3D Suite

What do we offer?

The 3D Suite in room 305c, third floor, Chatham, provides a digital modelling and visualisation resource for all students. Low-level video editing, image viewing and printing is also available. A3 colour laser printing is available and charged through the GPAS System.

Storage of students' work

We do not store students' work. You are responsible for your work and you must save your files to your own media. At the end of your session your work is automatically removed from the machine. We suggest you buy CDs, DVDs, Zip discs or a mini USB drive. If you intend to produce large files we advise you to buy a portable FireWire drive which you can also plug into machines in other areas of the Faculty.

How may we help?

The Technical Staff will assist students in the following ways: After completion of an induction course, students can expect technical support with printing and with software and hardware related problems;

It is not the responsibility of the Technicians to teach the students how to use software. Academic Staff, or nominated Teaching Staff, will be responsible for initial induction to software; Once a student has completed formal software training Technical Staff will help with software usage.

Supported Software

Technical Staff will endeavour to provide technical support in the following applications:

• VectorWorks
• Strata
• SketchUp
• AutoDesk Viz

All other applications are provided on an unsupported basis.

What do we expect from you?

• Attend an induction course prior to becoming users of the Suite; Complete introduction to software courses organised by your Course Leaders;
• Observe the University’s code of practice for computer use;
• Take responsibility for building up your knowledge of the software programmes after initial induction;
• Accept the principle of unsupported software and pursue your own sources of information in respect of applications not supported by the Staff;
• Adhere to the booking procedures and time limits for computer usage to allow all eligible students an opportunity to use the facilities;
• Respect the opening times.
• Refrain from eating and drinking and using mobile phones.

Reporting faults

Please report any crashes, faults, jams or other issues immediately to the Technical Staff to assist them in effecting speedy repairs.

Restriction on loaning out equipment

The 3D Suite is a Faculty based resource and as such the machines and equipment must remain in the Suite.

Restriction of Access

At certain times, induction courses will be run in the Suite and access will be restricted whilst classes are in progress. At these times students, other than those attending the class, will be excluded. These classes will have been pre-booked and a door notice will be posted showing the time that open access resumes.

Health and Safety

The Faculty endeavours to provide a comfortable and safe working environment for all students within the teaching and learning centres. Students are reminded to take a ten-minute break every 60 uninterrupted minutes of computer work. Short, frequent breaks are more beneficial than occasional longer ones. It is your responsibility to adjust your seating position before you start work. Please see the poster in the Suite or onlineto assist you on the correct seating position.