CAD for Architecture and Construction

While the traditional means of architectural planning have involved blueprints, times are changing. Architects are increasingly turning to CAD for architecture drafting, thanks to its precision, editability and more.

But what is CAD for architecture? And what are some possible uses for it? In this explainer, we will detail everything you need to know about CAD for architecture and construction.

What Does CAD Stand for in Architecture?

You may be surprised to learn that CAD is not self-evident, but is, in fact, an acronym. The acronym "CAD" stands for "computer-aided architectural design". Well ... We added the "architectural" in there ... 'cuz ... We can. In layman's terms, it's software that allows for architectural renderings and construction documents to be crafted on a computer.

What is CAD Used for in Construction?

Every building and construction project requires a master plan or construction documents. This is what good design and construction industry project management is all about. With this documentation, everyone on the project can understand how and where their contributions should be placed and how they work together.

Much like a blueprint, CAD is used to communicate every facet of the building project to those involved from the site to the elevator shaft to the green roof.

But specifically, what is CAD used for in construction, you may ask. In short, it communicates elements like floorplans, grade renderings, and allows for 2D and 3D models. and more. Think of every element of the architectural process, and a CAD program can help simplify and streamline it:

• Exterior rendering
• Client proposals and revisions
• 3D modeling and 3D printing
• Plumbing placements
• Electrical placements
• Room planning and design
• Egress and safety planning
• Information sharing with subcontractors
• Clash detection
• And much more

When answering the question of, what is CAD used for in construction, the answer is simple: nearly everything.

What Are the Benefits of CAD?

Where blueprints offer a detailed view of an entire building or construction project, there is one major drawback. The nuance of every element needs to share space equally on the page. That is because blueprints are, by design, rendered at a consistent scale.

But while CAD renderings are still to scale, the perspective can be manipulated. The software allows for a user to zoom in or out on a particular area or design feature. With this level of precision, everyone from builders and financiers to ultimate property owners, benefit. Everyone on the project can understand every nook and cranny of the space to be built with ease and accuracy.

Another benefit of CAD rendering is alterations to the building proposal can be made rather easily. Like any piece of software, changes can be made and saved instantaneously. They can also be undone with the simple click of a button.

Compare that to a traditional blueprint. If extensive changes are needed, architects may need to redraft entirely. More than anything, CAD software optimizes the design tools and editing process for architecture.

One final benefit is rather nascent, but is worth mentioning. Whereas traditional CAD renderings require a computer to view, some CAD software has recently released support for virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) experiences within the rendering itself.

Imagine a client viewing a rendering of a home to be built in first person. The model would encapsulate them to-scale as if it was there in the real world. This ability to render the conceptual into a near-physical experience is a major milestone. It unlocks a heretofore unheard of level of power for the architectural community.

What is the Best CAD Software for Architecture?

You may be wondering what software is used for construction CAD drawings. And your inevitable next question will likely be, which software is best for you?

In truth, there is a lot of CAD software on the market to choose from. However, some of the gold standards include:

• AutoCAD & AutoCAD Architecture (which is specialized for architects)
• Solidworks
• Autodesk
• Autodesk Revit
• Catia
• And more.

It's important to note that each of the software offers slight nuances between features, user interfaces and more. While we can't crown a universal best CAD software for every user, we can confidently say, you would likely be well served by any of the software above when making CAD renderings.

Superpopwer Your CAD Process

You and your team deserve a simplified design process. And a library to power your CAD is a means to a simpler building design process.

Arcat has one of the most extensive BIM and CAD libraries available today. Everyone from engineers to architects can benefit from access to the Arcat library. Explore our CAD drawings library.