Software tools for technical analysis of buildings in areas like structures, energy performance, code compliance, etc. are coming into broader use around the Department of Architecture as computing is integrated both more broadly and deeply around our curriculum.
In general, we find the best tools are those which meshed effectively with the three-dimensional modeling tools already in in heavy use at the center of the computer-integrated design process.
Examples of analytical tools in wide use in architecture at Oregon include Multiframe 3D, for structures, and Energy Scheming, for schematic-stage energy analysis.
The Radiance software we use for rendering and simulation doubles elegantly as a technical lighting analysis tool, as well.
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