Most students and architects identify term CAD with AutoCAD software packages and limit themselves to a small part of a very broad term.
On the other side, the boundaries of CAD are expanding with every passing day and field of use gets into recently unthinkable areas.
Elys John is formerly CAD tutor at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff. He is now Senior Lecturer in Interior Architecture at the Cardiff School of Creative & Cultural Industries. He has written a number of papers on CAD. In September, we expect his book CAD Fundamentals for Architecture to be published by Laurence King. On this occasion, we talk with Elys about his new book, free cad software, BIM and the future of CAD.
AS: Can you tell us about yourself? Please introduce yourself.
EJ: I studied Interior Architecture in 1994, when I took a keen interest in the evolution of Computing in Architecture. I started exploring CAD with form·Z and then went on to learn programs such as AutoCAD R13. I became a CAD Tutor at The Interior Architecture course at which I studied and taught the subject for over 10 years.
Later in my career I furthered my study by engaging in a MA Fine Art Course, where I used digital imagining to produce art work (more info on www.elysjohn.com).
From 2006 -2010 I wrote papers on the potential of digital ornament in architecture and presented the papers at ACADIA – The Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture, USA and CAADRIA – The association for Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia.
I am currently Award Leader for BA Interior Design at the University of South Wales, a Senior Lecturer in Interior Architecture. I continue to teach Computing on the course.
Why CAD? It is possibly the only subject that it’s impossible to know it all and I love that ideal. Students are wonderful learners but they also hold a wonderful level of knowledge and it is the sharing process that makes the subject so exciting. There is not a week or year that goes by that I don’t gain new knowledge in the subject or further methods of CAD efficiency.
AS: For whom is book CAD Fundamentals for Architecture intended? What distinguishes this book from other books dealing with CAD?
EJ: The book is intended for students and professionals in Architecture and Interior Architecture/Design.
The book does not intend to cover in-depth all the software but focuses on the core tools to get you up and running sooner rather than later, it’s the focus on primary tools rather than every tool in the interface; that distinguishes it from other titles. The different programs are linked by tool association/similarity between the various software types and that sets the books ethos.
You can create any form 3D or 2d using a basic tool set, you can create the same outcome from a multitude of software types. So overall it’s not how you do it, it’s not what you do it on, it’s really the outcome and process that matters.
The relationship of programs is explored, as the resource is software provider independent it highlights the good points of the different programs and explains how you may link different programs to create the final outcome.
AS: Which topics does it cover? Which software is included?
EJ: PART 1: 2D drawing – AutoCAD / SketchUp / Vectorworks
We discuss the basic tool set such as draw and modify, the user interface of each program, export options, the difference between presentation and drawings for 3D use, PDF plotting.
PART 2: MODELLING (software: AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Maya, form·Z, SketchUp, Vectorworks)
3D interfaces, XYZ, Simple creation techniques, Modification, Methods of construction, Copy/Array.
PART 3: RENDERING Rendering basics (software: AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Maya, form·Z, SketchUp, Vectorworks)
We look at the process of rendering from camera set up to final output with a focus on GI and realistic texturing.
PART 4: PRESENTATION
This part focuses on the use of Photoshop to develop a still render or create an Architectural layout sheet.
PART 5: OVERVIEW AND RESOURCE
Troubleshooting tips, a list of common troubles experienced by a new user, we have all been there until 3 am in the morning, this area hope to help!
BIM: Building Information, a discussion on the future and the Building Information Model.
AS: Some free cad software (such as nanoCAD and DraftSight) has become very good alternative to commercial CAD solutions. According to you, what are advantages and disadvantages of using that free cad alternatives?
EJ: I can’t say that I have used them but I think it’s similar to the open office initiatives and if they have good DWG support and provide robust core tools then it’s got to be a good thing. We use SketchUp in the book and highlight what is possible with the free version, so the ethos behind such free resources is exactly where the focus of the book is.
The only issue you can have with ‘alternative’ software is that compatibility can be an issue. Despite software developers’ best intentions DWG translators can be unpredictable and you normally find out at the very point when compatibility is urgently needed!
For me personally I am quite obsessed with pushing the bounds of automated replication, I focus on this in my artwork so the research and development that goes into programs such as 3DS max and MAYA provides potentials and opportunities, this interest is not dissimilar to architectures interest in Parametric design; you will not get these kind of features in free CAD, not yet, maybe in the future.
While the list of programs in the book does not list all the programs out there I would hope that the information and the core skill set could easily be translated through commonality into such free program types. The tasks and exercises in the book are designed in such manner to be universally applicable and reinforce core CAD commands.
AS: Do you think that BIM software will replace CAD as CAD replaced drafting tables? Does software like Revit can be singly used for all tasks described in book
EJ: BIM extract from book:
BIM is often used as an architectural buzz word. There are many supporters of the concept who suggest that BIM could eventually replace many of the mainstream programs used in architectural CAD and production. On the down side, through the process of total automation it is possible that judgements may become based purely on cost and BIM buildings could become bland, functional objects. However, equally there is a positive outlook, and many believe that BIM offers the chance for a truly integrated and cost-efficient process of design and construction. If the BIM model does come of age, it’s important to note that there will still be plenty of demand for the ability to sketch and draw by hand and digitally.
The core tool set in Revit applies equally to drawing and modeling; the process is discussed in the book hopefully to demystify Revit as a 3D modeler. Yes, you can use Revit as an integrated BIM solution but it can equally be used to produce plans, sections, visualizations.
Ironically, I think there is a lot of common ground between early programs such as form·Z and Revit, as they both embrace the idea of 3D modeling as the core concept. The building information model has been around for many years but the complexity of it has developed into efficiencies and that will ultimately lead to its future success and development.
AS: How do you see future development of CAD? What has you excited about the future advancements in CAD technology?
EJ: I don’t think there will be any going back and future development will make the whole process easier for all to use the programs; SketchUp is a key example of how easy it can be. I think the limitations of SketchUp will be ironed out and programs like SketchUp will continue the development of more complex operations allowing all (not just specialists) to create CAD complexity.
When we think of CAD it’s in an Architectural arena but it’s equally important to Animation and Graphic communication; that crossover means that there will always be demand for CAD as well as BIM. I am super excited about the fabrication possibilities, 3D printers and CNC are starting to influence design, but as time goes on I think we will see the practice go mainstream. I myself cannot wait to get hold of one of those budget 3D printers!
All that said, our course has started to strike a balance and pull back from pure CAD usage in the development of design projects (we have that luxury being in education). We encourage analogue as a development process, sketching, modeling, drawing with pencils. I believe that CAD has its position in the design process and it’s important to know that, it won’t design for you. That said CAD is very important to architecture and has transformed efficient practice; do you remember updating drawing by hand with a scalpel and ink pen?
The future of CAD is about creativity and I think we are at the beginnings of CAD being used creatively; it tends to be used purely as a production tool, or in the case of BIM used as a cost efficiency plan. I hope with parametric and BIM that actually rather than playing safe there is some real expression architecturally to express creativity in computing. If we are able to simulate real life situations, to cost them and develop a structural solution, then we should be pushing the limits as far as they are able to go.
