CompuServe Messages

Hmm… you seem to feel that I was saying that almost no architects use computers (not jusst 3D computer animation) as an active part in the design process. I didn't mean to say quite that. I agree that many architects use CAD, but few use its 3D capabilities, and even fewer use 3D CG imaging as a substantial force INTEGREATED with the design process. More often, it's an OCCASIONAL visualization tool at various stages in the design, and much more often it'ss used for presentation to clients and other communcation. Now THAT is getting more common than ever – the use of computer to present. However, I wonder just what percentage of firms nationwide use this on a regular basis. Certainly, MANY do, but even more do not, at least regularly and in-house. I just wanted to clarify that I was saying "not many" in my ealier message, not "almost never" The only thing I referred to as "almost never" (but it's still done), is the work of architecture as it exists in the computer being the main end of the project, or at least the major focus of it. Even if you consider a person using a computer animation of a building somewhere along the design process to help themselves and other co-workers visualize the spaces, the animation is a TOOL being ussed by the architect much as he uses his pencils and triangles, just in a different manner. I'm referring to speculating about design ON THE COMPUTER, all in itself. The equivilent of sketching ideas, but carrying these ideas far in development; either as a project to expand one's understanding and stretch their mind, or as an excercise in sheer creativity just for the enjoyment of it, or, better yet, being able to get paid for doing this by being able to sell the resulting architecture to VR companies, movie studios, or ass fine art. The difference in our stance comes mostly, I believe, from the difference between viewing how much the computer is used in architecture, and how the computer is used to FREE the architectural spirit in man, even if it'ss neevr built in real life. Also – don't get me wrong; I'd LIKE to see more architectural creators exploring the vast potential of this media beyond simply using it as a tool towards another end. I just haven't seen that many, but I would ssuppose a GREAT percentage of those who ARE doing such are on this forum 🙂