As a technological university, we are witnessing the rapid transformation of business models, and industry approaches through technology. In the field of architectural professional practice, these changes are equally profound, and your education in the College of Architecture and Design will prepare you for a successful career in architecture.

We recommend investing in technology as you begin your online degree to ensure your success. The tools and processes you will learn are closely tied to our profession, and being connected to faculty and classmates will enhance your experience and learning. Below are hardware specifications, based on feedback from faculty and students, that will support you throughout your studies and beyond. The specifications are based on the configuration being viable for 3-5 years, so this investment will benefit not only you as a student at LTU but also as you begin your career in architecture.

For software, we provide a range of options, including the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Autodesk Suite (Revit, AutoCAD), and Rhinoceros (available upon request through the LTU Help Desk). These licenses will be served with the support of an LTU VPN (also available through the

Help Desk).

A stable, high-speed internet connection is essential for online classes with an expectation of synchronous video conferencing with Zoom, large file transfers, and accessing remotely served software licenses. Consider using a large second monitor for increased screen size, an upgraded webcam for clear communication, and a full-size keyboard and upgraded mouse for enhanced productivity and ergonomics. Creating a quiet space free from distractions and investing in a comfortable office chair and ergonomic desk are also recommended for your online architectural education.

The following performance specifications are provided as a laptop recommendation:

• Operating System: Windows 11 64-bit
• CPU Type: i7-12XXXX, i7-13XXXX; i9, Ryzen 9
• Highest CPU GHz: Software products will use multiple cores for many tasks
• Memory: 32GB RAM. Usually sufficient for a typical editing session for a single model up to approximately 700 MB on disk
• Graphics Card: 1920×1080 (min) with true color
• Display: Ultra-high (4k) definition monitor
• Video Adapter: DirectX 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 5 and a minimum of 4GB video memory
• Disk Space Min: 30 GB free disk space/10,000 RPM Hard Drive (for Point Cloud interactions) or Solid State Drive
• .NET Framework: .NET Framework Version 4.8 or later
• Other accessories: Wheel mouse

We are committed to supporting you throughout your educational journey and are confident that you will thrive in your architecture studies at LTU CoAD with the right technology and resources.