Architecture & Environmental Design - Software

BGSU Architecture Computing Recommendations

Computing Recomendations for First Year Students

Mac and MacBook information:
If you are considering a Mac, Use the Autodesk Revit MAC recommendations as a guide for your system requirements. For more information please click here.

PC and Laptop recommendations:
Minimum PC Requirements for 32-bit applications (ie: Revit Architecture, etc):

  • Microsoft Windows 7 32-bit or Microsoft Windows Vista 32-bit
  • Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon™ dual-core processor, 3.0 GHz (or higher) with SSE2 technology 4 GB RAM (8 GB RAM recommended if possible)
  • 5 GB free disk space minimum
  • 1,280 x 1,024 monitor with true color
  • Display adapter capable of 24-bit color for basic graphics, 256 MB DirectX® 10-capable
  • graphics card with Shader Model 3 for advanced graphics (to find out more about recommended graphics hardware click here.)
  • Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 7.0 (or later)
  • Microsoft Mouse-compliant pointing device
  • Download or installation from DVD9
  • Internet connection for license registration
Minimum PC Requirements for 64-bit applications (ie: Revit Architecture 64-bit, etc):
  • Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit Enterprise, Ultimate, Professional, or Home Premium edition
  • Intel® Core™ i7-2600 quad-core processor (3.8 GHz, 8 MB cache ) or equivalent AMD processor
  • 16 GB RAM (or more)
  • 1,980 x 1,200 monitor with true color
  • 2 GB (or more) DirectX 10-capable graphics card with Shader Model 3 (to find out more about recommended graphics hardware click here.)

Making a Decision: 32-Bit or 64-Bit?

Some of the software applications used in BGSU architecture courses come in both 32-Bit and 64-Bit versions. The 64-Bit versions of the software can take full advantage of 64-Bit operating systems. PC makers such as Dell and HP offer a 64-Bit version of Windows 7 for a price increase ranging from $100 to $200 on many of their models. However, the same software will run very effectively on the 32-Bit operating systems.

The primary difference between 32 and 64-Bit PC operating systems is how they handle memory which means better performance particularly with large models in programs such as Revit Architecture (the performance increase can be significant). For BGSU architecture students the 32-Bit version of Windows 7 and the related hardware specification will be sufficient given the typical file sizes we will work with.

Software Applications

The following is a list of software applications currently used in out architecture courses. These are primarily used in second year and later, although some students will take CAD courses their first year. Some applications are free to students or available ar a substantial discount- contact architecture@bgsu.edu for more information

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe In-Design
  • Google Sketchup (Sketch-up Pro Recommended
  • AutoDesk Revit Architecture
  • AutoDesk AutoCAD (Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture)
  • AutoDesk 3DS MAX Design
  • Rhino 3D
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