11 Computer Softwares Every Architecture Student Needs To Know | Important Architecture Software 2021

In this blog we will go over some essential software that every architecture student must use during his/her architecture course and during practice.

Use of digital sources and software is essential for architects to bring out most out of their design in a proper and precise way.

These Software help us to visualize, simulate and try out our design in different scenarios in a simulated environment.

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The Software listed below are mainly divided into three categories; Computer Aided Design(CAD), 3D Software and Design Software.

Computer Aided Design (CAD):

    Autodesk AutoCAD

    Autodesk Revit

    Graphisoft Archicad

    Vectorworks

3D Software :

    SketchUp

    Autodesk 3DS Max

    Rhinoceros 3D 

    Lumion

Design Software :

   Adobe Photoshop

   Adobe Illustrator

   Adobe InDesign

Autodesk AutoCAD :

 

AutoCAD is a commercial computer Aided Design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk. This  Software single handedly owns around 48% of the market. AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app. AutoCAD helps us designers to draw architectural drawings. Most of the software is 2D with limited 3d functionality. AutoCAD is widely used by all the architects and is taught in architecture schools during the first and second year.

Visit Autodesk website for AutoCAD here - https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/overview?sorting=featured&page=1

Autodesk Revit :

Autodesk Revit is a BIM Software for engineers, architects and designers. Being at number 2 it holds 43% of the market. Revit helps designers design, simulate and visualise. In universities it is often taught as an elective. An increasing amount of internships and job listings are now asking for the candidates to be good at Revit.

Visit Autodesk website for Revit here - https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/overview?sorting=featured&page=1

Graphisoft Archicad :

Archicad is used successfully by 1,00,000 users in 100 different countries. It holds 5% of the market. Archicad is object oriented which meanS it is able to produce 2d drawings or 3d illustrations and buildings. Archicad is a complete design suite with 2D and 3D drafting, visualization and other building modelling functions for architects, designers and planners. A wide range of software applications are integrated in ARCHICAD to cover most of the design needs of an architectural office.

Visit Graphisoft website for Archicad here - https://myarchicad.graphisoft.com/

Vectorworks :

Vectorworks Fundamentals is a CAD solution with an intuitive interface for 2D drafting and 3D modelling. Holding 4% of the market, this Software helps to create elements made up of entities like lines and circles. Vectorworks considers everything it creates as an object. While this difference may be subtle to average users, in Vectorworks it is an important distinction.

Visit Website for Vectorworks here - https://www.vectorworks.net/en-US/education

3D Softwares -

SketchUp :

With over 55% of the market share, SketchUp is actually a very powerful modelling tool. But the quality of your output is highly dependent on the quality of user's input. With plugins for most mainstream rendering engines like V-Ray and Maxwell, your SketchUp model and quickly transform into a high powered rendering machine.

Visit website for sketchup here - https://www.sketchup.com/plans-and-pricing/sketchup-studio-for-higher-education

Autodesk 3DS Max :

3DS Max is a specialised tool. Holding over 23% of the market, it can produce some amazing visualizations. It has modelling capabilities and flexible plugins for architecture. It is also used for movie effects and movie visualization. It is purely an indulgence in digital media. But as an architect, the amount of time you need to dedicate to make photo realistic images and renderings is slim to none.

VisIt website for 3DS max here - https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/overview?sorting=featured&page=1

Rhinoceros 3D :

Rhinoceros 3D is a CAD Software used primarily in architectural trades and industrial design. Rhino 3D is popular among certain expressive London based architects such as Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster. They used grasshopper - a plug-in for rhinoceros 3D modeling package. It takes advantages of rhino's existing tools. Grasshopper offers new ways to expand and control the 3D Design and modelling processes. Grasshopper requires no programming or scripting knowledge. But still allows to create simple and complex geometric forms with ease.

Visit website for rhino 3d here - https://www.rhino3d.com/for/education/

Lumion :

Lumion offers real time engines. With less than 6% of market share. An easy to use and stunningly visual real time application that relies on drag and drop placements of assets. The software has the ability to kick it up a notch with special effects, animated props, animals, birds, people and other assets. Whether you're a professional architect, working at a firm or a student, they offer you tools that'll help you master your project.

Design Softwares 

Adobe Photoshop :

Photoshop needs no introduction. Holding over 68% of market, Photoshop is an amazing tool that's highly recommend to everyone. Most companies use Photoshop to achieve different things, creating layouts, renders, site plan, etc. It is the only software used constantly by studios making it a timeless option.

Adobe Illustrator :

AutoCAD Illustrator allows architects, engineers and construction professionals to create high quality digital presentations of their work that can be integrated with other (CAD) Drawings. Illustrator's tools translate visions and ideas into designs, which is why many forms use this digital design tool when creating their projects. By creating a digital rendering of the building artists can accurately measure dimensions, explore the use of various materials, etc.

Adobe InDesign :

InDesign is known for powerful typography tool allowing for a wide array of customization and manipulation. Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing and typesetting software application produced by Adobe Systems. It can be used to create works such as posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers, presentations, books and e-books. 

Visit Adobe website for these software here - https://www.adobe.com/in/

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