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Computer Requirements

The College of Architecture + Planning established the following policy to aid students with the planning of computer purchases and to help ensure consistency among faculty and student expectations.

Design Foundations Students

Laptop Recommendation

The College recommends that students entering the Design Foundations program have a mid-range consumer-grade laptop. Students should consider using a laptop that they already own or another existing computer, if possible. The Marriott Library has computers available for student use. Please note that if you already have a laptop, it does not need to meet the specifications below.

Some courses in the University may require a more robust system, so be sure to verify any class/software requirements before making a purchase.

Undergraduate Students Majoring in Architectural Studies, Urban Ecology, Multi-Disciplinary Design, and all Graduate Students

Laptop Requirement

For students enrolled in the following undergraduate majors:  Architectural Studies, Urban Ecology, and Design, as well as all graduate students at the College of Architecture + Planning, the College requires that students meet the following example minimum specifications:

Machine: PC or Apple
CPU: Intel Core i7 (11th generation or newer) or better, AMD Ryzen 7 or better, or M1 (and above) Apple
RAM: 32GB minimum
Storage: 512GB minimum (solid state drive or flash storage)
Graphics: CAD optimized workstation-class (minimum: AMD Radeon RX or NVIDIA RTX [4GB min.] – Apple graphic standards will work in most cases)
Display: 1080p (1920×1080) resolution minimum

Software

Architecture
  • Windows 10 Education(macOS can run Windows via Bootcamp or Parallels)
  • Microsoft Office(access included in tuition)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud(access included in tuition)
  • SketchUp(free for students)
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture, Revit, Fusion, 3D Studio Max(free for students)
  • ArcGIS(dependent on specific courses, free for students)
  • Rhino3D(dependent on specific courses, free for students)
City & Metropolitan Planning
(including Urban Ecology)
  • Microsoft Office(free for students)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud(free for students)
  • ArcGIS(free for students, but is Windows-only – macOS can run Windows via Bootcamp or Parallels)
  • SPSS, SAS, or similar statistical analysis software: Students may access SPSS software for free through the computers located in the Marriott Library and other University Computer Labs. Individual education licenses are available for purchase through the Office of Software and Licensing

 

Multi-Disciplinary Design
  • Windows 10 Education(macOS can run Windows via Bootcamp or Parallels)
  • Microsoft Office(access included in tuition)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud(access included in tuition)
  • SketchUp(free for students)
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture, Revit, Fusion, 3D Studio Max(free for students)
  • ArcGIS(dependent on specific courses, free for students)
  • Rhino3D(dependent on specific courses, free for students)

 

Optional:

  • Additional storage can be accessed by using external (USB) hard drives
    • An external monitor is useful for extending the operating system desktop
    • Bluetooth or wireless mice are easier to use than trackpads
    • Dongles may be needed to provide HDMI or VGA video output and wired network connections

 

The College will update these specifications on a regular basis to match advances in software and hardware requirements.

Questions? Contact computer technician Don Burris at burris@arch.utah.edu