How Technology is Used
How Technology is Used
A R C H T E C T U R A L E N G I N E E R I N G A N D T E C H N O L O G Y
University of Waterloo requires its engineering students to take at least one university programming course because technology is an essential part of a career in architectural engineering or engineering in general. Architectural engineers use technology in the following ways:
B U S I N E S S
P R E S E N T A T I O N S / W O R K - R E L A T E D
C O N V E N I E N C E
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When presenting building proposals, architectural engineers use computers to create blueprints, 2-D models, and 3-D models for their designs. Computers allow architectural engineers to bring their ideas to life in the form of visual and dynamic displays for their clients. In addition, computers make it convenient for communication between architectural engineers and their design team as files, images, and models of structures can be edited and sent virtually.
B L U E P R I N T S
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Architectural blueprints were originally drawn by hand, but with rapidly advancing technology and computer software, architectural engineers often use computers to draft their designs. Using a computer to draft a blueprint eliminates human errors in complex calculations and ensures complete accuracy in the dimensions of a sketch.
C​ A D
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A crucial tool for architectural engineers is CAD, or Computer-Aided Design software. CAD software is used to draft and design buildings and to simulate the effects of conditions such as weather, natural disasters, or physical pressure on the structure over time. CAD helps architectural engineers to avoid potential miscalculations and errors in regards to safety and accuracy especially and can also serve as an important tool for envisioning a building's design.
3 - D M O D E L S
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Being able to create a virtual 3-D model of a project is extremely beneficial to architectural engineers. Computers allow architects to visualize even small details - lighting, texture, and colour - within their design without needing to build physical models.
