Chapter 6 Computer-Aided Design and Drafting in Architecture

2 Links for Chapter 6 CADD Advantages CADD Workstation Computer Networks Ergonomics Symbols & Layers

3 CADD Terminology Understand CADD terminology in five areas: –Proper term –Abbreviations –Definition –Industry specifications –How it is utilized Study the terms given in the beginning of Chapter 6

4 Designing The computer aids in the design process, but creativity remains with the designer Spend time planning before using the computer Repetitive tasks are handled more effectively

5 Design Coordination Virtual software is used to give the appearance of reality –Changes made in all views simultaneously –Walk through shows the building through a camera –Fly through shows the building like a helicopter

6 Design Coordination Work can be shared through a local network or over the Internet Communication is key to design coordination Files can be easily updated and managed from remote locations

7 Productivity Drafter’s productivity is increased with CADD Redundant tasks are done quickly Time needed for creativity is increased Work is more accurate, faster, and better Layers are used to several designs can be seen together

8 Workstation Components Computer - A personal computer (PC) is the primary tool Monitor - Displays the image on a screen –Typical resolution is 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 –Flat panels take less electricity and space Keyboard - Used to input information –A 104 ergonomic keyboard is most common

9 Workstation Components Mouse - Used to move the cursor and crosshairs to desired location –Typically has two or three buttons Trackball - The ball is moved with fingers and is easier to use

10 Workstation Components Stylus - Looks like a pen but transfers information to the computer by writing, moving, or picking on an electronic tablet Digitizer - An electronically sensitized drafting board used to input data and perform graphic tasks more rapidly and easily

11 Workstation Components Plotter - Uses liquid ink or felt or roller-tip pens to reproduce drawing from computer to paper –Paper is rolled through plotter or lays flat Printer - Reproduces drawing using an impact or nonimpact printer –Impact - Dot-matrix –Nonimpact - Laser, thermal, or ink-jet

12 CADD Workstation Storage devices are used to store files –Floppy disks - 3 1/2” disk stores 1.44 MB –Hard drive - Usually non-removable and holds a gigabyte (GB) or more –Optical disk - Called compact disk (CD) and can hold up to 4 GB –High-capacity disk - Holds up to 10 GB and are removable

13 Computer Networks

14 Computer Networks A network is a communication or connection that allows computers to interface with each other, printers, storage devices, or other equipment. –Local Area Network (LAN) - Network within an office or building –Wide Area Network (WAN) - Connects computer in remote locations

15 Computer Networks With a network –Files can be shared – can be sent –Accurate logs can be kept –Laptops can be used to access network at a distant location –Drawings can be outsourced more easily

16 Ergonomics

17 Ergonomics Ergonomics is the study of a worker’s relationship to physical and psychological environments –This improves a worker’s overall productivity and well-being

18 Safety with Computers Position keyboard to reduce elbow and wrist tension Move the monitor so there is no glare Chair should be comfortable and padded Keep your back straight and feet flat on floor Take a break and exercise to reduce overall stress

19 Safety with Computers Injuries that may result from poor ergonomics –Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) - Injury that results from continuous motion –Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) - Inflamed muscles trap nerves that run through the wrist –Eye strain

20 CADD Symbols

21 CADD Symbols Common symbols include walls, fixtures, stairs, roofs, plot plan symbols, and structural grids Be sure symbols are based on the American Institute of Architects (AIA) format Unique CADD symbols can be created by using the BLOCKS or WBLOCKS command

22 CADD Layers Layers are used to separate independent information on a drawing –May be turned on or off for viewing purposes –Short layer names contain 3 to 8 characters –Long layer names contain 9 to 16 characters Divide layers among unique features such as guidelines, floor plans, and dimensions

23 CADD Layers