IAR 212 - Computing in Architectural Design Response

Computers today are used expansively in the design field. We use CAD programs to create most plans for a structure. Hand drafting in the professional world has become nearly obsolete because CAD programs are more efficient. The program helps you to catch mistakes or flaws in the design. Also, by having your plans on the computer you are able to make changes in the design much more quickly. This is an important aspect of the program because many times you or the client will want to make changes and this gives you a more efficient way of doing that. We then use 3D programs to create models of the structure, which we are able to render in the program. Even when people create hand rendering, they are almost always scanned into a computer so you can present your design in a Power Point presentation. Power Point gives designers a cleaner and clearer way of presenting their work. Some designers need to present in front of a large audience and hand made presentation boards may be difficult for everyone to read. With computer presentations you are able to project your presentation to a scale that is more appropriate to your audience.
Computers have also helped designers in more expansive ways than simply creating the drawing and presentations. The internet gives designers access to information on past designs, materials, history, and any other information they may need to help with their design. This amount of information has never been this accessible before, which gives designers today an advantage over the designers of the past.
I feel the role of computers will become more prominent as technology and software advance. There will come a point when every part of design will be done electronically. The preliminary ideas, ‘sketches’ will all be done in some computer program. However, for this to happen there has to be advancements in programs where the program itself is less rigid. Right now you can’t easily ‘sketch’ your ideas on the computer. The programs require too many specific measurements and variable that you have to answer to. However, if a program were made that was less rigid and more free form, people would be able to work solely on the computer. This would reduce the use of paper and be more environmentally friendly, which is what people are working towards now.