2. • INTRODUCTION
• WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?
• WHY NEED ARCHITECTURAL SOFTWARES?
• ARCHITECTURAL SOFTWARES
• DISADVANTAGES OF USING SOFTWARES
3.
4. WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?
4
⬩ Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing,
and constructing buildings or other structures. Architectural works, in the
material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and
as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their
surviving architectural achievements.
5. WHY NEED ARCHITECTURAL SOFTWARES?
5
⬩ Digital design software is crucial in the modern architecture sector. Clients
expect to see more than concept drawings, blueprints, and physical
models. They want to see virtual representations that offer more detail.
With 3D modeling, we can design interiors and populate our buildings.
With some, we can even adjust lighting effects and account for how
external forces will affect a building. Beyond this, design software
automates common processes. This allows us to save time. We can get
designs to clients quicker and enjoy a more efficient workflow.
7. AUTO-CAD
7
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD)
and drafting software application. Developed and marketed
by Autodesk AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app
running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. It is available in
14 languages. Since 2010, AutoCAD was released as a mobile and web app as
well, marketed as AutoCAD 360. AutoCAD is used in industry, by architects,
project managers, engineers, graphic designers, city planners and other
professionals. It was supported by 750 training centers worldwide in 1994.
Architects and Drafters use AutoCAD to design blueprints for building,
bridges, and roads. It gives the designer a tool to draw things to scale.
Website: autodesk.com/autocad
8. ARCHI-CAD
8
ARCHICAD is an architectural BIM CAD software
for Macintosh and Windows developed by the Hungarian
company Graphisoft. ARCHICAD offers computer aided solutions for
handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the
whole design process of the built environment — buildings, interiors,
urban areas, etc. Development of ARCHICAD started in 1982 for the
original Apple Macintosh. Following its launch in 1987. ARCHICAD has
been recognized as the first CAD product on a personal computer able to
create both 2D and 3D geometry, as well as the first commercial BIM
product for personal computers and considered "revolutionary" for the
ability to store large amounts of information within the 3D model. It is
used by architects, engineers, graphic designers, city planners, etc.
Website: https://graphisoft.com/solutions/products/archicad
9. SKETCH UP
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SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing
applications such as architectural, interior design, landscape
architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. It is
available as a web-based application, SketchUp Free, a freeware version, SketchUp
Make, and a paid version with additional functionality, SketchUp Pro. SketchUp is
owned by Trimble Inc. (developed by Google Developers Trimble Inc. in August
2000) a mapping surveying and navigation equipment company. There is an online
library of free model assemblies, 3D Warehouse, to which users may contribute
models. The program includes drawing layout functionality, allows surface rendering
in variable "styles. It is available in more than 10 languages.
Website: www.sketchup.com/
10. V-RAY
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V-Ray is a biased computer-generated imagery rendering software
application developed by Bulgarian Chaos Group, that was
established in Sofia in 1997. V-Ray is a commercial plug-in for
third-party 3D computer graphics software applications ( like 3DS
Max, sketchup, Rhino etc ) and is used for visualizations and
computer graphics in industries such as media, entertainment, film
and video game production, industrial design, product
design and architecture. The company chief architects are Peter
Mitev and Vladimir Koylazov.
Website: www.chaosgroup.com
11. RHINO 3D
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Rhinoceros (typically abbreviated Rhino, or Rhino3D) is a commercial 3D
computer graphics and computer-aided design (CAD) application software
developed by Robert McNeel & Associates, an American, privately
held, employee-owned company founded in 1980. Rhinoceros geometry is based
on the NURBS mathematical model, which focuses on producing mathematically
precise representation of curves and freeform surfaces in computer graphics (as
opposed to polygon mesh-based applications). Rhinoceros is used in processes of
computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), rapid
prototyping, 3D printing and reverse engineering in industries
including architecture, industrial design (e.g. automotive design, watercraft
design), product design (e.g. jewelry design) as well as
for multimedia and graphic design. Rhinoceros is developed for the Microsoft
Windows operating system and OS X.
Website: rhino3d.com
12. REVIT ARCHITECTURE
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Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling software for architects,
landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and
plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers and contractors. The original
software was developed by Charles River Software, founded in 1997,
renamed Revit Technology Corporation in 2000, and acquired
by Autodesk in 2002. The software allows users to design a building and
structure and its components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting
elements, and access building information from the building model's
database. Revit is 4D building information modeling capable with tools to
plan and track various stages in the building's lifecycle, from concept to
construction and later maintenance and/or demolition.
Website: www.autodesk.com/products/revit/overview
13. 3DS MAX
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Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, is a
professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D
animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced
by Autodesk Media and Entertainment, in April 1996. It has modeling
capabilities and a flexible plugin architecture and must be used on
the Microsoft Windows platform. It is frequently used by video game
developers, many TV commercial studios, and architectural
visualization studios. It is also used for movie effects and movie pre-
visualization. For its modeling and animation tools, the latest version of 3ds
Max also features shaders (such as ambient occlusion and subsurface
scattering), dynamic simulation, particle systems, radiosity, normal
map creation and rendering, global illumination, a customizable user
interface, new icons, and its own scripting language.
Website: www.autodesk.com/products/3ds-max/overview
14. LUMION
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Lumion is 3D rendering software made especially for architects
and designers. Lumion was made in 1998, by two Dutch
programmers. Lumion conveys the beauty of our design by
unveiling it in its full, detail-rich context, complete with shadows,
lighting, rich and animated entourage, and all the other benefits of
a Lumion environment.
Whether our project involves residential buildings, interiors,
landscapes, or urban spaces, we can render a beautiful result faster
than ever before. And the best part is that, we can learn how to
create beautiful renders with Lumion in less than 15 minutes. No
formal training required.
Website: https://lumion.com/
15. PHOTOSHOP
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Adobe Photoshop is a raster graphics editor developed and published by Adobe
Inc. for Windows and macOS. It was originally created in 1988
by Thomas and John Knoll. Photoshop can edit and compose raster images in
multiple layers and supports masks, alpha compositing and several color
models including RGB, CMYK, CIELAB, spot color, and duotone. Photoshop uses
its own PSD and PSB file formats to support these features. In addition to raster
graphics, Photoshop has limited abilities to edit or render text and vector
graphics (especially through clipping path for the latter), as well as 3D
graphics and video. Its feature set can be expanded by plug-ins; programs
developed and distributed independently of Photoshop that run inside it and offer
new or enhanced features.
Website: www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html
16. IN DESIGN
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Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing and typesetting
software application produced by Adobe Systems, on 31st August 1999. It
can be used to create works such as posters, flyers, brochures, magazines,
newspapers, presentations, books and ebooks. InDesign can also publish
content suitable for tablet devices in conjunction with Adobe Digital
Publishing Suite. Graphic designers and production artists are the principal
users, creating and laying out periodical publications, posters, rendering
architectural models and print media. It also supports export
to EPUB and SWF formats to create e-books and digital publications,
including digital magazines, and content suitable for consumption on tablet
computers.
Website: adobe.com/products/indesign/
17. ILLUSTRATOR
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Adobe Illustrator is a . vector graphics editor and design
program developed and marketed by Adobe Inc Originally
designed for the Apple Macintosh, development of Adobe
Illustrator began in 1985. Along with Creative Cloud,
Illustrator CC was released on March 19, 1987. The latest
version, Illustrator CC 2020, was released on October 24,
2019 and is the 24th generation in the product line.. Adobe
Illustrator is used to create a variety of digital and printed
images, including cartoons, charts, diagrams, graphs, logos,
illustrations, and architectural renderings.
Website: www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html
18. MAYA
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Autodesk Maya, commonly shortened to just Maya is
a 3D computer graphics application that runs
on Windows, macOS and Linux, originally developed
by Alias Systems Corporation in
February 1998 (formerly Alias |Wavefront) and
currently owned and developed by Autodesk. It is used
to create assets for interactive 3D applications
(including video games), animated films, TV series,
architectural renderings and visual effects.
Website: autodesk.com/maya
19. GRASSHOPPER
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Grasshopper is a visual programming language and environment that
runs within the Rhinoceros 3D computer-aided design
(CAD) application. The program was created by David Rutten at Robert
McNeel h& Associates, in 2007. Programs are created by dragging
components onto a canvas. The outputs to these components are then
connected to the inputs of subsequent components. Grasshopper is
primarily used to build generative algorithms, such as for generative
art. Many of Grasshopper's components create 3D geometry. Advanced
uses of Grasshopper include parametric modeling for structural
engineering, parametric modeling for architecture and fabrication,
lighting performance analysis for eco-friendly architecture and building
energy consumption
Website: grasshopper3d.com
20. DYNAMO
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Dynamo Studio is a visual programming environment that enables
designers to explore parametric conceptual designs and automate tasks.
Dynamo was initially developed under the direction of Jay Wright
Forrester in the late 1950s, by Dr. Phyllis Fox, Alexander L. Pugh III,
Grace Duren, and others at the M.I.T. Computation Cente . It is
a visual programming tool that works with Revit. Dynamo extends the
power of Revit by providing access to the Revit API (Application
Programming Interface) in a more accessible manner. Rather than
typing code, with Dynamo we create programs by manipulating
graphic elements called “nodes”. It’s an approach to programming
better suited for visually oriented types, like architects, designers,
and engineers.
Website: https://dynamobim.org/
21. FUSION 360
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Fusion 360 is a CAD tool by industry giant Autodesk, a company
that needs no introduction. From the creators of industry-standard
tools like AutoCAD and Inventor comes a new class of modeling
software aimed at hobbyists: Fusion 360, developed by Luis
Cordova in 2013. Fusion 360 is an excellent tool for the precise
modeling of 2D and 3D objects, but we can do much more with it,
such as animate your designs, render objects, simulate loads, and
even prepare models for CNC machining. Highly used in
architecture, graphic designing, product designing, mechanical
engineering, etc.
Website: https://www.autodesk.in/products/fusion-360/overview
22. CEDREO
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Cedreo is a 3D home design software for home builders. It
allows us to create conceptual designs in just 2 hours
including 2D and 3D floor plans and interior and exterior
realistic 3D renderings. Cedreo was founded in 2005 and
was originally dedicated to general 3D guided selling
solutions. Tech people, salespeople, marketing people and
creative people based in Atlanta (GA), Nantes (France) and
Munich (Germany) make up the Cedreo team.
Website: https://cedreo.com/
23. ALL PLAN
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Allplan Architecture is the ultimate BIM solution for Architects enabling
unlimited creativity combined with efficient project documentation.
Produce detailed designs together with unparalleled drawing quality. It
helps to create comprehensive 3D modeling and attribute
tools, professional drawings and visualizations and precise materials take
off for accurate costing. In 1981, this became Nemetschek
Programmsystem GmbH, which launched the first version of our CAD
solution, Allplan, on the market in 1984. Nemetschek Allplan GmbH was
founded in 2008, and was then renamed as ALLPLAN GmbH in 2015.
Website: https://www.allplan.com/
24. CHIEF ARCHITECT
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Chief Architect Software is a developer of 3D architectural home design software
for builders, interior designers, architects, and DIY home enthusiasts. Chief
Architect uses BIM tools to create a 3D model of the structure and automatically
generates all of the building systems of the home. For the professional architectural
and building market, it publishes the Chief Architect product line.
Chief Architect Software is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States.
Chief Architect was first released in 1992 as 3D computer graphics software product
that ran on an early version of Microsoft Windows Version 3.1. Chief Architect
Software has been reported to be easy to use (in comparison to other 3D CAD
packages) for 3D home design, and thus provides a valuable tool in the hands of
builders, contractors and homeowners who have traditionally lacked the skills to run
complex CAD software.
Website: chiefarchitect.com
25. VECTORWORKS ARCHITECT
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The Vectorworks Architect software package is an
Architectural Building information modeling program. It
supports the creation and modification of 2D and 3D files.
It is a versatile, on-premise application that provides
extensive 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM and rendering
capabilities for our architectural and landscape design needs.
Developed in1985, Vectorworks first began under another
name—Graphsoft—and was founded by Richard Diehl in
1985. Working on the new Mac, their first program was
named MiniCAD.
Website: https://www.vectorworks.net/architect
26. MICRO STATION
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MicroStation is a CAD software platform for two and three
dimensional design and drafting, developed and sold
by Bentley Systems, in 1980s and used in the architectural
and engineering industries. It generates 2D/3D vector
graphics objects and elements and includes building
information modeling (BIM) features. The current version is
MicroStation CONNECT Edition.
Website: http://www.bentley.com/.../MicroStation
27. BRICSCAD
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BricsCAD is a software application for computer-aided design (CAD), developed
by Bricsys nv. The company was founded in 2002 by Erik de Keyser. BricsCAD
Classic is used for 2D CAD drafting, native DWG reading/writing, and a
full LISP API for customization and automation of repetitive tasks. BricsCAD Pro
is used to contains all the functionality of BricsCAD Classic, plus 3D modeling, 2D
and 3D hardware libraries, rendering, materials library, mechanical assembly
viewing and an AutoCAD ObjectARX-compatible development system that
supports hundreds of third-party application programs. BricsCAD
Platinum contains the features and functions of BricsCAD Pro, plus 3D constraint
creation, surface entity creation and lofting, TIN surfaces, deformable modeling,
automatic healing of imported solid geometry, automatic design intent recognition,
and basic assembly creation & editing. BricsCAD BIM that contains all the
functionality of BricsCAD Platinum, plus Building Information Modeling.
Website: www.bricsys.com
28. CATIA
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CATIA software (an acronym of computer-aided three-dimensional interactive
application) is a multi-platform software suite for computer-aided
design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided
engineering (CAE), PLM and 3D, developed by the French company Dassault
Systèmes, 1982. Like most of its competition it facilitates collaborative engineering
through an integrated cloud service and have support to be used across disciplines
including surfacing & shape design, electrical, fluid and electronic systems
design, mechanical engineering, systems engineering and architecture.
Besides being used in a wide range of industries from aerospace and defence to
packaging design, CATIA has been used by architect Frank Gehry to design some of his
signum curvilinear buildings and his company Gehry Technologies was developing
their Digital Project software based on CATIA.
Website: www.3ds.com/products-services/catia/
29. COREL CAD
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CorelCAD delivers affordable visual communication software on
Windows and macOS. We can experience a simplified computer-aided
design workflow using professional, time-saving 2D and 3D tools.
Classroom collaboration and file sharing is easy with full native. DWG
file format support.
CorelCAD is a CAD solution ideal for technical design works that
require detailed elements, such as in architecture, product designing,
etc. It was developed in 1985 the Corel company. The computer-aided
design software can be used for 3D drawing, design, and printing, as
well as for 2D drafting. It is equipped with 2D drafting and 3D design
tools that aimed at achieving precision.
Website: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/product/corelcad-education-
edition/
30. SOLID WORKS
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SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD)
and computer-aided engineering (CAE) computer program that
runs primarily on Microsoft Windows. While it is possible to run
SolidWorks on MacOS, it is not supported by
SolidWorks. SolidWorks is published by Dassault Systèmes, in
November 1995. SOLIDWORKS is used to develop mechatronics
systems from beginning to end. At the initial stage, the software
is used for planning, visual ideation, modeling, feasibility
assessment, prototyping, and project management. The software is
then used for design and building of mechanical, architectural,
electrical, and software elements.
Website: www.solidworks.com
31. CADMATE
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CADMATE is a robust and scalable CAD application with a gentle learning
curve. It is built with productivity and efficiency in mind, CADMATE has a
gentle learning curve brought about by tools already familiar with CAD users.
As such, we can master the software speedily. CADMATE Software
was established in 2016 as a startup company in India. Even though the product
design and development, started many years back the product matured itself in
2015. The Software is a CAD Design & Estimation Software developed
by CADMATE SOFTWARE LLP., a Company registered in India
(“Developer”). Architecture, engineering and construction professionals rely
on CADMATE software to create precise 2D and 3D drawings.
Website: https://cadmate.org/
32. BLUE BEAM REVU
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Bluebeam, Inc. is an American software company founded
in 2002 and headquartered in Pasadena, California, United
States, with additional offices in Chicago, Illinois; San
Diego, California; and Manchester, New Hampshire. The
company specializes in designing tools for creating, editing,
marking up, collaborating and
sharing PDF documents. Their main product is Bluebeam
Revu. Bluebeam Revu is a software application that allows
users to markup, takeoff, organize, and collaborate with
PDF files like never before.
Website: bluebeam.com
33. PROGE CAD PROFFESSIONAL
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progeCAD Professional is a 2D/3D DWG-native CAD for
general-purpose drafting. The program offers very high
compatibility with AutoCAD®, yet progeCAD is way much more
than just an alternative to the market leader. It was developed in
January 1985, with it’s headquarters at
Chiasso, Switzerland, and owned by a private company
progeSOFT. It works with AutoCAD® DWG files from
AutoCAD® 2.5 through AutoCAD® 2020 and imports Autodesk
Revit® and IFC files. Either in 3D or 2D view, progeCAD
Architecture provides us with intelligent and parametric object
libraries to design your buildings, exteriors and interiors: walls,
windows, doors, stairs, balconies, roofs, etc.
Website: https://www.progesoft.com/
34. NANO CAD PLUS
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nanoCAD Plus is a serious CAD program. It's fast, reliable,
and is designed for productivity. It runs on our computer
(not on the internet), so we are in control of our data. It's
compatible with all major CAD programs, using Teigha®—
the standard for DWG. All tools for drafting and designing
are very sharp and easy to use. Mechanical and
architectural designs are very easy to make
using nanoCAD. Nanosoft is a community of CAD
professionals. The team consists of people who have been
working in the CAD software industry for years. Many of
them have been in the CAD business since the late 1980s.
Website: https://www.nanocad.com/
35. SPACE DESIGNER 3D
35
Space Designer 3D is an online application which
lets users draw their floor plans in 2D, and walk
through interior spaces in 3D. Create different
rooms for the house, add windows, doors and
others. The application is developed by Asynth, a
company founded in 2009. It is used by architects,
interior designers, graphic designers, etc.
Website: https://www.spacedesigner3d.com/
36. CONCEPT DRAW DIAGRAM
36
ConceptDraw DIAGRAM (previously known as ConceptDraw
PRO) is proprietary diagramming software used to create business
graphics, including: diagrams, flowcharts, Infographics, data
visualization for business process models, data
presentation and project management documentation. It can also be
used for creating professional and technical diagrams, such
as: UML diagrams, DFD, ERD, computer
networks topology, engineering schemes, floor plans, and other
technical graphic formats. The program was developed by CS Odessa
in 1999. It is used by architects, planners, interior designers, etc.
Website: www.conceptdraw.com/products/drawing-tool/
37. CORONA RENDERER
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Corona Renderer is a modern high-performance (un)biased photorealistic
renderer, available for Autodesk 3ds Max, MAXON Cinema 4D, and as
a standalone application. The development of Corona Renderer started back in
2009 as a solo student project of Ondřej Karlík at Czech Technical University in
Prague. Corona has since evolved to a full-time commercial project, after Ondřej
established a company together with the former CG artist Adam Hotový,
and Jaroslav Křivánek, associate professor and researcher at Charles University
in Prague. In August 2017, the company became part of Chaos Group, allowing
for further expansion and growth. Despite its young age, Corona Renderer has
become a production-ready renderer capable of creating high–quality results. It is
highly used by the architects, designers, planners, engineers, etc.
Website: https://corona-renderer.com/
39. First and foremost, using architecture software can be tricky sometimes as one
might lose data in case of virus attacks.
If the computer breaks or crashes, one might face a problem using architecture
software.
Also, data can be stolen in case the system is hacked.
In addition to these, there is specific architectural software that is indeed hard to
learn. Also, some software is costly, and it is not easy to maintain them.
It disconnects the person from the traditional pen-paper system.
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