Proposal

Narrative

Historically, the Lower Division School of Architecture (SOA) program, located in the T6 building on the Boca campus, focused on manual methods of representation, such as hand-drawing. The discipline of architecture has changed to embrace software applications earlier in an Architect’s academic career. This requires FAU’s architecture program to adapt to ensure its students are competitive in the job market or when seeking advanced degrees. At the most recent Academic Program Review, the team noted the program’s deficiencies regarding digital media: “… the Lower Division teaches exclusively hand modeling and drawing, and the Upper Division shifts markedly to digital ways of making. With the ever-increasing emphasis on digital practice, the exclusive focus of foundation studies on analog or manual tools is somewhat outdated in architectural education and presents a challenge to students who must learn software on their own.” (APR Review team, 2021) The SOA will develop robust computing capacity for the T6 studios to support curriculum needs. The SOA is already integrating software applications with software trainings, alongside expectations that manually produced work be digitized for further editing. This is being accomplished with four old computers that were re-purposed when CDSI renovated the SO building, which are no longer sufficient. The SOA is conducting a Faculty Search for an Instructor whose primary assignment will be Lower Division and will provide instruction in introductory digital media. The lower division program serves over 100 students per year, each needing regular access to a computer lab. The T6 building’s location is well away from central campus, so it is imperative that the T6 building house a computer lab to support these students in their academic pursuits. This computer lab, with new software instruction, will augment the ability for students to be competitive in the upper division program, and when they enter the job market.

Facilities

The T6 building was recently renovated, so minimal infrastructure changes are necessary. Relocation of ethernet and power outlets are required to place the computer lab equipment in the necessary locations. A Minor Project Request Form (MPRF) has been created for the work.

Hardware Requirements

This proposal requires 12 computer workstations comprised of Dell Precision 3650 Towers, Dell Stereo Soundbar - AC511M, Dell UltraSharp 24" Monitors. So students can digitize manually produced media, one 18” x 24” WideTEK flatbed scanner is required.

Software Requirements

The School of Architecture's curricular changes to the lower division will require the following software offerings to the lower division: • Rhino from MecSoft • SketchUp Pro • Adobe Creative Cloud • Lumion • AutoCAD • Revit

Personnel Costs

The school of Architecture will hire one part time architecture student employee to support OIT in managing the computer lab.

Other Costs

None. Furniture for the workstations will be provided through existing furniture in the space.

Timeline

March 2022 – approval of project April 2022 - Procure all equipment May 2022 - Install workstations, setup software, promote new computer lab to Lower-Level Architecture students and general FAU Boca campus. August 2022 - Workstations should be fully operational and ready for instructional use beginning Fall 2022.

Sustainability

The computer workstations are being designed and quoted to meet industry standards for the next 3 to 5 years.

Resource Matching

The School of Architecture will be combining resources to assist OIT in supporting the new computer lab through student employment.

Implementing Organization

This project will be implemented by the College of Arts and Letters OIT with support from the School of Architecture's staff.