The Department of Architecture and Interior Design requires that incoming first-year and graduate students purchase a laptop computer, a pre-selected package of software, and a digital camera.

Laptop and Software

Incoming students are directed to the Miami Notebook website for current information on computer and software requirements, and current pricing. Note that pricing is set below Miami’s educational discounted price. Students may choose between MAC and PC laptops (as specified on the Miami Notebook academic recommendations page).

Digital Camera

A digital camera is required and is used in several courses as well as to document student work in the portfolio. Since several incoming students already own a digital camera, a specific model is not required. Rather, suggested minimum specifications are as follows:

• 5 mega-pixels minimum (allowing for higher resolution printing)
• focal distance ≤ 4” (many inexpensive cameras will not allow for a short focal distance, limiting model photography and material photography)
• no automatic flash (the ability to turn off the flash is helpful when using other lighting sources)
• high memory cards; 64 or 128 MB (so that enough photos can be taken between downloads)
• USB or firewire cable (for direct download of images to computer) 
   

Printers

Purchase of a printer is optional. High quality printers and plotters are used frequently and are available in the department lab as well as in several locations across campus. Conventional 8” 1/2 x 11” printers are also available, but the student may wish to purchase their own.