CompuServe Messages

David. <people/architects/engeineers whatever are taught from an earl age to produce drawings on flat sheets of paper i.e. 2D and therfore they get into the hang of thinking in flat planes without the Z axis, because of this when they have a CAD package placed in front of them they stick with what they know> No, I do not think that Architects and the Engineers involved in building design are unable to think in 3D. The ability to think 3-dimensionally is a pre-requisite to this profession. I think the reason these people do not move easily into 3D CADD is because most software does not have a good 3D interface. Often, the method employed for indicating views is as difficult as the modeling process itself. And, modeling in many 3D CADD programs is not as easy as it should be. Remember, the *real product* of an Architect/Enginner you hire IS NOT to produce interesting presentation drawings. The *real product* is a REAL PHYSICAL BUILDING. Presentation drawings are important for client communications, and construction drawings are important for contractor communication. And perhaps 3D computer graphics are not yet well utilized, but the USE of 3D computer graphics has to be less involved than it currently is, I think. Also, realize that in school drawing is only *one* of the aspects taught to potential Architects/Engineers. Architecture and Engineering principles are what we are supposed to learn and is the reason we are there, and how we communicate our ideas can take many forms: Ink, guache, watercolor, pencil, etc. We do not go to school to learn how to utilize all presentation techniques, but to learn about the design and construction of buildings. That said, I agree that institutions could spend more time familiarizing students with 3D computer graphics, but as I hinted above, Architects/Engineers are not going to school to become illustrators and mastors of these tools, but to become Architects/Engineers. Once there is easier to use 3D CADD programs, which allow us to focus on the art of Architecture and not the art of producing 3D images, the schools and professionals ought to utilize the technology more. -Mike