Drawings or Models?

Today I am working with some original blue prints and recreating some sections from those drawings. The funny thing is, my desk and adjoining work surface aren't even deep enough to accommodate the oversize 36"x48" drawing sheets. This brings back the topic of spatial relations and requirements. With the use of CAD and 3D computer modelling (BIM) the space needed to produce a drawing set is greatly reduced. No more drafting board/table or the additional layout space necessary for the overflow of paper and drafting tools.

It is interesting to think of the progression of our fine profession. Originally, everything was done by hand...now it is almost all done with the help of computers and digital files. Unless you're in Architecture School, it's hard to even give away drafting supplies. Hard copies of anything are only used for an additional record of the digital files. Most municipalities still require a paper copy of a drawing set (as do contractors), but I can see the day when it will all be done digitally. Revisions will be downloaded to each individual's 3D computer model of the building and automatically updated. No more worries about missed addendum sketches or coordination issues between trades!

With the pace of the growth and development of technology, I certainly see this as becoming the reality of the not-so-distant future. Clients will likely even come to designers with an existing model or maybe something that they have created themselves. We may not need the paper copies of drawing sets at that point, except as the napkins for our coffee drips. Even though I see the digital future of architecture, I still love the feel of pen on paper and actually sketching an idea out. Computer models will likely take over as the dominant means of communication for Architecture, but I will still hold on to the antiquated hand drawn sketch with all of its simplicity and beauty.