Response to Computing in Architectural Design

When first reading this article I was a little taken aback by the thought of a computer doing all the work for me. It is true that computer programs like CAD can show you a lot about your design than you could see from a model or your own drawings. Certain programs can show you how sun light will move around your building, or if you are missing any electrical details. If I knew nothing about design programs this article would have persuaded me to go buy every program out there. I thought the article was very informative but also left out a lot of issues. Design programs make things a little easier however, there is still a large amount of work to do manually. I think one problem many rookies face when working on design programs is that they underestimate the time it will take them to complete a drawing. These programs are also not the easiest to learn how to work. I also found it interesting that the author referred to design programs as "design assistants." I've never thought of CAD or Sketch up as my assistant before. I think of these programs as being part of the process rather than assisting me in my design. They don't give their input, they may fix something but i've never heard them speak. Overall I found this article very informative.