Computing in Architectural Design: Summary

The development of architectural design on the computer has changed the way designers have worked throughout the years.

CAD systems have advanced in steps consisting of three generations. The first generation CAD systems in the 1970s consisted of two main routes. The Geometric Modeling route was primarily for automotive and aerospace industries led by companies like General Motors. They needed computer systems to aid them with drawing complex curves and operations to test designs. The Building Specific route was more for the needs of the construction industry. Universities such as Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Michigan led research on this type. The goal was to develop computing devices that could respond to the needs of the users without an architect.

The second generation of CAD system had a primary need for drafting and modeling applications. A big step was the introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984 which made it more accessible to people. Large scale computers were really only able to be accessed by researchers. This is when early CAD systems were developed such as MacDraft, MiniCAD, and others that were easy to use. Soon after, more professional software was developed such as AutoDesk. Advancements of processors, display screens, printers, and high-end workstations, all led towards the ability for architects to communicate their designs with drafting and photo realistic renderings.

The third generation of CAD systems happened in the late 1980s-1990s. Advancements in the electronics industry allowed for more intelligent CAD programs. Objects could be made instead of just shapes and software could assist in the design instead of just communicate. Systems recognized walls, doors, windows, and rooms, and could manipulate their geometry and attributes. Later in the 1990s, Carnegie Mellon University produced a system that assisted with preliminary processes of designing like programming, layout design and schematic configuration design.

The author discusses roles that technology can play in the architectural design process. First is design tools. Drafting and modeling has been made easier by the use of electronic tools instead of the traditional pencil and paper. The software cannot use these tools alone so the design is still needed to instruct the computer to use the tools. Means of communication has been changed so that individual computers can connect to larger networks and other computers so that information can be shared quickly and efficiently. Computers can act as design assistants to do more simple tasks so the design can focus on tasks more complex. The computer can also help by answering questions and finding design solutions. Design environments; these computer programs make it so designers have to go to the computer to work on the design. Next is Habitable physical environments. Computers have brought intelligence even to every day life. They are able to control systems such as lighting and security systems. Computers are placed in cars to control fuel injection, temperature and air bags. Lastly, Virtual environments, like Cyberspace, make a place on the internet that is nonphysical, making it possible to view reality differently.

Overall, the design profession would be so incredibly different without all of these advances in technology. Computers and CAD programs make it possible for designers to make their designs realistic in the virtual world before beginning construction.