It has always been a world where technology constantly outdated its earlier version. In such a situation, being in a field where one needs to understand and build for the community and the society, one has to be in touch with the latest software and apps. And with apps being designed for each and every field, it is not surprising that there are numerous apps developed specifically for architects, and for architecture students – they range from apps for architectural design to ones for assessing the supervision of construction on-site!
What apps are used in architecture?
These apps can be used for various purposes, but altogether they try to make designing on the go easier. Applications like PadCAD help one to design accurate (or at least basic) CAD drawings which can be then exported into CAD drawings that can be detailed on the desktop. This makes the process of designing easier. However, AutoDesk FormIt is an app that allows a designer to synchronize all site details and other information which will enable early design decisions, to be taken easily. AutoCAD, being a term that everyone in the field of designing is familiar with, has an app Using AutoCAD360 one can edit and view CAD drawings (3D and 2D). It also gives an added advantage of using different devices and platforms to work on your file – with a subscription, of course. It becomes an app that helps students and professionals alike.
Courtesy of Morpholio Trace
In the 3D platform, however, SketchUp Mobile Viewer allows you to access your skp files and also to download and browse through the 3D Warehouse. You can view your Rhino models in Rhino 3D or Droid Rhino while traveling. The ArchiSnapper, on the other hand, helps an architect with the tiring job of making site reports, analysis, pictures, etc of ongoing projects. It allows you to make notes, save pictures, collect data, etc and converts it to a PDF file allowing you to travel light during site visits.
Apps like Noteshelf relates to the creative side of architects – allowing you to do rough work and make notes. It saves you the time and energy taken to carry a book around to take down things – while treating you with visually stunning graphics. The Houzz Interior Design Ideas App gives you access to over 4 million home designs and lets you discuss architecture with the editorial team or the other designers using this app.
On a different track, there are applications in the market that help students and architects understand materials that they can use in their designs, the products available in the market, and the possibilities of designing with these options. For an experienced person, this app might seem like an unnecessary one, but it is very useful for those who cannot seem to keep these details in memory. The Architect’s Formulator is a collection of formulas that aids you in various areas like structural analysis, plumbing, acoustics, electrical, etc. With the ability to work across many units, it is an app that saves a lot of time.
For architecture students and architecture lovers, there are apps like the Buildings App, which helps you find architectural monuments in your vicinity based on your GPS location. For travelers who want to visit both contemporary and historical masterpieces in the architectural world, this app is a godsend. For those of you who didn’t know any of the apps that were discussed, you should try them. They save time, trees, energy and they are useful. Above all of that? They are fun.
By Aishwarya Pai
