CAD using preference compared to hand drafting in architectural working drawings coursework

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate educators' and students’ preferences for either computer-aided design (CAD) or traditional hand drafting in working drawings coursework (assignments, term projects and exams). (1) Background: Working drawings are considered an advanced level of technical drawings for the architecture discipline. (2) Material and Methods: A pilot study with three focus groups was conducted in the architecture department of a governmental male university in Saudi Arabia. According to the notes collected from the previous literature review and pilot study, a questionnaire was designed. This questionnaire was given to 21 educators and 59 students. (3) Results: Educators' and students' results were almost the same, showing a preference for using the CAD method compared to the hand drafting method in achieving the working drawing characteristics of accuracy, neatness, pen assignment adjustments, material presentation, ease of modification, saving the drawing for later review, and overall quality. CAD is also preferred due to saving exam time and its cost efficiency. However, the respondents confirmed the negative impact of CAD copy commands from previous projects on the understanding of working drawings and their preference to use the hand drafting drawing method for drawing notes on site visits. (4) Conclusions: The working drawings coursework should combine the CAD & hand drafting methods to utilize the advantages of both in order to improve the course learning outcome.