Computer Methods for Architects

1st Edition - October 2, 1980
Author: R A Reynolds
Language: English
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 1 - 4 8 3 1 - 4 5 0 4 - 4

Computer Methods for Architects deals with the use of computers in the architecture profession. The text explores where and how computers can and cannot help. The book begins with… Read more

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Computer Methods for Architects deals with the use of computers in the architecture profession. The text explores where and how computers can and cannot help. The book begins with an explanation of how the majority of the architects around the world were once reluctant to use a computer. It then discusses how some architects improved and advanced the use of computers in the profession. The next part of the book discusses the advantages that a computer can offer an architect, as well as some disadvantages. The next chapter talks about how a computer can handle the files of an entire office. Discussions on the computer's database, proper selection of programs, and simulation techniques are also included in the book. The text finally talks about what the future may hold for computers and architects. This book caters to architects, as it talks about what a person in the field could encounter while using computers.

1 Past and Present2 Using Computers Benefits of Using Computers Drawbacks of Using Computers Job Management Information Handling Building Design and Analysis Computer-Aided Draughting Services Engineering Computers on a Typical Job3 Office Organization Time Sharing and Batch Processing Equipping for Batch Processing Equipping for Time Sharing Minicomputers Equipping for Minicomputers Interactive Graphics Equipping for Interactive Graphics Microcomputers and Personal Computing Analogue Computers Installing Equipment Working Methods with Computers4 Choosing Programs Program Availability Purpose-Written Programs Package Programs Information Sources Limitations on Program Use Documentation Demonstrations and Discussions Buying a Program5 Using Databases Database Principles Catalogues and Coding Databases in Architectural Design CARDS — A Fixed-Structure Database Management Program System 2000 — A Variable-Structure Database-Management Program6 Computer-Aided Draughting Advantages of Computer-Aided Draughting Program Classification Working Methods with Interactive Graphics Working Methods with Non-Interactive Graphics MEDALS — A 2-Dimensional Non-Interactive System CARBS — 2½-Dimensional, Non-Interactive Aspects of a Versatile System DAISY — A 2-Dimensional Interactive System ARK/2 — A 2-Dimensional Interactive System BDS — A 2½-Dimensional Interactive System RUCAPS — A 2½-Dimensional Interactive System7 Visualization Principles of Visualization Data-Collection Methods The CADC Visualization Programs AUTOPROD The Leeds Polytechnic Modeling System8 Job Management The Need for Job-Management Systems Principles of Critical-Path Techniques Outputs from Job-Management Programs Data Preparation — A Worked Example9 Simulation Techniques The Uses of Simulation Principles of Simulation Data-Collection Techniques GPSS — An Advanced Simulation Language Simulation Packages10 Environmental Analysis The Need for Environmental Analysis Program Structure Lighting Analysis Thermal Analysis Sunlight Analysis Air-Conditioning Analysis Acoustical Analysis ESP — An Integrated Environmental Analysis System CEDAR 3 — Evaluation at the Sketch Design Stage RIBA Calculator Programs11 Miscellaneous Applications The Scope for Computer Programs in Architecture Design Generation Design Costing Cut-and-Fill Calculation Job Costing Word-Processing Machines12 The Future13 Sources of Information14 Glossary15 Bibliography16 Index