Design
From CollabLandWiki
Contents |
Research
The internet has revolutionized the way we research, instead of searching through library card catalogs and bookshelves, we now can find the information we want in a few easy clicks.
How we do that is usually through:
Databases:
EBSCO
Avery Index of Architecture Periodicals
GIS info:
http://data.geocomm.com/dem/demdownload.html
Search Engines:
Ask.com
Design Technology
Before the internet, access to CAD based programs was limited and expensive, but now with the downloading power of the internet, access to drafting software and other visualization programs has never been easier. Another feature that combines the proliferation power of the internet with the creative power of design programs are the Block/Object communities. Basic Blocks/Objects come with every program, when fully installed, but object libraries are easily upgradeable.
For students in particular, the ability to download FREE software has essentially revolutionized the industry.
The more recognizable sources of software are:
Google: Sketch-Up 6 and Sketch-Up PRO
Autodesk: REVIT, Civil 3D, MAP, Architectural Desktop, and VIZ Render
Terragen: a Photorealistic terrain generating software that can be linked with VIZ files, GIS data, and Sketch-Up files.
Adobe: not free, but Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Acrobat Professional are offered at student discount rates.
Examples of Object communities:
CBEN.net: The CAD Block Exchange Network. This service is free and operates much like Limewire for music. This is peer to peer sharing of design files that feature trees, people, chairs, cars, tables, or anything else that a person might need to speed up their drafting time.
Sketch-Up Server: This site, affiliated with Google, provides Sketch-Up users with greater selection of trees, shrubs, vehicles, street signs, people, and even entire massing models of cities.
Presentation
Although printed documents and images will probably never fall out of favor in the design community, there is a growing need to create 3D visualizations (videos) about how a site/design will operate. These videos are often put on the internet to increase access concerned parties and for public awareness.
The video file writing technology that makes online streaming video possible:
Adobe Flash Player: a product first developed by Macromedia for Macintosh systems. These are typically compressed file formats that load quickly and have recently been restructured to be more stable in Windows Internet Explorer.
Direct-X Graphics: a programming interface that makes 3D graphics possible within Windows programs and Windows based Design Programs. Although these plug-ins can be unstable and can be hacked easily, they do produce powerful graphics.
Networking
Inter-office communication has always been a high priority, and networking between engineering offices, architecture offices, outside consultants, and contractors is necessary for business as usual, in our information age.
Nowadays, we utilize the internet to achieve all of our networking needs, from emails with attachments and live updates, to real-time online conferencing. We depend on the internet, networking software, servers, and our ISP’s for almost all of our communication in the design profession, and thus instant communication has become one of our profession’s greatest tools.
An example of inter-office software includes Telstra by CISCO
Conferencing software includes WebEx Business Communications, along with GoToMeeting Online Conferencing.
YouTube
Ironically, the website youtube, which is an internet hub where one can upload movies in practically any format, has become yet another tool for designers. If you don’t believe me, just go there and type in “TED talks.”
The TED talks are a series of conferences that are held once a year where progressive leaders in business, communications, philosophy, engineering, and architecture come together to exchange and share ideas. It was founded by an architect, and is attended by many designers worldwide. Other leaders and designers have submitted work and movies to youtube as well, including James Howard Kunstler, author of Home From Nowhere.
One of the reasons why youtube has become so popular is because it is so easy to use. Another is that the founders of the website tapped into a basic human need: to be heard and seen by others, and youtube provides an outlet for both senses.
