Computing in Architectural Design

Computing in design has always been an integral part of the design process, in many different ways. From the first architects that would use the computers to help with complex calculations of large numbers, to entering building modules of a building into the computer with a light pen, to the computer aided design that we think of today.

Computing in design today has come a long way in technology and usefulness from its predecessors in the early days of computer-aided design. Known as second-generation CAD systems, the computer-aided design of today is lead by the introduction of the personal computer, the mouse, and display technology that had not previously existed. This technology was now available to a more wide range of architects. The advent of faster and more capable processors allowed the architects to complete more complex modeling systems than before, and these modeling systems were available to more people, not just high-end workstations. Also the introduction of ink jet printers went hand in hand with the increased technology of computer-aided design. Now not only were architects able to see their work on screen, but able to print out their design on a wide range of surfaces. This helped to communicate their design to clients. This is still very useful today.

Computer-aided design in general helps to make the execution of a certain task more efficient and more precise. The computer does not know when the designer makes a mistake and similarly cannot put out its own thoughts on the design. This leads to what computer-aided design could be in the future, a system that is not simply used as a tool but rather as a viable design assistant, much like a junior architect to a senior architect. If a task is not interesting enough to require the full attention of the designer then that designer could turn the task over to the computer. This ability to delegate tasks to a machine could prove beneficial in time management and also accuracy of the task at hand. This ability of computers to go beyond the designs in patience, design ability, speed and memory, may allow for better and more simple design solutions.

Although the computer is a giant help in the world of design, there are still drawbacks to its use. The fact that the computer is its own separate world away from the world that we design for can cause use to be disjointed in our designs. Also the fact that with the increased technology and the computer doing more and more on its own, we come to the road block of the computer not knowing the full needs of a client. By this the computer may know the programmable needs, but since it is a machine, not the emotional needs of a space and that spaces relation to a human.

Computers aid in design everyday and will continue to aid in the design process as long as human brainpower is inferior to that of computer processors.