Computer Facilities The Dean and faculty believe that computers are essential to the study of architecture now and the practice of architecture in the future. As powerful tools that can augment the skills of drawing and model building, computers allow for additional design exploration.

There are several computer labs in the School of Architecture. The Clipper Lab in Watt 7 contains Macintosh and Windows computers that are connected to the USC Internet network. These computers can be used for general purpose computing and computer aided design.

The Building Science Lab uses Windows-based computers for research in structures, energy, daylighting and environmental controls. There is also a computer controlled shake table for seismic research.

The School has extended the University's network into the design studios, thereby providing Internet and e-mail access as well as many computer aided design programs. The studios are also supported with output devices in all studio spaces. With the addition of card-key access, the studios have become creative, multi-sensorial environments that are accessible twenty-four hours a day. The School also supports a large-format output center where students can make color or black and white prints of their design proposals.

Beyond the School of Architecture facilities, there are several hundred computers loaded with  computer aided design software in several labs on campus. These labs are available 24 hours a day.