tools through which architectural ideas can be developed, presented, explored and evaluated. As such, the computer and its associated technology broaden the repertoire of media available to the designer. The Architecture faculty believes that students should be proficient in the use of all available media, from conventional pencil and paper to virtual reality, and should be able to knowingly switch from one mode of design work to another with ease.

Architecture students are introduced to computers as design tools in the Fall Semester of their sophomore year of the undergraduate (BEDA) curriculum, or first semester of the graduate program. Before that, students are introduced to conventional design tools in First Year Experience design studios taken in the freshman year of the undergraduate curriculum or in the first semester of the Track Three graduate program. This practice emphasizes that students should learn conventional skills first, and then add the capabilities fostered by cutting-edge design techniques. It also impresses upon students that the two approaches are not alternatives, but complement each other.

Further, the Architecture faculty realizes that computers are as useful in design studios as they are in other learning environments (such as lecture and seminar courses, travel studies, and even at home). To be equally viable with traditional media in varied settings, the technology must be fully portable. Therefore, the School of Architecture requires that students purchase a  Windows-capable laptop personal computer and associated software as listed below. Undergraduate students should have the computers ready to use for required coursework at the beginning of the Fall Semester of their sophomore year. Graduate students should have their computer ready to use for required coursework at the beginning of their first semester.

The Architecture faculty prefers not to base hardware specifications on a particular operating system, but on the capabilities that are needed to support the necessary software. Computers using Windows 7 Professional operating system are recommended for the School of Architecture because of software requirements. Below are the minimum technical specifications for student computers in the School of Architecture.

Apple Macintosh computers allow both Macintosh and Windows software to run on the same computer using a dual-boot system. Other options for running Windows applications on a Macintosh using virtualization software are available. We consider the dual-boot method the better option for our students because dual-boot provides better performance than virtualization. Some of our students are choosing to use dual-boot Macintosh computers instead of Windows-only computers. Students interested in running Windows on a Macintosh computer are encouraged to speak with the College of Design Information Technology staff. Please note the cost of Windows operating system and Windows software will be in addition to Macintosh software.

Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements. Please read the College’s Student Computing Requirements Information page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.

We recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability will be more likely to continue to run required software in later years of college.

This chart provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Clicking on “Tell Me More” will provide detailed information about a component. Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students may consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles.

Questions?

The College’s Information Technology staff will be glad to go over purchase choices or answer any related questions. Contact them by sending an email to: design_help@ncsu.edu.