Types of Architecture Design Tools
Architects in the modern world use sophisticated tools to create complex structures that are standing today. Whenever a new building is designed, the architects use new technology that involves surveying equipment and computer software. Many still use the old design tools as well. If you are considering becoming an architect, you should become familiar with the different design tools used in the field.
Types of Architecture Design Tools
Computer Software
Many architects use computer software to create designs, which are commonly known as CAD or computer-aided design. There are types of CAD programs on the market, such as SoftImage, Auto CAD and Rhino. The computer software programs allow the architects to be more creative and create complex designs. The architects use the software programs by putting in numbers which helps the program create blueprints.
Surveying Equipment
Most of the work done by architects is done with software programs but they still need to know land boundaries and their sizes. This why they still use surveying equipment such as total stations and compasses to take their measurements to include in the design software. The total stations are digital instruments used to slope distances.
Sketchpads
Some architects draw designs by hand on sketchpads or use a virtual sketchpad on the computer. There are also programs that can transfer those hand drawn designs into 3-D figure. Tracing paper is still used to protect the work that has been created by hand.
Pencils, Erasers and Markers
Sometimes architects need to put down ideas as soon as they come to mind. They still use gum erasers, mechanical pencils and markers to draw those ideas on paper. Some also use charcoal to sketch out designs on paper.
Drafting Table
Whether the architects to need to lay out a large blueprint or work on a hand sketch, they will use drafting tables. They are comfortable and have the proper lighting to view their work. The tables are sturdy, have a tilted work surface, storage area for tools and plenty of leg room.
Curved and Straight Edge
Architects use these to create curves and lines. It is still used frequently by many architects. The straight edge is made of metal and is more commonly used than the curved edge. The curved edge is used for making curves. They are used to create curves for area with furniture, walkways or areas that do not have perfect lines.