Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Computing In Architectural Design

The Vitruvian Ideal of Renaissance architecture was based on relating architectural constructs to the human scale. Renaissance architects devised various measuring instruments to achieve those properties. This constant desire to create standards for streamlining the design and build process has led to a demand for computer aided design. The first rudimentary programs of the 1960s and 1970s were often lacking and unnecessary as large computers and other expensive apparatus were required for their operation. The Apple II and IBM Personal computers allowed architects to draft designs while using programs to detect potential problems and code violations.

Current architects have learned that a computer requires an operator and that the computer is simply a tool for designing. The advances of the World Wide Web have allowed architects and designers to collaborate on projects without face-to-face interaction. Computer aided design will continue to advance 'till the day it is no longer needed and life as we know it exists in cyberspace.

No comments: