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Instant Design and Drafting book series . . .
The Instant Design and Drafting book series is designed to produce learners who understand the function of the Autodesk® AutoCAD design software, its application in specific fields, and the fundamentals of advanced, field specific Autodesk software. Whether the learner intends to master the use of AutoCAD in both the 2D and 3D worlds, or apply the software to the mechanical or architectural disciplines specifically, there are a number of texts within the series to facilitate each individual path.

Instant AutoCAD: Architectural Desktop
Instant AutoCAD: Architectural Desktop 2.0 or 3.0 another text in the Instant AutoCAD series, continues the tradition of delivering technical information in a quick and easy format. Although this book does not attempt to cover all the complexities of the program, as we're sure you can understand that a book this size can touch only on the basics, it does offer a look at architectural design in the world of Architectural Desktop, from concepts to construction documents.

Architectural Desktop (ADT) is a 3D, object-based, parametric designer with which the user initially creates 3D models of buildings from mass elements and uses this conceptual design to create a refined building system. Construction documents can then be created. Architectural Desktop is fully integrated and makes use of the AutoCAD graphic interface. The power of the program lies in the object-oriented facilities that can alter an existing design for use in a variety of applications. The architectural objects are able to relate intelligently with one another. At any time you can change the shape and size of the objects that make up the design. Once a design has been created, two-dimensional drawings, in various views, can be created automatically, applying drafting standards for dimensioning and symbol application.

The aim of this text is to give you information and hands-on practical experience so that you will be able to make use of this complex interface in the most efficient manner possible. Instant AutoCAD: Architectural Desktop 2.0 contains hundreds of figures to illustrate the various processes needed to move from a concept to a fully annotated drawing using a 3D model as the base. For each new process, concise theory is presented followed by a practical application to reinforce the newly obtained information.

Editorial Review From Book News, Inc.
An overview of the use of Instant AutoCAD Architectural Desktop which attempts to deliver basic technical information on the application quickly. Hundreds of illustrations show the various functions of the program in chapters aimed at self-instruction, each with a quiz and a list of projects at the end. Exterior and interior planning are described, as are representation views, creating openings and construction documentation. The included CD-ROM offers hands-on practice for material covered in the text, as well as models for the creation of building components. Book News, Inc.Ž, Portland, OR

Customer Review Reviewer: Zane W. Mitchell Jr. from Colorado Springs, CO United States
Excellent introduction to Architectural Desktop. Contains all the info needed to start creating buildings. Does not have the all the details necessary to fully use all the tools in the program, but hits the high points. It is important that the reader have a basic understanding of AutoCAD before using this book--the book does not teach AutoCAD basics--only covers Arch DT specifics. Good exercises written into the book to help with the learning process.

"Architectural Desktop is a very complex and powerful program but the experience of learning it shouldnt be dull or threatening. Rather, with lots of exercises, informal language, and friendly graphics it may be easier to learn. Ethier and Ethier