Effects of the Use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) on Architecture: A Quantitative Approach (original) (raw)

Over the last few years, literature has vehemently advocated the negative effects of the use of CAD in architectural practice and education. It was discussed to have a retrogressive effect on the mental efficacy of contemporary students in institutions and largely, architects in practice. Meanwhile, the older methodology of drafting was position in a better light, against the status quo of the use of Computer - Aided Design (CAD) in design process. Therefore, this research is a moralist polemics voice against such blanket assertions. It purports to examine the validity of the objectives of existing literature before positing a curative remedial. In that vein, the aim of this study is objectively on binary stances; primarily, to quantitatively compare and contrast the benefits and limitations of the use of Computer - Aided Design (CAD) and traditional methods in architectural practice and education. Secondarily, it aims to vehemently aggrandize, if the use of Computer - Aided Design (CAD) should be encouraged in continuity or should be ended on the accounts of the synopsis of identified CAD users. Hence, to attain the full phenomena of this vast aim, an array of interdependent schemata was developed to organise the boundaries of the scope. The typology of methodology peddled is the quantitative stereotype. Secondary data for theoretical framework was collected from the professionals’ perspective - via journals, books and data bases. The scope of this study looks into the perspectives of twenty students and lecturers within the Department of Architecture - Cyprus International University that use Computer - Aided Design (CAD) for their day to day architectural drafting and presentations. The accounts of the interview of twenty (20) Computer-Aided Design (CAD) users in the Department are being used as the yardstick for the progressive summation. This was achieved by evaluation of respondents’ CAD works as well as intensive interviews with individuals in context. This study posits that the successful analysis of this vast purpose will fill the void which exists in the contemporary literature. Furthermore, it postulates that more innovations should be encouraged to produce more enhanced architectural designs. The identified benefits and limitations of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) on users will be a kernel for the furtherance of similar academic research in the future.