Published Article

ABSTRACT

The study was to assess the computer applications in architecture. Architects throughout the ages have communicated via a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. Computer technology has provided architects with new efforts through its computational tools: computer-aided drafting, enumerating, modeling, and analysis, which are increasingly considered essential to architectural practices. A new generation of structures and concepts is being created that recognizes the computer not only as a drafting and rendering tool, but also as a potentially powerful tool in the generation of designs themselves; in other words, an intelligent drafting machine. The study concluded that the use of computers for automating the processes of design and manufacture has significantly brought about improvements in designers' productivity and products' quality. It saves a lot of time from having to do voluminous and complex architectural work. With computer applications, a new era of computational methods in architecture has emerged. New design processes and concepts such as generic algorithmic design, parametric design, and isomorphic surfaces have improved the visualization skills for new architectural forms and indeed changed the face of architecture in the contemporary world. There is a paradigm shift from the traditionally missing views and orthographic projections to accessible freeform visualization. More complex forms have been thought of and have been turned into buildings through computer technology. One of the recommendations made was that, with the increasing use of digital technology, one has to ensure that learning and teaching do not shift from the fundamental skill set required of an architect.