Computer Requirements

Laptop Requirement

Students studying landscape architecture are required to have a laptop computer beginning the fall semester of their first year. The laptop should be powerful enough to support the demanding video and computational requirements of the software programs used for our coursework. The specifications below serve as a guide for the purchase of that laptop computer.

Laptop Specifications:

• Processor (CPU):
  Minimum: Intel Core i7 (12th Gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 7 (6000 series or newer)
  Recommended: Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9
• Graphics Card (GPU):
  Minimum: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU or better
  Recommended: NVIDIA RTX 4070/4080/4090 Laptop GPU
  Note: High-performance GPUs are critical for rendering software such as Lumion and Enscape.
• Memory (RAM):
  Minimum: 32 GB DDR5 RAM
  Recommended: 64 GB RAM for large project files and advanced software (e.g., GIS, Lumion)
• Storage:
  Minimum: 1TB SSD
  Recommended: 2TB NVMe SSD for faster performance and larger project storage
• Display:
  Minimum: 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) IPS, 100% sRGB color
  Recommended: 16" QHD+ (2560x1600) or 4K display with 100% AdobeRGB or P3 color gamut
  Note: Accurate color is essential for work in Photoshop, Illustrator, and other design software.
• Operating System:
  Windows 11 Pro (preferred for compatibility with certain CAD and GIS applications)

Macintosh Users:

Faculty and students utilize both Windows-based PCs and Macintosh computers. Either platform is acceptable; however, some key software programs (e.g., ArcGIS, Lumion, Enscape) are not natively supported on macOS. Students choosing to purchase a Mac may be responsible for installing Windows via dual-boot or virtualization tools and ensuring compatibility with required software. Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs have limited options for running Windows, and compatibility should be carefully evaluated before purchase.

Required Software:

• Operating System Windows 10 Pro or newer or (if using a mac) macOS Catalina or newer
• Autodesk AutoCAD Free Educational Version, Windows or Mac
• Adobe Creative Cloud Monthly Creative Cloud Subscription
• SketchUp Annual SketchUp Subscription
• Microsoft Office Suite, Free Download

Recommended Software:

• Lumion Student, Free Education Version
• Google Earth Pro, Free Download
• Land F/X, Free Education Version
• ArcGIS for Student Use, students will be provided with download instructions in specific courses