16 April 2009
Smart Thinking
Smart Geometry 2009 | Smart Geometry 2009 Interviews
CAD Software is accepted as fundamental to Architectural practice but that doesn't mean that the profession has really embraced computers into the design process.
Most use of computers by architects is less computer aided design and more computer aided drafting. BIM represents a step up from 2D CAD however it remains a system for using a 3D model environment to create an efficient information system and doesn't really utilise the power of the computer to assist in the design process itself. Other industries such as car design, aerospace and shipbuilding have used parametric design software to help with component design for decades. However using these techniques in architecture remains relatively uncommon.
Bentleys Generative Components software and Rhino's Grasshopper are now mature products that bring an appropriate level of parametric design possibilities in reach of the architecture profession. Autodesk is likely not to be too far behind bringing out their own software tools too.
Architects do not need to fret that that the computer is inappropriate for resolving the multifaceted problem that creating a work of architecture represents. The supreme design tool remains the human brain. However computers love maths and geometry and it makes sense to use their computational power to dynamically generate the options on these criteria whilst the architect can concentrate on the fundamental attributes of envisoning architectural experience.
With architects increasingly finding that they have less work and more time in their schedule perhaps this is the opportunity to acquire a new skill. For those unfortunate enough to be currently unemployed it could be smart thinking to enrole on Bentleys Be Employable scheme. It allows design professionals free 12 month access to the full suite of design software to develop their personal computer skills outside a commercial environment.
http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Community/Academic/Be+Employable/
Related document:
Smart Geometry 2009
Smart Geometry 2009 Interviews
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