The Digital Atelier: Applications, Pedagogical Integration, and Implications of Computer-Aided Design in Architectural Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64321/jcr.v3i5.04Keywords:
Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Architectural Education, Pedagogy, AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD, SketchUp.Abstract
The integration of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) into architectural education has fundamentally transformed how spatial design is conceptualized, developed, and communicated. Moving far beyond digital drafting boards, contemporary software ecosystems—ranging from foundational two-dimensional drawing tools to advanced parametric and multi-dimensional modeling platforms such as AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Autodesk Revit, and SketchUp—constitute the core infrastructure of modern architectural pedagogy. This paper explores the diverse applications of these digital tools across the architectural curriculum. It analyzes how they alter design thinking, facilitate technical mastery, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and prepare students for an increasingly digitized architectural profession. Furthermore, the paper weighs the pedagogical advantages against potential cognitive and creative drawbacks, proposing a balanced framework for modern architectural training.
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