i go to rpi, one of the very first schools to go "gung ho" about technology. it was definately a factor in choosing which school i went to for architecture. the intensity that we use and rely on technology is both great and terrible. we don't really draw, we are not very focused on building models (my vice), and we push (depending on your professor but at the level they do this you get a choice) graduate level computing technologies (scripting, GC) onto students (this is both good and bad depending on how you see it, i did a scripting studio last semester and it was the most interesting semester of my school career)

basically, if you like technology and feel like its the aspect you want to pursue, then let it be a factor. if you feel like you want a traditional schooling that is not technologically heavy, then dont let it be a factor

that said, i feel great being able to show to firms as a 3rd year undergrad student that i know rhinoceros fluently as well as the main 3 adobe programs, and have it clearly show in my work.

hope this helped

Thanks, Alucidwake,

Initially, I did know HOW to factor in technology intensity; i.e. look for a technological concentrated program to follow those interests

BUT

What I did not know was how to formulate that factor, there is so much software out there and hardware (except hardware was less of a concern, I knew the hardware had to be able to handle the required software, thus, the hardware would be purchased by a sort of default… due to my lack of hardware prefab and building knowledge) that I figured the software required by the department might reflect its overall and technological objective, especially being as though each program requires a different set…

Rephrasing it might be to say, what software is “best”? Is there a “best” and how do they reflect on architectural ability and job readiness? Or is there just a primary one for each set of tasks… Aside from academia, does anyone have software they favor, and if not minded, why- does it relate to their line of work, personal interests, is it a thing of a hobby…?

…Anybody?

However Alucidwake,
I do thank you for suggesting Rensselaer and I will look further into it.
Know any more technology oriented/explorative schools?

…this would help, especially being as though I have read of a certain distaste for technology oriented programs, even in March programs on Archinect…

Mac's are awful so I would probably avoid that one.

Well they are fine or whatever but ridiculous. computing needs change and with mac you are stuck with what you have or the expense of taking it back to the apple store. Where my experience is bad customer service and too much expense.

On my PC I can upgrade and change whatever I want for the most part.

I think it'd be really foolish to factor in technology. Any school will have computers and 3D. You can also teach and use whatever you want.

Look at what you will be taught from the professors, not the technology.

If you do want technology, look at schools that have access to specialized fields. At UCLA there was the graphic/interactive/web facilities a few hundred yards away. Made taking additional classes a breeze (outside of architecture).



you can be a good designer with basswood. You can be a bad designer with dual quad processors. Learn the software to enable your career and creativity, but don't think that it is the end all to being a great architect or designer (which, imho, is far more important than knowing software).

the sooner you buy a computer the sooner it's obsolete. go with the second school, you'll have a better rig when you graduate.

this is undergrad, there fore it really doesn't matter. buy an atari or commodore and you'll still learn as much (maybe more).

Treekiller, when you look at it that way, it really does become an invisable factor...

Thanks

And while all schools integrate technology into the curriculum, I guess I was just wondering if there is more to this feature being as though some curricula seem to put more of an emphasis on it than others by way of courses and WHEN computers are to be purchased, and then there's the whole thing where some schools require one software and that others don't...
(Don't worry, I MIGHT've been foolish by getting ready to factor in technology/assume there is an influence but I'm not so foolish as to think technology creates a good architect!)
I guess I was ready to become more analytical than need be, not knowing anything about hard and software...


And I did think about attending schools with specialized fields but figure that might throw a wrench in the scheme of thought of a few… ‘perspectives’… Especially in the consideration of “in-state tuition” and other things…
I will keep it in mind though…
Maybe I have become over analytical….

Thanks for the insight, all!

Says a technical-no-nothing: IS there software used for the same tasks, creating a preference or true difference?!?


Please keep replying