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Analog To Digital Drawing Systems

Digital systems have largely replaced analog/manual methods for generating architectural drawings and designs. Key digital tools include CAD programs like AutoCAD for 2D drawings, 3D modeling in SketchUp, and BIM for integrated project management. These allow complex geometries, 3D printing, computational design, performance analysis, and virtual/augmented reality visualization.

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50 views11 pages

Analog To Digital Drawing Systems

Digital systems have largely replaced analog/manual methods for generating architectural drawings and designs. Key digital tools include CAD programs like AutoCAD for 2D drawings, 3D modeling in SketchUp, and BIM for integrated project management. These allow complex geometries, 3D printing, computational design, performance analysis, and virtual/augmented reality visualization.

Uploaded by

Danish
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Analog System of Generating Architectural Drawings

Before the advent of AutoCAD and other drafting softwares, the engineering drawings were made on
sheet of papers using drawing boards. Many equipments were required to complete a given drawing
such as drawing board, different grade pencils, Erasers T-squares, Set square etc.

(Source: Archinet.com)
Source: Pencil Points Journal
1923-PP-Vol.4 No.09-The Making of Working
Drawings V

Figure 10. Competition Design for Library.


Ackerman & Ross, Architects.

Figure 11. Measured Drawing of the Loggia dei


Lanzi, Florence, by H. L. Duhring.

Source: Pencil Points Journal


1927-PP-Vol.8 No.07-MASTER
DRAFTSMEN, XXI- Rayne
Adams
Digital Systems of Generating Drawings

2D, 3D drafting: AutoCAD


AutoCAD stands for Computer Aided Design. This software is used for designing and drafting.
Before CAD, architects would make use of the traditional pen-and-paper method to draw their design
plans. This was, however, a time-consuming and inaccurate process, and made it extremely difficult to
portray buildings in their full three dimensions. That’s not to say that pen-and-paper is obsolete. Many
architects still prefer to create initial designs on paper before transferring them to CAD.

Architects use their 2D plans to create 3D designs. They can then visualize and simulate their entire
project using real-world parameters, without needing to build any physical structures or models.

Example of a floor plan in AutoCAD

(Source: Scan2cad.com)
3D-Modelling: SketchUp
It is a popular, versatile 3D modeling program that’s used around the world by students, hobbyists and
professionals in a wide range of industries and sectors. SketchUp (formerly Google SketchUp) is a 3D
modeling CAD software used by both professionals and amateurs alike. SketchUp allows the creation of
a large number of 3D models, and is also suitable for large architectural projects (e.g., landscape design).
Easier to learn, the tool is a good pick for interior design thanks to the impressive 3D visualization tools. 

Example of building model in SketchUp.

Screenshot of a
building model in
SketchUp.

(Source: designeverest.com, sketchup.com, sculpteo.com )


Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Typically, pure CAD can only offer so much in the ways of cost and risk management. So architects turn
to BIM for answers.

Building Information Management (BIM) provides many advanced capabilities beyond CAD. BIM
supports cost management, construction management and project management. It also allows
architects to track and plan various stages from design to construction with its 4D capabilities.
Essentially, it’s all about providing users with the functional and informational aspects of architecture.
For example, an architect can design a house, and then use BIM to list all of the components involved, so
a builder can then produce it.

Screenshot of Scheduling System in Revit.

(Source: Scan2cad.com)
Advanced Architectural Design through Digital Systems

Complex Geometries
Advanced systems and tools of architectural design enable designers to create and visualize complex
geometries with relative ease.

Few examples of geometries and surfaces that


can be created through digital means.
(softwares unspecified)

(Image Source: BOOK-1994-Visualizing with CAD-An


Exploration of Geometric & Architectural Forms-
Springer)
3D Printing
3D printing enable architects to create physical models by bring them out of virtual computer
environments into the real physical world where they can be touched by hand. Physical models being
more intuitive to human eye provide better perception of the design. Such models can be created at
various stages of design development to study various aspects of the design such as conceptual forms,
massing, structural design, textures, topography, prototyping, prefabrication to name a few.

Conceptual form study:


From concept to 3D virtual model to 3D physical model.

(Image Source: BOOK-2006-Digital


Architecture and Construction-WIT Press)

3D Printing Topography:
From concept to 3D virtual model to 3D physical model.

Terrain in software environment


3D Printed Topography
(Image Source: instructables.com)

Pre-Fabrication:
Creating components of construction through 3D printing.

Researchers at ETH Zurich have


constructed a unique lightweight
concrete ceiling by mixing
computational design, 3D
printing, and prefabrication.

(Image Source: mashable.com)

3D Printed House:
Constructing houses and small buildings through 3D printing.

Concrete houses will be


constructed using a 3D printer in
Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

(Image Source: cnn.com)


Computational Design
Computational design is an excellent means of dealing with complexity, whether that complexity is
caused by the interaction of the factors we have control over or the uncertainty surrounding the factors
we don’t. Traditionally this approach has been applied mainly to niche projects whose obvious visual
complexity demanded it – buildings with highly sculptural forms, intricate facades and so on that would
be next to impossible to design through any other means.

Computational Generated Forms:


Generating complex forms through computation.

A visualization of exterior form of


Hangzhou Tennis Center.
(Image Source: issuu.com)

Performance Analysis:
Computing structural, environmental and other aspects of building models

Environmental Analysis of solar


radiation gain study. Project by
rat[LAB] Studio.
(Image Source: MGS Architecture)
Robotics
The use of robots, combined with digital design tools, means a new aesthetic becomes possible, with
novel shapes and patterns that would be nearly impossible to achieve without the automated machines:
industrial manipulators that are extremely precise and good at repetition.

Robots being used to create objects that require precision which later can be transported to site.
(Source: spectrum.ieee.org)

Drones to create a patterned structure of small bricks


(Image Source: dezeen.com)
Virtual Reality
Along with its cousins, augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), virtual reality allows designers to
push the boundaries of visualization, giving colleagues and clients new ways to experience and
understand a building or space long before it is actually built. With VR, architects can transmit not just
what a building will look like, but also what it will feel like.

Computer-generated illustration of conceiving designs through Virtual Reality


(Image Source: redshift.autodesk.com)

VR Gear:
Oculus Rift

Autodesk LIVE is one among many programs that can transform Revit models into VR experiences.

Experiencing 3D model in Virtual Reality.

(Image Source: Youtube via Kalloc Tech)

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