Things You'll Need:
- internet, for research
- funds to buy the computer
- architectural programs that will be installed on your computer
-
Step 1
Understand your new computer as a long term investment. You don't want to buy a computer that can only handle the first year of work, after realizing the next few years require more advanced programs and you end up buying a new computer.
-
Step 2
Make sure your new computer will be able to handle the largest of loads. Any progressive architecture school will require you to have programs as varied as Autocad, Maya, Rhino, SolidWorks, Photoshop, InDesign and more installed onto your computer. In addition to these programs, if your school has a large emphasis on rendering images for final display boards, you will want a computer with a high quality video card, and at least a dual core processor.
-
Step 3
Remember, the computer lab at school will have its limits. If you are relying on the computer lab at your school to allow you to use programs that may not be installed on your own computer, or if your own computer doesn't run fast enough, don't ever become dependent on the computer lab.
You will often find that other students have saved computers for their own work and renderings, and if there's no open station then you're out of luck. Also, if you choose to do work in the lab, remember to bring an external hard drive to back up all of your work to prevent any loss.
The computer lab will never be as reliable as a powerful computer only reserved for you at all times. -
Step 4
LAPTOP vs. DESKTOP
This seems to be a pretty popular topic of discussion. Laptops appeal to many because of their mobility. However, it can be hard to find a laptop powerful enough to handle the work load of 5 years (Bachelor of Architecture) or 2-3 years (Master of Architecture) of school.
As a student, I have found that many of my own classmates have fallen into the laptop appeal, but end up buying desktops because their laptops cannot handle the work load and in addition, none of their work can be efficiently completed outside of studio. The luxury of mobility can actually become a distraction, but depending on your own work habits, it is crucial to assess whether or not getting a laptop for architecture school is for you.
But first understand the work load your computer will need to bear. Research processors and video cards as well. -
Step 5
PC vs. MAC
This question also seems to be a popular discussion topic, however, in my experience, it has a pretty simple answer. Most programs required for architecture school are made to run on PC's. In order to run them on Macs, you would have install a program like Parallels in order to divide your computer space to have a PC platform. I suggest putting away personal preferences for an aesthetically pleasing computer to get one that will get the job done efficiently.
