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School of Art and Design

BS Interior Architecture Computer Requirements

WVU Interior Architecture Program Computer Expectation Policy: Class of 2028

* Issue date: May 26, 2024; Policy will be updated for the Class of 2029 by May 16, 2025

View Class of 2028 Computer Requirements in PDF Format

Introduction

Each student entering the first year of the interior architecture major is expected to use a personal LAPTOP COMPUTER system with a Windows operating system to complete assignments in the studio classrooms during class meetings. Each student is expected to provide the computer hardware and software necessary to meet this expectation, and successful completion of required interior architecture studio courses is unlikely for students who do not meet this expectation according to the specifications provided below.

The interior architecture studio is the primary place for learning how to design architectural interiors and for the exchange of design ideas. The goal of the laptop computer expectation policy is to integrate digital media into the design studio experience. Such integration is required for success in the design professions and maximizes design learning in the educational setting. The mobility of the laptop allows the student to easily and quickly transform a relatively small desk space into a variety of configurations suitable for hand-drawing, hand-drafting, design research, and design writing as well as digital drawing, graphic design, and design visualization. The battery-powered laptop allows for maximum computer use within environments with limited electrical power outlets and allows the student to keep the computer on their person for security reasons. Input devices (such as scanners) and output devices (such as printers and plotters) are available in campus computer laboratories.

Students may meet the computer expectation by purchasing, leasing, or borrowing a laptop computer loaded with the specified software. If a student decides to purchase a computer, the cost of a new computer purchase can be factored in determining a student’s financial need. Please contact the WVU Financial Aid Office (304-293-5242) directly to request information about the process for having a computer purchase included in the determination of financial need . The Financial Aid Office’s decision regarding a student’s eligibility for a budget adjustment may take some time, so students are strongly encouraged to plan ahead. Only one financial aid budget adjustment (typically up to $1,500 although a greater adjustment may be possible with justification) toward a new computer and associated software can be issued during a student’s undergraduate education.

Hardware Expectation

A minimum hardware specification has been developed to meet the system requirements of the graphics software specified below. Software products currently used in the interior architecture curriculum for 3D modelling (especially REVIT) and VR/rendering (especially Enscape) are hardware intensive. Because of this, the hardware specifications below typically align more closely with gaming systems. Multiple computer manufacturers can meet the hardware specification, but PLEASE NOTE THAT THE UNIVERSITY-WIDE COMPUTER RECOMMENDATION IS INADEQUATE FOR INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE SOFTWARE. INSTEAD, USE THIS SPECIFICATION.

Please also note that the interior architecture program strongly advises against the purchase of a Mac. Why? Some software products, like REVIT and Enscape, are not available for Mac operating systems. While they can be run on some Mac systems, it will require the additional purchase of both Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise as well as Parallels Desktop. Running processing intensive software in this way requires additional cost and results in a noticeable reduction in hardware performance.

WVU’s wireless network is available in the design studios and across most of the WVU campus both indoors and outdoors. Students must adhere to all WVU security and software policies. Best practices for keeping your account and computer safe can be found https://it.wvu.edu/defend-your-data/how-you-can-defend-your-data. Instructions for connecting to the WVU wireless network can be found at https://wvu.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ITS/pages/308543523/Connect+Your+Device+to+WVU+s+Wi-Fi. Connections to the wireless network require a current WVU username and password.

WVU offers fee based wireless printing and scanning at certain locations. For information, please visit https://wvu.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ITS/pages/300581695/MyPrinting+FAQ.

Each student is responsible for the security and insurance of personal design tools used in studio courses, including the personal laptop computer. Use of a computer cable lock is recommended. The interior architecture program cannot provide technical support, so an extended on-site warranty for hardware is also strongly recommended.

Hardware Specifications

Meeting the “Recommended Specification” will extend the effectiveness of your hardware to best serve you through your senior year. The processor and video card specs especially are ‘non-negotiable’ for successfully completing advanced studio projects.

As of date of this policy, laptops that meet this specification include HP Omen Transcend Laptop 16-u1047nr ($1,800) and Dell Alienware m16 R2 Gaming Laptop (customized with RTX 4070 video & 32 GB RAM, $2,050).

  • Platform
    • Windows Compatible  NOTEBOOK/LAPTOP
  • Operating System
    • Windows 10 64-bit (or newer)
  • Processor
    • 14th gen Intel Core (i9 or better) or AMD Ryzen (7 or better)
  • Memory (RAM)
    • 32GB minimum
  • Video/Graphics Card
  • Video Card Driver
    • OpenGL version 4.6 or higher
  • Ports
    • HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2 or newer, and USB 3.0 or newer; Headset
  • Display
    • FHD (1920 x 1080) or better
  • Hard Disk Drive
    • 512 GB or higher required; Solid State Drive (SSD) recommended
  • NIC/Ethernet Card
    • Wireless 802.11N or 802.11AX required
  • External Mouse
    • 3 Button Scroll-Wheel required

Additional Hardware Recommendations

  • Warranty
    • 3 Year On-site / In-home Parts and Repairs Service Recommended
  • Security
    • Cable Lock Strongly recommended

Software Policy

All computers used on the university networks must have up to date software security patches and the free antivirus software available through the university.

Before buying a hardware system with preloaded software, compare the hardware vendor’s software prices with those of WVU’s negotiated academic prices and other student prices provided via the links. The following software expectation comprises a basic software set-up for most design learning activities. Additional software may be expected for individual courses.

Software Specification

All prices are accurate as of the date of this policy but are subject to change.

The following software must be installed on your laptop computer prior to the beginning of the fall 2024 semester:

Acquire and install the following software on your computer ONLY WHEN REQUIRED FOR A COURSE (please be prepared to acquire and install upon request):

*Denotes products that are subscription-based or time-limited licenses.

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