COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN IN ARCHITECTURE: A VALUE ADDED TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The dynamics of architectural practice has caused the search for improved performance in meeting the need and speed of the client. Computer aided design (CAD) has thus become an essential tool to the Nigeria architect. This scenario which began more than two decades ago, has today taken over the practice of architecture. Promising architectural firms in Nigeria, desire architects with CAD expertise. This has been enhanced by improvement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector the world over. Faster computers, large memory capacity, enhanced software application features are bringing to bear new possibilities and reduction in production time, elimination of design and drafting limitations. The paper attempts to recapture the two divides of 'the past' and 'the present'. It also documents available architectural CAD options in the market and their impact on the practice of the profession. The future is the 'next now’; therefore it is important to discover the next step forward. The paper discusses extensively new software available for architectural practice as well as the value attached to them. It finally proffers ways of consolidating and ensuring that the impact of CAD on architecture remains positive in the Nigerian architectural landscape