Architects Hail AutoCAD as the Holy Grail for 2D Drafting. Here’s why!
Prior to the advent of CAD, 2D designs and plans used to be hand drafted with the help of tools such as pencils, rulers, papers, etc. This process was rather time consuming, involved complex calculations and often did not result in accurate drawings.
Thanks to the wave of technological developments, the AEC industry made monumental progress by adopting digitalization through modern CAD that made this tedious manual design process increasingly precise, simple and efficient.
The origin of AutoCAD
Since the dawn of the era of digitization, several CAD software applications have been introduced in the market, each having their own set of uniquely innovative and useful features. AutoCAD, a CAD software developed by Autodesk, has been quite popular amongst architects as it can be used to design all the elements of a building in detail and to scale.
Since its release in the year 1982, AutoCAD has gained considerable acclaim as a commonly used CAD programs by architects and drafters to design plans and blueprints for buildings, bridges, roads, etc. This is mainly because apart from solving the challenges of hand drafted drawings like every other CAD software, it has a simple and user friendly interface that aids drafters with a wide array of requirements ranging from drafting a rough sketch of simple flower vase till complex architectural construction drawings. It is also constantly updated to improvise on design process efficiency as well as output quality.
Apart from the aforementioned benefits, AutoCAD also delivers a host of other advantages to architects and firms providing Architectural Drafting Services, some of which will be discussed below:
1. Higher accuracy and reduced errors
As compared to hand drafted drawings, AutoCAD being a computer software, evidently promises accurate, detailed and standardized results without having to carry our complex calculations manually. This results in decreased errors and fewer possibilities of mistakes. Designs drafted using AutoCAD are also easy to modify and update, thereby always having room for enhancements.
AutoCAD also provides for swift calculations that helps with designing easy and accurate sketches along with assuring their executable viability.
2. Time and Cost Efficient
The specific and user-friendly interface and workflow of AutoCAD allows users to work swiftly, saving significant time and efforts that can be focused on enhancing other aspects like design optimization and enhancements. It also supports documentation tools that help in accelerating productivity and aid architects and designers to streamline their design and documentation workflows.
3. Budget estimations
Along with providing Drafting Services, professionals can also utilize AutoCAD to create schedules for quantity of materials required and the resulting cost estimations. This helps with financial management of the project by appropriate funds allocation for each stage of construction. It also helps keep the minds of stakeholders at ease by ensuring optimum utilization of their investments.
4. Convenient Data Transfer
Sharing files with multiple people simultaneously has become easier with AutoCAD. Professionals with access to architectural plans and drawings can view and modify them anytime and from anywhere. Updates made in these documents are recorded and reflected to be viewed by every personnel having access to them.
5. Precise Manufacturing
Firms and professionals can make use of AutoCAD to provide fabrication drawings for components that are to be manufactured off site. Since plans and drawings of the structure in which prefabricated components are to be fixed is already created on AutoCAD, developing designs and documentation for the required elements becomes more convenient and precise.
After the advent of BIM, there has been a talk about 2D drafting and AutoCAD being replaced by 3D software. The future of CAD software largely depends on its response to users’ expectations in terms of universal access to rich data, personalized experience, and seamless and expanded collaboration. AutoCAD is constantly upgraded with new features to meet users’ expectations. With subscription-based cloud AutoCAD software, architects and designers can develop and share plans for new and unique structures helping them gain and retain customers, thus ensures ensuring their growth and survival in an otherwise competitive industry.