Computer aided design/drafting (CAD) refers to the process of designing using computer software in place of traditional hand drafting. This includes creating technical drawings, making computer models, and analyzing data. It is a relatively new process (it has been around for about 50 years since the invention of computers) and is rapidly expanding. What started as computer aided drafting has truly turned into computer aided design. This course focuses on AutoCAD, which is a 2D and 3D CAD software used for design and drafting. Once learning the language of one CAD software, the skills are easily transferrable to other CAD platforms.
CAD allows for ease and efficiency in communicating design ideas with digital files that are easy to share, edit, and simulate. You will learn the CAD commands that replace the need for manual tools. The line command replaces the need for T-squares, the circle command replaces the use of a compass, and so on.
"A Walk Through the History of CAD" Youtube, uploaded by D3 Technologies. 7 Dec 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcwIMsh_g3o
The Florida Virtual Architectural Drafting Pathways follows the evolution of modeling software. Hand drawing is not a course offering since it is very much outdated. Drafting 1 (this course) will teach the fundamentals of two-dimensional drafting. Drafting 2 (not yet offered) will teach the fundamentals of three-dimensional drafting. And Drafting 3 (not yet offered) will teach the fundamentals of Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is an advanced three-dimensioning modeling process that includes additional variables, for example, cost and scheduling. It is safe to assume the evolution will continue with current research and development focusing on BIM with Artificial Intelligence.
Goldman, Marc. "Evolution of Architectural Design." The Collaborative Power of BIM, 7 June 2012, https://www.slideshare.net/hellomarc/the-collaborative-power-of-bim.