Efficiency The application of computer dramatically improves design efficiency. Apart from the above arguments, it improves efficiency through many other ways.
The strength of computer technology brought this change to the modern office. There are certainly many benefits of using computers in the architectural design process. The most obvious advantage of computer is the high efficiency. They are less subject to feelings compare to human workers. They do not get tired, or bored, or distracted by personal affairs. And they are comparatively low cost. They can store a vast amount of information and can draw connections between them, or perform search in mere seconds. Moreover, computers communicates in a very humanfriendly manner. It presents data in graphic, audio, diagram, or text forms. Therefore it is a great media for designers to express their thoughts. 3D modelling, in particular, makes communication more efficient and allows various structures to be built.
According to Kalay Y.E, during the Renaissance era, architects were trained in painting, drafting and crafting in order to produce scaled drawing and scaled models. Drawings of different elevations were required to visualize the overall design. In contrast, when designing in CAD system, drawing and modelling can be combined into one procedure. The model is design in a 3-dimensional way, and elevations can be simply taken from the model. A considerable amount of time is saved. It also increases the efficiency of bringing out new design solutions. Parametric design , in particular, improves this efficiency. By simply adjust the parameters, thousands of different forms can be made. It also increases the efficiency of bringing out new design solutions. Parametric design , in particular, improves this efficiency. By simply adjust the parameters, thousands of different forms can be made.
Communication Communication: One of the most important aspact in the architectural design process is communication Computer aided modelling allows complex forms to be translated into data. Take the Klein bottle for example. In a contemporary point of view it is just nothing more than a bottle. Or even less than a bottle as it is not even functional. However, without the help of a computer, how can we build something in this geometry to a human size? In the age of the Classical, the Renaissance, and even the Baroque, which was known for its fluidity, the fundamental architectural geometries were square, rectangles, circles and ovals. Not just for aesthetics needs, but also for construction purposes. These fundamental shapes are far easier to define compare to curves and irregular shapes.
In 2008, the Klein Bottle House(MCBRIDE CHARLES RYAN Architecture + Interior Design) were built in Melbourne. It can be imagined that the skeleton inside the envelope is very irregular. There are so many angles and lengths to be calculated, and so many panels to be manufactured in great precision. Without the superior analytical skill of a computer, how can the construction be rationalized? This ablity helps designer to understand their own work, and communicate with the others.