Chapter 6

Computer-Aided Design and Drafting in Architecture

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Links for Chapter 6

CADD Advantages

CADD Workstation

Computer Networks

Ergonomics

Symbols & Layers

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Computer Networks

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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

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Computer Networks• With a network

– Files can be shared

– E-mail 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

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Ergonomics

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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

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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

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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

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CADD Symbols

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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

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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

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CADD Layers