Three–Dimensional CAD Use in Interior Design Education and Practice

Abstract

OBJECTIVEThe primary objective of the project was to compare the current use of three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) by practicing interior designers with what is being taught in interior design programs in colleges and universities. Information on the current state of computer use by both groups also was gathered. RESEARCH DESIGNA survey of interior design educators and practitioners was completed using two questionnaires. The first was mailed to 300 Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) corporate members. The second was mailed to 300 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) members. A response rate of 34% and 40% respectively was achieved. ANALYSISFrequencies of responses were compared to determine similarities between the two groups. K E Y FINDINGSEducators responded that 96% of their students used two-dimensional (2D) CAD software to complete all or part of their assigned projects, while 70% of practitioners responded that they regularly used 2D software. Sixty-five percent of educators taught students how to produce 3D objects and wireframe perspectives using CAD software while 49% of practitioners created 3D wireframes. Forty percent of educators and 35% of practitioners created computer-rendered scenes that included the addition of materials and lights. Eighty-three percent of educators and 78% of practitioners believed that computer-rendered perspectives were an important communication tool between inte rior designers and clients. Eighty-nine percent of educators and 74% of practitioners felt that experience with 3D CAD made students more marketable within the profession. CONCLUSION

A Comparison of Learning Experience, Workload, and Outcomes in Interior Design Education Using a Hand or Hybrid Approach

“…This development was due largely to the emergence of desktop computers and graphic software. These made it affordable for individual designers and small firms to expedite preparation of design and construction documents with the aid of CAD technology (Dong & Gibson, 1998; McConnell & Waxman, 1999; McLain‐Kark, 2000).…”

“…In the 1990s, it was well established that practicing interior designers and educators had accepted not only 2D CAD usage (Curry, Shroyer, & Gentry, 1993) but also 3D CAD visualization capabilities (McConnell & Waxman, 1999). A survey of 102 Interior Design Education Council corporate members and 120 International Interior Design Association members in 1999 reflected the growing demand of 3D CAD techniques.…”

“…Simulated 3D spaces may provide misleading information on volume and depth due to the flatness and small scale of digital imaging (Miller, 1999; North & Miller, 2002; Zekowski, 1998). Finally, preset passive walk‐through animations only allow viewers to observe a portion of the simulated space with a specific sequencing and field of vision (McConnell & Waxman, 1999).…”

“…Reflecting the increasing interest in mixed use or hybrid design approach , most studies on design tools within design professions focused on either digital technology only (Gibson, 2007; Lee, 2009; Lyon et al., 2008; McConnell & Waxman, 1999; McLain‐Kark, 2000; Seidler, 2009) or conducted comparative analysis between hand and digital media (Basa & Şenyapth, 2005; Brandon & McLain‐Kark, 2001; North & Miller, 2002; Pable, 2006). In addition, some research has integrated hand and digital methods in design education (Dorta et al., 2008; Kim, 2008).…”

“…A survey of 102 Interior Design Education Council corporate members and 120 International Interior Design Association members in 1999 reflected the growing demand of 3D CAD techniques. The results indicated that 96% of students and 70% of practitioners were using 2D CAD in their daily design activities, 65% of educators were teaching 3D CAD in their classes, and 49% of practitioners were using 3D CAD wireframe in their design projects (McConnell & Waxman, 1999). The fast development of 3D CAD software, such as 3D studio Max (Autodesk, Inc., San Rafael, CA, USA) and FormZ (AutoDesSys, Inc., Columbus, OH, USA) enabled designers to use computer renderings and animations for presentation purposes (McLain-Kark, 2000).…”