Digital and physical tools used in architectural practice.
40 Terms
An additive manufacturing process that builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital file. In architect…
Vector graphics software used for creating architectural drawings, presentations, diagrams, and illustrations. Illustrat…
Page layout and design software for creating publications, presentations, and documents. InDesign is standard for archit…
Image editing and compositing software widely used in architectural visualization. Photoshop enables photo-realistic ren…
A step-by-step procedure or set of rules for solving a problem or generating designs. In architecture, algorithms drive …
A standardized protocol allowing different software systems to communicate and share data. APIs enable integration betwe…
Technology that overlays digital information onto the physical world. In architecture, AR allows visualization of design…
Machine learning and computational systems that can analyze design problems, generate options, and optimize solutions. A…
Technology overlaying digital information onto the physical world through devices. AR helps architects visualize designs…
A leading computer-aided design (CAD) software developed by Autodesk, widely used for 2D drafting and 3D modeling. AutoC…
Open-source 3D computer graphics software used for modeling, animation, rendering, and simulation. Blender is increasing…
A digital process in which a building is designed and managed as an intelligent 3D model containing data about every ele…
The delivery of computing services (storage, processing, software) over the internet. Cloud computing enables architects…
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling uses a computer-directed cutting tool to carve shapes from blocks of material —…
Design approach using algorithms, programming, and computational methods to generate, evaluate, and optimize architectur…
The use of computer software to create, modify, and document architectural drawings and models. CAD replaced manual draf…
A visual programming language for Revit that enables parametric design and automation of repetitive tasks. Dynamo bridge…
A visual programming plugin that bridges Grasshopper and external input devices/live data. Firefly enables real-time int…
Design approach where algorithms generate multiple design solutions based on specified parameters, constraints, and perf…
Software for capturing, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data. GIS helps architects understand site context, demogr…
A visual programming plugin for Rhinoceros 3D that allows designers to create parametric models through a node-based int…
A lightweight data format for storing and exchanging structured information. JSON is widely used in design software, API…
Kipas angin, or ceiling fan, is a mechanical device suspended from the ceiling that uses rotating blades to circulate ai…
A digital fabrication technique that uses a focused laser beam to cut or engrave flat sheet materials — card, acrylic, t…
A 3D geometric representation using vertices, edges, and faces to define surfaces. Meshes are fundamental to 3D modeling…
Immersive digital spaces where people interact through avatars. The metaverse presents new opportunities for architectur…
Design workflow where connections between nodes (operations/parameters) create visual algorithms. Node-based tools enabl…
A technique for creating accurate 3D models from overlapping photographs. Software analyses multiple images taken from d…
Additional software modules that extend the functionality of a host program. In architecture, plugins like Grasshopper o…
A collection of data points in 3D space capturing physical environments through laser scanning or photogrammetry. Point …
An open-source programming language and environment for creative coding. Processing is used by designers for generative …
A versatile programming language increasingly used in architecture for scripting, data analysis, and automation. Python …
Visualization technology generating images instantly as the user interacts, rather than pre-computed renderings. Real-ti…
Autodesk's primary BIM software, widely used by architectural and engineering firms worldwide. In Revit, elements like w…
NURBS-based 3D modeling software known for flexibility in generating complex, free-form surfaces. Rhino is popular for c…
A 3D modelling software popular in architecture for its ability to handle complex, freeform geometry (NURBS curves and s…
Intuitive 3D modeling software designed for rapid conceptual design and spatial visualization. SketchUp's accessibility …
A powerful rendering engine used across multiple platforms (3ds Max, SketchUp, Rhino) for photorealistic visualization. …
An immersive digital environment experienced through a headset that allows architects and clients to walk through a buil…
Immersive digital environment that creates a sense of presence in a virtual space. In architecture, VR enables full-body…