Architecture retrospective: our 25-year anniversary celebration continues with architectural highlights.

PART 6

Ever since humans constructed the first, crude dwellings, architecture has fluctuated between the disciplines of art and science, form and function. It has this in common with computer graphics technology, which also attracts practitioners from both artistic and scientific camps. The relatively short history of digital architecture reflects these conflicted leanings. While the 2D floor plans of the 1980s became the full-blown 3D renderings of the 1990s. many architects (trained as draftspeople) were and still are reluctant to fully embrace design software. Nevertheless the software continues to evolve: 3D models can now be viewed inside and out, mad walkthroughs are commonplace. Updated lighting, texturing, and rendering capabilities enhance presentations. New parametric design functions promise to streamline the notoriously convoluted processes behind building projects. Paradoxically, among the newest AEC tools are programs that apply the hand-drawn appearance of traditional artists' sketches to digital designs.

December 1976 Using a Calma interactive graphics system based on a Data General Eclipse S-200 mini-computer, Raytheon and the Brooklyn Union Gas company are able to continuously update a digital database for the utility's Staten Island fuel distribution. The graphical database enables street views with varying levels of detail.

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November 1983 Computer-aided design and drafting software helps the architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill create a "fast-track" digital building plan for Pacific Bell that can be altered while construction is in progress.

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March 1982 Intergraph Corp. introduces Innovator, a line of turnkey workstation and software systems tailored to architectural users. The Software features three sets of tools: floor plans, facility management, and 3D interior modeling.