Technical Papers
Feb 3, 2021

Plausibility of CAAD in Conceptual Design: Challenges in Architectural Engineering for Early-Stage Digital Design Tools

Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 27, Issue 2

Abstract

Although the reasons for and against the early use of digital tools in design have been intensively researched and studied for years, there has been a scarcity of substantial analysis of the challenges posed by using computer-assisted architectural design (CAAD) tools in the early design phase. By drawing on reviewed materials and cross-mapping digital software and current commercially available programs, this paper elucidates and evaluated the impact of CAAD tools in the early design process. In this research, a two-way, systematic mapping of research-based tools that support the conceptual design process and commercial CAAD methods was implemented, utilizing five criteria as illustrated in a recent study. The paper concludes with three scenarios of CAAD’s future direction, which will have an impact on conventional architectural engineering, as well as architectural practice and education.

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Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 27Issue 2June 2021

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Received: May 13, 2020
Accepted: Nov 2, 2020
Published online: Feb 3, 2021
Published in print: Jun 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Jul 3, 2021

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Salem Buhashima Abdalla [email protected]
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Univ. of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Associate Professor, Dept. of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Univ. of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (corresponding author). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9512-7829. Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Dilshad Rahat Ara [email protected]
Independent Researcher and Architect [Previously Assistant Professor, UAE University (UAEU)], University City, P.O. Box 27272 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Email: [email protected]

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