The Role of Computer Applications in Design and

Creativity.

ABSTRACT:
The main purpose of documenting this topic is to spread the knowledge about
computer application in architecture. There should be a collaborative relationship in
between architecture institutions and computer applications. Computer applications
also using for construction field. So here I am going to investigate the role of
computer applications in architecture (Design process, creativity etc.)

AIM:
To measure the importance of computer application in field of design for
students/architects/designers and its effect on creativity based on Kerala scenario.

OBJECTIVES:

1 . To study about the various soft wares that are being presently used in the
design process and a review of their main features.
2 . To understand the approach of architects and students towards the use of
computer applications in architecture field.
3 . Advantages and disadvantages of using computer applications for creativity
and design.
4 . To conduct Surveys and Live interviews with famous architects and
architecture students in Kerala.
SCOPE:
To find how usable are computer applications for architecture students, teachers and
architects.

LIMITATION:
1 . This study is limited to only few students and architects.
2 . Difficult to do live interviews with whole architects.

METHODOLOGY:

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Types of Software .

Autodesk Revit

Autodesk Revit is building information modeling software for architects, landscape

architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, designers and contractors. The
original software was developed by Charles River Software, founded in 1997,
renamed Revit Technology Corporation in 2000, and acquired by Autodesk in 2002.
The software allows users to design a building and structure and its components in
3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting elements, and access building information
from the building model's database. Revit is 4D BIM capable with tools to plan and
track various stages in the building's lifecycle, from concept to construction and later
maintenance and/or demolition.

Revit can be used as a very powerful collaboration tool between different disciplines
in the building design sphere. The different disciplines that use Revit approach the
program from unique perspectives. Each of these perspectives is focused on
completing that discipline's task. Companies that adopt the software first examine the
existing work flow process to determine if such an elaborate collaboration tool is
required.

SketchUp
SketchUp, formerly Google Sketchup, is a 3D modeling computer program for a
wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, landscape
architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. It is
available as a web-based application, SketchUp Free, a freeware version, SketchUp
Make, and a paid version with additional functionality, SketchUp Pro.
Pro
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SketchUp Pro includes the functionality of SketchUp Make plus importers and
exporters to common 2D and 3D formats, access to LayOut (2D documentation
software) and Style Builder (create custom edge styles for SketchUp
models).SketchUp Pro 2016 has native integration with Trimble Connect, treat 3D
Warehouse models as references, a totally rebuilt Generate Report and now LayOut
offers web-friendly reference objects as well as a new LayOut API.

SketchUp Pro licensing is cross-platform and works on both Windows and Mac
machines.

Shop

SketchUp Shop is a version of SketchUp specifically for DIY designers, makers, and
woodworkers. It has a feature set designed to meet their needs (e.g. interface with 3D
printers, CNC routers and other shop machines). A major difference between Shop
and Pro is that SketchUp Shop is a web application that you run in a browser while
connected to the Internet whereas SketchUp Pro is a downloadable application that
you can use offline.

Free

In November 2017, SketchUp Free was released as a web-based application which

replaces SketchUp Make. Drawings can be saved to cloud, saved locally as native
SKP file or exported as a STL file. Compared to Make, SketchUp Free does not
support extensions and creation and editing of materials.

Make
Sketchup Make (formerly SketchUp for Home and Personal Use), introduced in May
2013, is a free-of-charge version for home, personal and educational use. It begins
with a 30-day trial of SketchUp Pro. After that time, users can agree to the Terms of
Service and continue to use SketchUp Make for free. There will be no further releases
of Make after November 2017, users are expected to migrate to SketchUp Free,
though the installer remains available for download.

ArchiCAD
ARCHICAD is an architectural BIM CAD software for Macintosh and Windows
developed by the Hungarian company Graphisoft. ARCHICAD offers computer aided
solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the
whole design process of the built environment — buildings, interiors, urban areas, 3
etc.
Development of ARCHICAD started in 1982 for the original Apple Macintosh.
Following its launch in 1987, with Graphisoft's "Virtual Building" concept,
ARCHICAD became regarded by some as the first implementation of
BIM.ARCHICAD has been recognized as the first CAD product on a personal
computer able to create both 2D and 3D geometry, as well as the first commercial
BIM product for personal computers and considered "revolutionary" for the ability to
store large amounts of information within the 3D model. Today, it has over 120,000
users.

Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Maya, commonly shortened to Maya is a 3D computer graphics
application that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, originally developed by Alias
Systems Corporation (formerly Alias|Wavefront) and currently owned and developed
by Autodesk, Inc. It is used to create interactive 3D applications, including video
games, animated film, TV series, or visual effects.

Maya is an application used to generate 3D assets for use in film, television, game
development and architecture. The software was initially released for the IRIX
operating system. However, this support was discontinued in August 2006 after the
release of version 6.5. Maya was available in both "Complete" and "Unlimited"
editions until August 2008, when it was turned into a single suite.

Users define a virtual workspace (scene) to implement and edit media of a particular
project. Scenes can be saved in a variety of formats, the default being .mb (Maya D).
Maya exposes a node graph architecture. Scene elements are node-based, each node
having its own attributes and customization. As a result, the visual representation of a
scene is based entirely on a network of interconnecting nodes, depending on each
other's information. For the convenience of viewing these networks, there is a
dependency and a directed acyclic graph.

Users who are students, teachers (or veterans or unemployed in USA markets) can
download a full educational version from the Autodesk Education community. The
versions available at the community are only licensed for non commercial use (once
activated with the product license) and some products create watermarks on output
renders. The software comes with a full 36 month license. Once it expires, users can
log into the community to request a new 36 months license and download the latest
Autodesk product. 4

AutoCAD Architecture
AutoCAD Architecture (abbreviated as ACAD) is a version of Autodesk's flagship
product, AutoCAD, with tools and functions specially suited to architectural work.

Architectural objects have a relationship to one another and interact with each other
intelligently. For example, a window has a relationship to the wall that contains it. If
you move or delete the wall, the window reacts accordingly. Objects can be
represented in both 2D and 3D.

In addition, intelligent architectural objects maintain dynamic links with construction

documents and specifications, resulting in more accurate project deliverables. When
someone deletes or modifies a door, for example, the door schedule can be
automatically updated. Spaces and areas update automatically when certain elements
are changed, calculations such as square footage are always up to date.

AutoCAD Architecture uses the DWG file format but an object enabler is needed to
access, display, and manipulate object data in applications different from AutoCAD
Architecture.

AutoCAD Architecture was formerly known as AutoCAD Architectural Desktop

(often abbreviated ADT) but Autodesk changed its name for the 2008 edition. The
change was made to better match the names of Autodesk's other discipline-specific
packages, such as AutoCAD Electrical and AutoCAD Mechanical.

Autodesk 3ds Max

Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, is a professional 3D
computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It
is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. It has modeling
capabilities and a flexible plugin architecture and can be used on the Microsoft
Windows platform. It is frequently used by video game developers, many TV
commercial studios and architectural visualization studios. It is also used for movie
effects and movie pre-visualization. For its modeling and animation tools, the latest
version of 3ds Max also features shaders (such as ambient occlusion and subsurface
scattering), dynamic simulation, particle systems, radiosity, normal map creation and
rendering, global illumination, a customizable user interface, new icons, and its own
scripting language.

Vectorworks Architects 5
It’s architectural design and rendering without restrictions. For one thing,
VectorWorks Architect has a highly adaptable Parasolid 3D modeling engine that
allows you to draw any geometric shape you want or tackle any complex architectural
3D design imaginable. You can bend, push, deform, pull or do just about anything to
your model and from any view or angle as its instinctual interface automatically
derives and interprets working plains as you move your cursor.

Also, its Building Information Model BIM actually works for you. This means that
you can create or introduce BIM without having to change your or your team’s
approved design process. It not only increases efficiency and productivity, it also
streamlines cost.

Aside from having powerful and flexible BIM capabilities, the Vectorworks has
intelligent tools that allows for great documentation and efficient and fluid
workflows. You can jump from one task to the next and can even collaborate with
other professionals without compromising the quality of the output as it provides a
robust and flexible digital environment that allows you to import or export materials
and images at will. With Vectorworks, you’re most certainly at the forefront of
collaborative digital practices in the industry.

Chief Architect
It is the foremost developer and publisher of 3D Architectural home design programs
for architects, designers, builders and even Do-it-yourself (DIY) home design
enthusiasts. It has a lot of product lines but the two most popular are Chief Architect
software for the pros, and Home Designer® for the beginners and DIY home design
market. Both product lines are compatible so professionals and novice designers can
share ideas and collaborate with each other with relative ease.

Chief Architect has got everything you need for residential and light commercial
design. As you start to draw your design and incorporate intelligent architectural
objects like windows and doors, the program automatically creates a 3D model of
what you just created and produces a Materials List on a real-time basis. Through the 6
help of its powerful building tools, it simultaneously creates Section Details, Framing
Plans, Site Plans, Construction Documents and Elevations.
And since Home Designer barrows a lot of technology from Chief Architect, it’s got
all the perks of a professional grade architectural home designing software minus the
steep learning curve. It’s fun, easy and functional that’s why it’s one of the most
preferred 3D software for DIY outdoor living projects, interior design and home
design.

Lumion 3D

Lumion 3d is not a modeling program. Its main function is making architectural

rendering. You will have to create your 3D model using other software like Revit,
ArchiCAD or Sketchup and import it to Lumion. What makes it special however is
that it only takes a few minutes to set up and render and you can view it anywhere
because it works on desktop computers, tablets and phones.

Using the Lumion software package, you can breathe life to your 3D model by
populating it with people, vegetation, trees and weather among other things. Once
you’re done with the enhancements, you click a button to enter MyLumion.com
mode. Using this mode, you can pick and choose the viewpoints that you want to
define to make your architectural rendering stand out. And once you’re done, you
simply hit the render button and Lumion will do the rest by combining the images
into 360 panoramas.

The link to the finished product will then be sent back to you via your email. You can
forward the link to your colleagues and friends to share the experience. It’s
architectural rendering with a touch of social media so it’s worth a try.

So there you have it, the latest advancements in Architectural Rendering Software.
There might be some programs out there that I haven’t mentioned but that is because
technological advancements in recent years especially in architectural design and
rendering are happening at such a rapid pace that it’s very hard to keep tabs on all of
them. For this reason, finding an architectural rendering software that best works for
you might be overwhelming at first as there are plenty in the market
offering/promising amazing services.
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What’s important is that you do a little bit of research and find out the exact things
that you want and need from a rendering product or software. Each one offers
powerful tools that make designing and 3d rendering process that much easier,
efficient and realistic. It’s just a matter of choosing the software that enhances your
designing strengths and instincts. And in the cutthroat and brave new world of
architectural design, finding a program that can make your design vision come to life
via a compelling and practical 3D rendering can mean the difference between getting
that dream project and landing on the garbage heap of uninspired ideas.

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1. Which was the first software that you used?
………………………………………………………………………………
2. What are the soft wares have you familiar with?
………………………………………………………………………………
3. Which 3D software(s) do you use now?
………………………………………………………………………………
a) Do you use it in the schematic design stage?
………………………………………………………………………….
b) If yes, how useful has it been for you in developing your models?
………………………………………………………………………….
4. Average time spent on developing your design using Computer Aided Design
soft wares.
….………………………………………………………. (Hours per week.)
5. Has your software enabled you in saving time and money during the Design
evolution stage?
……………………………………………………………………………...
6. How has your software helped you in improving your Architect Client
relationship?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
7. Has it helped your client in understanding your design model in your
schematic design stage?
……………………………………………………………………………..
8. When do you think is the right time for student architects to start using 3d soft
wares in their design evolution process?
……………………………………………………………………………..
9. Do you think these soft wares have an adverse effect on the students design
skills?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
10. Your views on the future of Computer-Aided Design in the initial schematic
design process.
……………………………………………………………………………….

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 Submitted by:
NAVEEN
CHETTIYODAN
S7 B BATCH
BARCH,
TKMCE.

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