The process of planning, designing and supervision of a building’s construction is an ancient art, which was carried out by artisans in the medieval times. With the advancement in technology and ability to record data, the term ‘Architect’ came into being, emerging as a full-fledged profession by the 1500s. With the industrial revolution in the 18th century, the ability to draw and draft designs based on the knowledge of dimension and linear perspective, gave new wings to the profession of architecture.
AutoCAD was launched for the microcomputer platform back in 1982. Since then, the software has revolutionized the world of architecture and infrastructural planning, making it one of the most popular CAD (Computer Aided Design) software worldwide. Today, most of the new age architects use highly advanced software and smartphone applications for laying out their plans and designs. Let’a look at some of the best android apps for architects.
1. AutoCAD 360
The revolutionary technology of AutoCAD is now available on the go, through their official app AutoCAD 360. It includes most of the features that are available in desktop version and also uses GPS integration to properly align your designs. However, if you are learning the curves of AutoCAD, then you will find the designs from other users and professionals very helpful, which is available through its cloud integration. You can also subscribe for the special plan, which provides several additional features such as increased storage, advanced drawing and editing tools and larger file support. To know more about additional features, you can visit their website.
2. AutoDesk Formit
If you use the above mentioned AutoCAD 360, then watching your ideas function in real life can be made possible with AutoDesk Formit. It allows you to use a variety of shapes while designing your buildings and improve them using various tools and multi-touch gesticulations. It automatically syncs to the AutoCAD 360 app allowing you to transfer your smaller designs for editing on more enhanced software like Revit and similar desktop applications. You can get detailed information about its features on their website.
3. ozPDA Sun Seeker
Being a professional, you know how superstitious real estate buyers are, especially when it comes to a building’s location and the amount of sun it receives. The amazing new app Sun Seeker, available for both Android and iOS, is a digital flat view compass that shows you the path of the sun during both summers and winters. It uses a highly interactive augmented reality 3D View, which allows you to instantly determine the amount of sunlight your building, would receive. This allows you to determine the direction of various areas in a building and create new designs that allow light that is more natural. You can also visit their website to know more about its features.
4. Architect’s Choice
An architect shouldn’t just need all the tools and gadgets to convert his ideas into drawings, but must also needs to stay up to date with the latest developments in the industry. Architect’s Choice is a UK based Construction Design and Trade Magazine, first published in 1996. Since then Architect’s Choice has become a must have magazine for architects who want to get inspired by the works of latest designers across the globe. You can also visit their website for more details.
5. Graphisoft BIMx
Released in 2011, Graphisoft BIMx is available for both android and iOS platform that lets you analyze your designs in a first person view. You can utilize the various in-app tools to view more details of the models and even share it with your colleagues. It combines both 2D and 3D rendering of models, allowing you to view your designs as if you were walking through a real building. It also has many model designs which can be downloaded from their database to get ideas on the latest and the most advanced architectural works. You can visit their website to know more about its various license & features.
As we live through the 21st century, far more advanced technologies and design ideas have been introduced making the simple artisans from the older times into tech-savvy professionals of the digital age. These android apps not only help you take your work anywhere but also help you draft your plans in a quicker manner.