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ACSA Guide to Architecture Schools
2009-2011 Architecture Curriculum Flowchart (.pdf)
For assistance with using the Curriculum Flowchart, please contact the Architecture Department.
Other Items
To Prospective Students & Their Parents
I appreciate your interest in the Architecture Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. As you think about making a choice between schools, settings, and programs, I would like to share some Observations for Prospective Students that I hope will help you in making your decisions.
In addition to the observations provided in the above link, 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 available through the corresponding links to the left.
Thank you for considering the Architecture program at Cal Poly.
Henri T. de Hahn, Head
Architecture Department
Computers
All undergraduate students entering the architecture program 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:
2GB RAM
200GB Internal Hard Drive
SuperDrive (Mac), DVD+RW (Win)
AirPort Extreme (Mac) 802.11g Wireless Card (Win)
15.4" Display
OSX (Mac), XP Professional (Win) (Vista is not recommended)
Notebook Recommendations
MacBook Pro
Or Equivalent Dell
Peripherals
Mouse
Color Inkjet Printer (Canon or Epson recommended)
Scanner (recommended)
Software
Current version of the following software:
Adobe Creative Suite: $400 (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat)
Web Browser (Foxfire, Safari or Microsoft Explorer)
E-Mail (Apple Mail, Microsoft Outlook)
Anti-virus and Disk Repair (Required for Windows)
SketchUp (Annual Rental) $45 (Rented through the Architecture Dept. when required)
Form Z (Annual Rental): $95 (Rented through the Architecture Dept. when required)
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 & Materials
The following drawing equipment and materials will be needed in first year design and drawing studios. The drawing equipment 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
30"x42" drawing board with parallel bar (e.g. Alvin PBX42)
Drawing Tools
Triangular Scale- Architectural
12"
Triangle Clear 30/60 6" (w/ inking edge)
Triangle Clear 45/90 6" (w/ inking edge)
8" Adjustable Triangle w/ Magnifier
Erasing Shield
Circle Template Master Inking
Metal Pencil Sharpener - Staedtler 510 10 or similar
Compass and Bow Set
Universal Adapter 3.5/4mm
Alvin 295 parallel glider 14"
Eraser Kneaded Small
White Vinyl Eraser
Sandpaper Lead Pointer
Drafting Dots 500/roll
Pens
Sign Pen Black
Micron Pens Black 6set
Prisma Marker- Black
Prisma Marker- Warm Gray 40%
Pencils
Drafting Pencils: 4H, 2H, F, H, HB, 3B, 6B (set if possible)
Prisma Pencils: White, Black, French Gray 50%, French Gray 90%, Warm Gray 50%, Sepia, Crimson Red
Cutting/Model Making
Straight Edge Aluminum 36"
Xacto Razor Saw Extra Fine
Xacto #1 knife
Xacto #11 blade 5 pack
Cutting Mat 18x24
Scissors- 8" Stainless Steel
Storage
Large Art Bin Gray/Blue
Drawing Storage Tube 37"
Sheet Protector Top Load 25pk
Black 24x36 Carry All
Art Bag w/ Black Zipper (Pencil bag)
Supplemental Items
(will vary according to instructor)
Hot Glue Gun
Watercolor set
Sketch Book
Tracing Paper
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.