Students / Useful information
- Laptop & Software Requirements
- Fabrication Shop
- Academic Calendar
LAPTOP & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:
Laptop: Within the list of laptops models offered by the Institute, the School of Architecture recommends the ‘Performance’ model, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1. If a student is bringing their own laptop, it should be comparable to this model. An equivalent MacBook Pro laptop is acceptable as long as it is running Windows 10 in Bootcamp. Link to bootcamp installation here.
Software: New architecture students will be primarily using three software packages: Rhino 8 [3D design], V-Ray [photorealistic image rendering], and Adobe Creative Cloud [image editing and layout design]. Depending on their classes, they may also be using Revit and/or Maya from Autodesk for 3D design. Note, V-Ray licenses are only available for Windows PCs. Mac OS is not supported .
Here is how to obtain each one:
- Rhino 8: Once you are on the campus network, you can download and install Rhino 8 from this link: https://www.arch.rpi.edu/software. Please note, students will not be able to reach the license server described in the instructions until they are on campus.
- V-Ray: V-Ray can also be downloaded from the same link as above once students are on campus.
- Adobe Creative Cloud: Students must purchase their own subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. Here is the link to student pricing: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html?promoid=NV3KR7S1&mv=other
Students are eligible to purchase a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud through RPI at a discounted price. See intructions here. - Autodesk Revit and Maya: Once students have their RPI e-mail address, they can sign up for free versions of virtually all Autodesk software here: https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/featured
FABRICATION SHOP
Shop Hours: please check the shop’s calendar for opening hours — they may be extended during review’s seasons.
Equipment & Tools: For a full list please click here.
Safety Course: all students are required to take the Online Safety Course, before being allowed to work in the Fabrication Shop. There is no open-toe shoes and loose clothing while in the shop; and safety protection (eyes, ears) as required. Link to be provided soon.
Signup Schedule: some equipment needs time reservation.
- Laser Cutters (Universal 18×32 and 18×24, and Vytek 48×48) via EZBook: https://new.ezbook.com/RpiArchShop
- 3D Printing and CNC Milling are only booked through the Shop staff.
Material Resources: The shop carries some of the most used materials: cardboard, MDF, Styrofoam (in limited quantities ). Others general materials, if coordinated with studio faculty or teaching assistants with enough time, could be ordered through the shop. Speciality materials needed by individual students must be independently ordered by the students, prior checking with staff if they are safe to use in the shop and/or studio.
- RPI Union: list of available materials needed.
- Local Vendors:
- Online Vendors (recommended):
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
All school members are required to suscribe the calendar application in their devices to the school’s academic calendar.
ICal Address: Use this URL to suscribe from other calendar applications.
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/rpiarchweb%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics
- Google Calendar: On your device, open Google Calendar. On the left, next to Other calendars, click Add From URL. Enter the calendar’s address in the field provided. Click Add calendar. The calendar will appear on the left side under “Other calendars.” Note: It might take up to 12 hours for changes to show in your Google Calendar.
- Microsoft Outlook: Open Outlook, and go to your calendar. Right-click the Shared Calendars option and then select Add Calendar > From Internet. Paste your secret iCal address into the text box and then click “OK.”
- Apple Calendar: Open Apple Calendar. In the top left corner of your screen, click Calendar Preferences. Click the Accounts tab. On the left side of the Accounts tab, click Add . Select Google Continue. To add your Google account information, follow the steps on the screen. On the Accounts tab, use “Refresh Calendars” to choose how often you want Apple Calendar and Google Calendar to sync.