By Ryan Solomon on January 10th, 2023 The use of multiple screens or multiple monitors dates back to at least the 1980s, when computer users started connecting extra monitors to their computers using specialized hardware. These early multi-monitor setups were primarily used by computer professionals such as graphic designers and traders.
The use of multiple screens became more widespread in the 1990s and 2000s, as computer hardware improved and the cost of additional monitors decreased.
Today, multiple monitor setups are common in many workplaces and even homes.
Some architects might only use one, while others might employ more than one to get a wider desk space for efficient purposes.
There is no set number of screens that all architects use.
The number may vary depending on particular needs and preferences, and probably on the size and complexity of projects. An architect can create models of large or very complicated projects and display different views or documents on multiple monitors.
This can be overkill for those projects that are either smaller or even simpler, where the services of a single monitor will do.
Benefits of additional monitors
Using additional monitors can provide a number of benefits, including:
Increased productivity: Adding more monitors to your desktop workspace will enable you to show more views or programs simultaneously, enhancing your efficiency and productivity by always having access and being able to refer to several sources of information without necessarily having to change between windows.
Improved multitasking: The use of several monitors will allow you to multitask a little easier since you can have documents or programs you are working on open on each monitor. This will easily help you work more efficiently and reduce both the actual time and effort spent.
Enhanced visualization: Additional monitors can support extended view and full immersion. This could be helpful in certain tasks, for example, design or video editing.
Greater comfort: Several monitors reduce eye and neck strains since the distance and angles are improvised to the comfort of the user. This can easily enhance your comfort and potentially reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
In general, the number of screens to use for an architect is really up to personal preference and can change depending on one's specific needs and goals.
Check out our personal recommendations for architects and engineers using Revit in this short video.
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I run dual 34" curved displays at 3440X1440 resolution each side. Lots of real estate but the only problem is certain apps don't work really well in half a screen and are over-exercised if you full screen (i.e. outlook or autocad/revit). This would be my key decision for selecting a monitor size. I have started using Desktops feature in Windows 10 and 11 to arrange my various work situations (programming, cad, investing) into separate desktops and then using my mouse to quick flip between them and this works really well. This is almost better than having multiple displays. Would consider 49" single display but need to see how multi app arrangement would work and that resulting windows are of proper…