Computing Resources
In the Architecture + Design Program, you will depend upon personal computers for communications, scheduling, research and personal work. Computer use is also required in many courses.
There is one dual-boot Mac lab in the Fine Art Center. It is open for student use when classes are not in session. There are other computer workstations available in the Learning Commons at the UMass library. While you may find these resources useful, it will be difficult for you to be productive without your own laptop computer.
The University provides many software packages for free and others at a significant educational discount. Before purchasing hardware or software, it is worth reviewing the resources available to you.
Plotting and Laser Cutting
The Architecture + Design Program maintains a plotter room with large format plotters and a laser cutter shop with a Jamieson Laser Cutter model CMA. Both resources are student managed. Students are trained as part of the digital technology sequence in the first year of the graduate program and in selective undergraduate studios. Students matriculating after the first year may contact the plotter and laser cutter TA to find out when the next training session will take place. Currently the TA for this room is Kunle Silva <silvakunle@yahoo.com>
How to Cut on the Laser Cutter Tutorial
UMass Office of Information Technology
First stop for all things UMass and technology including your email account and academic software purchases: http://www.oit.umass.edu/
Other Important Links include:
Free & Discounted Software for Students
Adobe Campus Agreement Program
Microsoft Campus Agreement Program
