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Computer Requirements

WVU Interior Architecture Program
Computer Expectation Policy: Class of 2027

*(Issue date: May 26, 2023; Policy will be updated for the Class of 2028 by May 20, 2024)*

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 with Bootcamp software and Windows 10 installed (at additional expense), they run less efficiently.

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. 

*For hardware specifications, download the above PDF.

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.

*Download the above PDF for software options.

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.  

WVU Interior Architecture Program
Computer Expectation Policy: Class of 2025

*(Issue date: May 15, 2021; Policy will be updated for the Class of 2026 by May 15, 2022)*

Computer Requirements in PDF Format

Introduction

Each student entering the first year of the interior design major is expected to use a personal LAPTOP COMPUTER 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 design studio courses is unlikely for students who do not meet this expectation according to the specifications provided below .

The interior design 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 can be factored in determining a student’s financial need. Please contact the WVU Financial Aid Office (304 293 5242) to request the form “Request for Student Budget Review” and confirm whether the purchase is subject to any additional qualifying guidelines prior to purchasing a computer. The completed “Request for Student Budget Review” form must be submitted directly to the WVU Financial Aid office . The 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

Note: As of the issue date of this document, computer hardware configurations that meet or exceed all minimum specifications listed below are available through Dell.com for $1,274 (16GB RAM) as the G5 15 Gaming Laptop – order code gn5500ehwkh.  The price of this configuration on this date does not reflect potential Dell academic discounts and is subject to change. A customized model that meets all minimum specs (with 16MB RAM) is available through the HP.com discount site for $1,390 as the Omen Laptop – 15t-ek100. Other laptops that meet minimum specifications (with 16MB RAM) are available at Best Buy starting at $1,200. All prices are accurate as of the issue date of this policy but are subject to change.


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 design curriculum for 3D modelling, rendering ( Lumion) and virtual reality ( Vive Pro) 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? Two common software products used in the industry, Autodesk REVIT and Lumion are not available for Mac operating systems. While they can be run on Mac systems with Bootcamp (or Parallels) and Windows installed (at additional expense), they run less efficiently. Lumion also discourages installations on Macs because graphic cards installed in affordable Macs laptops are generally insufficient for effective rendering with Lumion. Additionally, the M1/ARM processor installed in newer Macs has been associated with compatibility problems , and units with this processor especially should be avoided.

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. Review best practices for keeping your account and computer safe. Also review instructions for connecting to the WVU wireless network. Connections to wireless require a current WVU username and password.

WVU offers fee based wireless printing at certain location.  The service is called MyPrinting. Scanning is free at these locations.

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



Hardware Specifications

In order to meet expectations for individual courses, your hardware configuration must meet or exceed the following specifications:

Additional Recommendations:


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 2021 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. 

WVU Interior Architecture Program 
Computer Expectation Policy: Class of 2023

*(Issue date:  May 15, 2020)*

Computer Requirements in PDF Format

Introduction

Each student entering the second year of the interior design major is expected to use a personal LAPTOP COMPUTER 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 design studio courses is unlikely for students who do not meet this expectation according to the specifications provided below .

The interior design 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 can be factored in determining a student’s financial need.  Please contact the WVU Financial Aid Office (304 293 5242) to request the form “Request for Student Budget Review” and confirm whether the purchase is subject to any additional qualifying guidelines prior to purchasing a computer.  The completed “Request for Student Budget Review” form must be submitted directly to the WVU Financial Aid office . The 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

Note: As of the issue date of this document, computer hardware configurations that meet or exceed all minimum specifications listed below are available through HP.com for $1,400 (16GB RAM) / $1,600 (32GB RAM) as the  HP OMEN LAPTOP 17t – Product No. 7LG51AV_1. A model that meets all minimum specs (only available with 16MB RAM) is available through the  Dell University discount site for $1,519 (  Dell G7 17 Gaming – Order Code gn7790dmqts). Other laptops that meet minimum specifications (with 16MB RAM) are available at  Best Buy starting at $1,350. All prices are accurate as of the issue date of this policy but are subject to change.

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 design curriculum for 3D modelling, rendering ( Lumion) and virtual reality ( Vive Pro) 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 DESIGN SOFTWARE. INSTEAD, USE THIS SPECIFICATION.

Also, beginning with the Class of 2023 computer expectation policy,  the interior design program strongly advises against the purchase of a Mac.  Why? Two common software products used in the industry, Autodesk REVIT and Lumion are not available for Mac operating systems. While they can be run on Mac systems with Bootcamp (or Parallels) and Windows installed (at additional expense), they run less efficiently.  Lumion also discourages installations on Macs  because graphic cards installed in affordable Macs laptops are generally insufficient for effective rendering with Lumion.

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 at https://it.wvu.edu/security/defend-your-data/keep-a-clean-machine. Instructions for connecting to the WVU wireless network can be found at https://wvu.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1976/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=15574. Connections to wireless require a current WVU username and password.

WVU offers fee based wireless printing at certain location. The service is called  MyPrinting. Scanning is free at these locations.

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



Hardware Specifications

*FOR A NEW PURCHASE – RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS*

(Meets current recommended and minimum system requirements for current versions of commonly used design software and most likely to meet system requirements for new releases of software issued during your education)

*IF PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED – MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS*

(Meets minimum system requirements for the previous release of commonly used design software but will likely not allow you to complete tasks, with new software releases issued during your education, as effectively as the recommended specs)

  • Platform

    • Windows Compatible NOTEBOOK/LAPTOP

  • Operating System

    • Windows 10 HOME OR PRO

  • Processor

    • 8th generation Intel Core i-5-4590 or higher processor (or AMD Radeon RX 480 or higher processor)

  • Processor Speed

    • 4 GHz or higher (with boost)

  • Memory (RAM)

    • 16GB minimum required

  • Video Card

    • “Discrete” Graphics Card – 4 GB min.; (NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 970 or AMD Radeon™ R9 290 equivalent or faster)

  • Video Card Driver

    • OpenGL version 3.0 or higher

  • Video Output

    • HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 or newer

  • USB Port

    • 1x USB 2.0 or newer

  • Display

    • FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare; 17” or larger highly recommended; A 15.3” display is optional if needed due to budgetary constraints

  • Hard Disk Drive

    • 512 GB or higher required; 'SSD' recommended

  • NIC/Ethernet Card

    • Wireless 802.11N or 802.11AC required

  • External Mouse

    • 3 Button Scroll-Wheel required

Additional 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 2020 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.