Computer Graphics in Architecture

In using the computer to assist in scientific or semi-scientific endeavors, there has been a tendency to mold the problem to be solved to the techniques, rather than to mold the techniques to the problem. For example, it is possihle to draw high precIsion perspective views of a building using a very expensive mechanical plotter. However, an architect does not have a high demand for perspectives in his design process, so the architect's need for mechanical perspectives does not offset their hi~h costs. Using the computer to assist architects has often taken this kind of direct, straight-forward approach, which in many cases has been disastrous. Another instance of fitting the problem to the technique is in using interactive computer graphics of the CRT variety. The tendancy here has been to translate verbatim the activity of the drafting board to the face of the CRT; for example, using the interactive computer device to draw an orthographic projection the same way the designer is doing it manually on the drafting board. This was a mistake because really what the computer is best suited for is drawing and manipulating volumes. In any case, we have found through our own experience that the need for using computer graphics cannot be predicted. Rather, a well substantiated requirement for computer graphics occured to us indirectly while using non-graphic computer techniques. The evolution of this requirement will be discussed by this paper. Generally speaking, there appears to be a scarcity of viable computer appl ications in architecture, particularly in the area of computer graphics. The architectural profession appears to have been over