Computing in Architectural Design

All throughout history, there has been a need for geometry in architecture. Not only was it needed as a way to determine proportions and sizes, but also as a way to communicate this information to builders. As the importance of geometry grew, it became a requirement for a career in architecture. The first tools that were used were only the compass and a straightedge. Perspectives were then brought in to play as things became more centered on the human. Geometry was also used to figure out structures. As computers came into play, they were first co-mingled with the manual design process and were mainly used for crunching numbers. It wasn’t until 1964 that computers being used to aid in architectural design got any real notice. It was mainly in academic circles that this idea of computer aided design gained interest. In the 1970s, there were two types of computer aided design; geometric modeling and building specific CAD. The use of computer aided design was first really used in the development of public buildings and those that were larger in size. As personal computers were introduced along with other things, made the use of the CAD system not only more affordable but it also created a demand for the software. The early versions of CAD for Mackintosh were great for personal computers but really weren’t of high quality for professional drafting. The increase in the use of computers as well as the growth in the quality of computers allowed computer aided design software to become more and more useful. Electronics have become more and more a part of our world and they have come up with their own software that is also able to help with design.
With each new development in computer aided design there is more and more improvement in all that it is capable of doing. While computers can do many things to aid the design process the most obvious role that they have are as tools; to make the abilities of a design more accurate, efficient and more effortless. Computers can also act as a measuring device, even for things that are not even real yet. Computers are also important for communication. They allow all members of the design field to easily share information. Computers have had a radical effect on the design process as a whole. In fact, they have had the most influential impact on design as a whole.