computer-aided design CAD
building information modeling BIM: creating and managing 3D representations of a building’s physical and functional characteristics
Top recommendations:
Trimble SketchUp/AutodeskRevit/Lumion/Chaos Corona/Archicad-Graphisoft/Autodeskt AutoCAD/Adobe InDesign/Adobe Photoshop/
AutoCAD: used predominantly to create floor plans, elevations and sections, there are several different versions, even the LT licence will cater most architectural requirements.
SketchUp: very easy to learn and free
Rhino: it is both popular in architecture and product design. Not as widely used as other industry tools
Revit: created by Autodesk for architects and building professionals. Its tools are specially designed to accommodate BIM (building information modeling) workflows.models are stored in a single file database which allows changes made in one section of the model to be updated or propagated in other parts of the same model. This makes it one of the best architectural programs for collaborative work.
ArchiCAD: produced by Graphisoft, Archicad is another BIM (building information). When compared to AutoCAD and/or SketchUp, the ability to work simultaneously in both 2D and 3D at the same time, is very powerful. Geared towards mainly architects.
Vectorworks is similar to Revit and ArchiCAD in that its a cad program built for BIM, however out of the three tends to be the most cost efficient.It has excellent 2D drafting and 3D modeling capabilities, and beats most programmers in terms graphical output.
Photoshop: Although not specifically designed for any one profession, knowing how to use Photoshop is a vital skill for any architect. The full Adobe suite of programs are individually and collectively all available via a monthly subscription plan starting at as little as $9.99 a month.
InDesign: is a fantastic layout program for creating and arranging items such as booklets and presentations sheets. Images and text can easily be arranged into presentable formats via a an aligning and snap grip tool.
Best 3D visualisation and rendering software
3ds Max and Cinema 4D are the two most popular 3D modeling software with 3ds max being the industry’s favorite, but also the most expensive.
V-ray: photoreal visualisation.Expensive when compared to Corona render.
Lumion:It also enables you to show how the surroundings of the project will look like at different times of the day and even seasons. With this software, you will significantly reduce rendering times from many days to a few hours.
Corona Render: is a relatively new software
Octane Render
Reference: https://www.archisoup.com/architecture-software-guide
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