UNIT 1 - COURSE INTRODUCTION & SOFTWARE
COURSE INTRODUCTION
WELCOME to the world of Design & Engineering. Everything you see in the Built Environment started as an idea, imagined and designed and developed into plans for building or manufacturing. From a shoe to a skyscraper, Designers & Engineers are the ones that create new products and built environments that shape the future of the world. This course will teach you the process of designing & drafting plans for various mechanical parts and architectural structures, including designing a home for yourself or a client. You will also learn about the variety of specialized fields and what they do including salary and employment rates to help you plan your future in the world of Design & Engineering.
All class messaging will be done via Skyward and all course info and assignments and content will be on this website.
SOFTWARE
CHOOSING A SOFTWARE - There are a lot of different types of software available for the various Design & Engineering fields. Some are used primarily for design or construction drawings and plans and others are for rendering presentations and modeling and some are only for interior or landscape design applications.
There are free downloads, cloud based, by subscription, or one time purchase with upgrades available. Most are available for Windows or Macs, but Chromebooks can be used for many of the basic applications that we will need for learning this semester.The options I recommend are listed below. As with all software, check the system requirements before downloading or accessing virtually.
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Autocad LT – Available to purchase or free student download for students. This is what we are using in the classroom, (but an older/user friendlier version) but it is no longer available. The newer versions menus and setups look different but it works the same way, but will take some time to get familiar with the 2d to 3d functions. and I advise to download the oldest version that is available.
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ArchiCAD/Graphisoft - Available to purchase or free download for students. – More user friendly and easier to develop 3d drawings than Autocad, but functions in a similar way.
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Virtual Architect - Available to purchase different versions. The ‘Ultimate’ Version for $80 is the minimal you’ll need to do house plans and elevations. Easy to use and converts from 2d to 3d easily. Plans and side views are built using pre-made object libraries.
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Chief Architect – Similar to Autocad and Archicad in ability to produce professional construction drawings and renders more realistic than others. Available as free trial or to purchase for around $2500.
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Dreamplan by NCH – Available as free download as a home version or available to buy a commercial unlimited license for around $30. Similar to Virtual Architect.
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Planner 5d – A free cloud based app that works on multiple devices incl. Chromebooks. User friendly and similar to SIM where you build in 3d from pre-made object menus.
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Home Design 3D – Free downloads available. Easy to use and versatile from 2d to 3d.
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SketchUp - User friendly 3d modeling software with importing web content capabilities for realistic imaging. Free versions for students and Chromebook compatible.
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TinkerCAD - User friendly free 3d modeling software that is cloud based so you'll need to check your internet connection.
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Fusion 360 - A free for students AutoCAD product that is primarily for Mechanical Engineering & Modeling.
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