Computer Aided Design
Using a sophisticated program to draw and design concepts used to be reserved to professionals or educational centers but now anyone can access very powerful design software for free. These programs are real tools that engineers and architects are actually using today.
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 Autodesk Labs
Web tools that are too new to even be a product yet. Autodesk labs produces new software which focuses on computer assisted design that can be used from your browser. They want customers to try them for free and give them feedback. The Draw and the Dragonfly projects are excellent for designing architecture models. If you have some time, go through their technologies section and experiment with the dozens of different projects available for free. They allow you to save your drawings and export them as well.
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 Sketchup by Google
Excellent 3D drawing program by Google. The program is simple enouph for elementary students but powerful enough for professionals. Sketchup is conducted in three dimensions but made easy with their push and pull technique for sides and floors. They even allow you to "walk through" your drawing. You also have access to their warehouse of designs made by other members that you can include in your own. This is also great for "sight seeing". Their archives are now so vast you most likely can find a rendering of any famous building or monument that you are studying. Once you open the file, you can take a virtual walk around and through the building or site. If you make a great drawing, you may upload it to their warehouse for others to enjoy. I would also recommend watching some of the youtube videos of great sketchup artists at work. |
