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ACSA Guide to Architecture Schools
2007-2009 Architecture Curriculum Flowchart (.pdf)
For assistance with using the Curriculum Flowchart, please contact the Architecture department.
Introduction
This section of the web site provides specific information for those interested in attending either the undergraduate or graduate architecture programs at Cal Poly.
The information about computers and drawing equipment that is provided below applies to both freshmen and transfer students entering the undergraduate program in architecture.
Specific information for Freshmen, Transfer, Change of Major and Masters students is accessed through the corresponding pages in this section of the web site.
Computers
All undergraduate students entering the architecture program starting Fall of 2007 must have a notebook computer. The Architecture Department facilities are Macintosh-oriented. However, all required software is available for both platforms and either a Mac or Windows machine will meet your needs. If you are very experienced on a platform, it is generally recommended that you stay on that platform. Also consider that both Mac and Windows operating systems can be run simultaneously on the new Intel based Macs.
The Architecture Department expects that all entering students already have basic computing knowledge and skills. These include facility in the use of word-processing and spreadsheet applications and the ability to use the Internet and WWW for email and browsing purposes.
Notebook Specifications
The notebook computer must meet or exceed the following specifications:
1 GB RAM
80GB Internal Hard Drive
SuperDrive (Mac), DVD Writer (Win)
AirPort Extreme (Mac) 802.11g Wireless Card (Win)
15.4" Display
OSX (Mac), XP Professional (Win)
Notebook Recommendations
MacBook Pro
Dell Latitude D820
Or Equivalent
Peripherals
Mouse
Color Inkjet Printer (Canon or Epson, $200 or more recommended)
Scanner (Canon LiDE 60, $80 recommended)
Software
Current version of the following software:
Adobe Creative Suite: $400 (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat)
SketchUp (Annual Rental) $45 (Rented through the Architecture Dept. in the Fall)
Form Z (Annual Rental): $95 (Rented through the Architecture Dept. in the Fall)
Web Browser (Safari, Foxfire or Microsoft Explorer)
E-Mail (Apple Mail, Microsoft Outlook)
Anti-virus and Disk Repair
Educational Pricing
Call or visit Cal Poly's El Corral Bookstore for educational pricing on both software and hardware. The department's number is (805) 756-5311. Prices are also published on the bookstore web site.: http://www.elcorralbookstore.com/
A Word About Email
Cal Poly provides a free email account to every student. You are expected to use this account, even if you also maintain an off-campus account. Email will be used by faculty, the Architecture Department and Cal Poly as an official means of communicating with you. Make it a habit to check your account regularly, or have it forwarded to your off-campus account.
Drawing Equipment
The following drawing equipment will be needed in first year design and drawing studios. They should last for years, and will be used in many architecture courses. Purchase ones that feel good to you and are of the best quality that you can reasonably afford. The brands are only provided as references.
Drawing Board: 23" x 31" (Alvin, AB616/4, Tilt-Angle White Drawing Bd 23x31)
Parallel Bar: (Alvin, 1101-30, Parallel Straight Edge 30")
Board Cover: Illustration board NO. 201, Chip board or vinyl board cover (Borco, 37.5" wide)
45° Adjustable Triangle: Plastic, 8", 10" or 12"
30/60° Triangle: Plastic, 12"
Erasing Shield: Stainless Steel
Metal Straight Edge: (Metal Ruler, Fairgate 20-137, 36")
Rolling Straight Edge: 12" (Alvin, Rollo Ruler No. 298)
Compass: Bow compass (Alvin, 508, 6 Bow Compass W/ADJ Adapter)
Dividers: (Alvin, 660, Divider)
Architectural Scale: Triangular, 12" long (Staedtler Mars 987 18-31)
Circle Template: 1/16" to 3" diameter circles (Picket, Circle Master 1204i)
Pencil Sharpener: For wood pencils (Staedtler 511-63)
Knife: X-Acto NO. 5 with NO. 24 blades
Saw: X-Acto 1 1⁄4" deep fine tooth razor saw
Cutting Surface: Illustration board or self-healing plastic cutting surface (18" x 24").
Cal Poly's El Corral Bookstore carries all the required materials and can provide a kit that includes the above items. Refer to Student Kits under Supplies on the bookstore web site.: http://www.elcorralbookstore.com/.
You will need a portable container such as a tackle or art box (Min. 14" interior dimension) to organize and transport your equipment and a way to carry your drawings back and forth while protecting them from dirt, wrinkling and the weather.
Materials
Each quarter you will need to purchase the materials necessary to complete the assignments. These materials will include pens, pencils, paper, wood, glue, digital prints, etc. as specified by the teacher. This is a cost that will be part of each design studio and can typically run about $100 per quarter.