FBE students engage with an evolving array of digital resources spanning hardware and software that enable a range of industry relevant learning. With an ongoing strategy to integrate digital technologies with not only the various learning activities, but also the building fabric itself, we see a proliferation of student laptops, presentation screens and various input and output devices around an evolving set of specialised spaces.
The Faculty continues to provide a suite of specific IT resources aimed at complimenting both whole-UNSW services and to integrate with students’ personal equipment. The Faculty’s five main computing laboratories provide 80 workstation class machines for both the teaching of formal classes and general usage by FBE students 24 hours a day. These machines are equipped with a wide range of the latest software, including some 70+ GB of applications for: 3D modelling, rendering, Building Information Modelling, GIS, Graphics, Video, Multimedia, CAD, real-time visualisation, analysis, management, office applications and more.
Further computer lab resources are provided in the squarehouse lab, the postgrad coursework rooms and the research student areas. These facilities are all supported by a range of scanners, small and large format colour printing/copying and laminating devices. The IT loan equipment extends this capability with a suite of equipment from mobile LCD presentation screens, projectors, laptops, digital still and video cameras to Cintiq graphics tablets.
All students have access to the University’s free wireless internet service throughout the Faculty’s spaces which are increasingly provisioned with convenient power and furnishings to facilitate laptop use. Along with the lab systems, students have access to secure online storage, software licenses, course material and the wider internet for use across the wide range of courses offered through the Built Environment disciplines.

The Faculty’s course delivery is becoming more and more digital and students with good personal laptops will be better equipped to engage with this new paradigm in education. The Faculty strongly suggests that all FBE students have their own laptop that is capable of running the diverse suite of applications required to undertake the courses offered. This laptop will be a critical tool for students to work effectively in classes, studios, work-spaces, home and for group-work and presentations. Students will need to maintain this system in terms of its hardware, software, configuration and upgrades throughout their degree. Note that for software compatibility we assume all users will be running either Windows XP or Vista (we recommend Windows via boot camp for Mac users).
The FBE IT unit (BECU) can provide information on UNSW specials available to students for both hardware and software purchases. There are also some software packages licensed for student use on personal equipment and even student loans for those in need.

A Message from the Dean | Faculty Information and Assistance | Summary of Programs | Faculty Regulations | Electives and General Education | Computing Information (including Student Ownership of Computers) |