Realising the design potential of computers

Abstract

This Research Report aims to focus on the opportunities and issues presented by the computer to provide the architect/designer with a new medium of design. A medium that enables better understanding, visualisation and communication of the designers intentions than conventional design representations. The Report looks at the theory behind CAD, its historical development and approaches to design issues. The Report reviews some of the opportunities that are specific to the electronic environment and others that cause limitations to CAD. The Report then considers why CAD is largely not yet considered a design medium and the reasons for architects and designers reluctance to accept it as such. The idea is introduced that for CAD to be accepted by designers as a new design medium CAD must smooth the methodological transition between the traditional and the electronic design media. It is considered thai the conceptual sketch stage of traditional design and mainstream CADs inability to mimic this process is the cause of this barrier. The sketch process is then reviewed to establish why it is perceived as so important to the traditional process of design and why developments in this area are important to CAD acceptance.