3D Home Architect Deluxe (CD-ROM). Broderbund Software, Inc. (BDB), 2002. Order no. 181541 ($39.99 U.S.).
This easy-to-use program allows students to draw and edit contractor-ready home plans. It includes over 350 customizable floor plans, landscape planning, interior and exterior surfaces and multistory 3D walkthroughs. Students can reach their finished plan in a minimal amount of steps. The reference manual provides excellent support for the program. This evaluation was based on Version 3.0.
Suggested Use: Computer-Aided Drafting
Other Use: Design Studies; Housing; Interior Design
TurboCAD Professional (CD-ROM). IMSI Software Publishing (IMSI), 1999. Order no. TCP590UC ($199.95 U.S.).
TurboCAD Professional is a computer-aided design program that allows users to create precise drawings, 3D models and blueprints. Included are over 16 000 industry-specific symbols, 1000 house plans, voice recognition with continuous speech technology and
750 000 images from ArtToday.com. This version offers solid modelling capabilities.
This evaluation was based on the 2001 edition. Please check with the company for the latest version.
Suggested Use: Design CAD Fundamentals
Other Use: Design Studies
TurboCAD (CD-ROM). IMSI Software Publishing (IMSI), 2001. Order no. 00-TCP590DC ($49.95 U.S.).
This is an interactive 2D and 3D drawing program. Its features include drag-and-drop symbols, voice commands and an integrated Internet palette. This is an easy-to-use program with over 12 000 CAD symbols,
1000+ house plans, 700 3D symbols and 40+ sample drawings. Although not the industry standard, in terms of price and features this program will do the job if AutoCAD or MicroStation cannot be obtained. The program allows users to import and export from AutoCAD and MicroStation.
The user guide provides good support for the program.
This evaluation was based Version 8. Please check with the company for the latest version.
Suggested Use: Design CAD Fundamentals
Other Use: Design Studies
Understanding Construction Drawings. 3rd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Huth, Mark W. and Wells, Walter. Delmar Publications (NEL), 2000. 378 p. ISBN 0-7668-1580-3 ($72.00 pbk.).
Reading and understanding blueprints for all construction-related trades is an essential component of the field. This book provides students with that opportunity. Residential and commercial drawings are given for different geographic areas of North America. The drawing package contains prints for four different buildings. Each unit in the text is composed of learning objectives, information, a progress checklist and assignments. Some of the areas covered include footings, drainage, windows, stairs, plumbing and electrical. Each of these areas is well illustrated with photographs and drawings. An index is included.
Suggested Use: Drawings; Floor Plans
Other Use: Construction and Carpentry
Understanding Hazards and Risks (Video). (Safety Care Series). Safetycare Inc. (SCI), 2001. 16 min. No order number is required. ($195.00).
This video provides a general discussion about safety in the workplace. The philosophy and the laws behind safety are examined. In addition to safety in the workplace, the concept of safety in society as a whole is addressed.
Suggested Use: Safety
Other Use: All PAA Curricula
Visual CADD (CD-ROM). TriTools Partners (TTO), 2003. No order number is required ($425.00 U.S.).
Visual CADD is an easy-to-use design and drafting program. Its features include layer fucntion, automatic wall break, running snaps, multiple views and more. It includes hundreds of editable house plans and thousands of architectural , mechanical and electrical symbols.
The manual provides infomation on all of the Visual CADD features.
This evaluation was based on Visual CADD 3.0. Please contact the publisher for the lates version and price . More infomation and a demo version can be found on the company's website at http://tritools.com/.