An Analysis of the Computer in the Architectural Profession
Abstract
It now has become necessary to educate the architect in the skill of computer acquisition. In a market such as the computer industry’s, where information three months old is considered ancient or obsolete, it is very difficult to present available services being offered. It is not as difficult, however, to present and help define the state of the art of computers today from the architect’s point of view.
An approach of polling architects and obtaining their experiences and expectations of the computer would be just as beneficial to an interested architect as obtaining boxes of computer brochures. A comprehensive “state of the art” compilation of data on the computer in architecture seems to be nonexistent at this time, but it is very important for the proper education of the architects planning to purchase computers in the near future. Because of this lack of information, it was necessary to help fill this void and provide the needed information by collecting data of this type from a survey directed towards an unbiased cross section of architectural firms.
The survey conducted was restricted to the state of Texas but should be representative of surrounding states as well. A total of 406 questionnaires (see appendix) were sent to architectural firms across the state. Of the 406 sent, 187 or an extremely high 46% were returned exposing the fact that a professional nerve was struck and confirming the thought that the profession definitely wants more information on this subject. The surveys were compiled and analyzed, producing some very interesting facts; facts that should provide another piece to the puzzle of computer acquisition and help to inform the architectural firm where it stands in respect to the rest of the profession. To better understand the questionnaire returns and provide information useful to the architect, some of the more important facts gathered from the overall analysis will be presented.
Description
Program year: 1981/1982Digitized from print original stored in HDR
Citation
Weghorst, Gerald Hank (1982). An Analysis of the Computer in the Architectural Profession. University Undergraduate Fellow. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /CAPSTONE -SmarttJ _1998.