Computer Aided Design

Computer Aided Design, CAD for short, is a very interesting class where students learn how to make architectural drawings and get a chance to use and work with a few great architectural programs. The use of these architectural programs allows for the creation of both 2- and 3-Dimensional designs and layouts. Some of these programs include AutoCAD, AutoDesk Architecture, and Google Sketchup. Students will learn the fundamentals of architectural drawings and how to use them to plan out the layouts of buildings, houses, rooms, etc. There are two different sessions for this two week course.

The CAD class is extremely fun and you learn a lot from it. It helps teach you a lot about architecture and working with different programs on the computer. It is also a good class to make new friends and meet new people. There is a short break in the class for students to get snacks and relax.

One of the programs used in the CAD class is AutoCAD. AutoCAD is a suite of CAD software. It was developed by AutoDesk, Inc.. It includes a full set up of basic solid modeling and 3D tools. AutoCad uses numerous primitive entities like lines, polylines, circles, rectangles, arcs, and texts. These entities are used as the foundation of more complex objects. AutoCAD makes it easy to design rooms of houses and houses itself. There are options on AutoCAD to put in furnishings such as sofas, beds, sinks, showers, and etc. On this program you can install doors and windows of different types onto houses. This program allows for exact measurements for planning out rooms, machines, and other designs created. Some of the projects made in the CAD class with AutoCAD include: business cards, name tags and some simple drawings. The CAD class uses this program throughout the two weeks.

The other program used in this class is Google SketchUp. It is a 3D modeling program designed for people designing houses, machines, and other products. Most people use it to design buildings to be displayed on Google Earth. It was designed to be more intuitive, flexible, and easier to use than other 3D modeling programs. There are several features on SketchUp that includes lines, circles, rectangles, and other stuff. It contains more features than AutoCAD and is easier to use. Houses can easily be created. There is an option called "components" that allows for the user to add premade cars, people, buildings, trees, shrubbery and a lot more to there designs and drawings. Google SketchUp also gives you an option to add different materials as walls of buildings or walkways. You can add stone walls to buildings or fences around the houses you create. This program is easy to use and makes the CAD class so much fun. If you want to continue your experience with Google SketchUp, you can download a free version from Google.