Chapter 3 Communicating Design Ideas
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The most advanced CAD systems create a virtual reality. Virtual
reality is an artificial environment provided by a computer that creates
sights and sounds in three-dimensional form. It is possible to do a virtual
“walk-through” of a building to give the viewer a feeling of actually being
in various rooms of the building. The viewer controls the path through
the building and can look all around each room, up at the ceiling, down
at the floor, or even out the windows. Virtual reality allows architects and
engineers to spot errors before a building or device is built.
These advanced design systems have many advantages over drawing
by hand. The computer works at high speed. The designer does not have
to spend hours producing perfect line work and lettering. The CAD
system makes them perfect the first time and every time, and it relieves
the designer of repetitive tasks.
Some of the newer CAD programs integrate all aspects of designing,
making, and supplying materials for a project. For example, an architect
designing a building can find out, at any point, the cost of materials. The
materials list can be sent directly to the building contractors, along with
drawings and contract documents. Features like these leave more time
for creative work. They also help all of the people working on the project
communicate more effectively.
Other CAD programs link directly with computer-aided manufacturing
software (CAD/CAM). Many types of CAD/CAM systems have been
developed. In general, CAD/CAM systems allow computer-controlled
machines to build parts from the information in CAD files.
gure 3-36. Computer-aided design can be used to develop complex drawings, such as these drawings of
high-rise buildings..