Architosh Staff ([email protected])

6 Sep 2002

 

Reader Q: Macintosh CAD software for Kids

Architosh reader Dr. Stanton Simandle, a principal at an elementary school wrote in with an excellent and frequently asked question:

My son is turning 16. He is interested in architecture, and I would like to purchase a software package that would allow him to explore designing houses and building and such. We have a G4 with OS X. What would you recommend?

Even in the good ole days of Mac lore, there were never really a ton of options for CAD programs suitable for kids interested in engineering and architecture. That still remains a market niche left very much unfulfilled. But here are some excellent choices to consider for your young CAD user-to-be:

• MacDraft 5 - by Microspot of UK. Not only is this program ready for Mac OS X, sporting a beautiful Aqua interface, we also gave it high marks in an indepth review here not too far back. MacDraft is a venerable, easy-to-use CAD application that captures the best of what makes a Mac so special to work with. There is also a compatible PC Draft software cousin which makes the pair very suitable for mixed educational environments. The program cost less than $600 US when we last checked.

• VersaCAD 2001 - by Archway Inc. VersaCAD has a long and storied background on the Macintosh but just returned back to the platform a few years ago. The company offers aggressive educational pricing as well. Many folks have written in over the years saying that VersaCAD was once the best CAD product on the planet and a great foundation to learn any other CAD program. For beginning CAD users -- especially kids -- it's hard not to at least take a look at the product. http://www.archway.com or www.versacad.com

• Premier Architect for Mac OS X - by Abracadata. This product has been in the waiting for some time now but looks to be a promising application in the low-end range. Ideal for house owners looking to explore renovation options and for youngsters interested in becoming architects when they grow up. In the meantime, the company also makes the Design Your Own Home™ series of classic Macintosh products. 3D Walkaround is the best one for kids interested in architecture. You can see those apps at: http://www.abracadata.com

• BOA CAD - by BOA Research. BOA is a newcomer in the CAD world and features some impressive 3D technology. The CAD program is more advanced than any of the programs listed above but the company makes very aggressive educational offers. Likely too difficult to learn or master for the middle-school child, the program is well within reach for high school students, especially those who have taken to learning Autocad. However, BOA blows Autocad out of the water as a visualization aid to creative design because of its powerful 3D interface. BOA is also the most analogous to a child playing with blocks, except this process takes place in the computer. The program currently runs on Classic Mac and Windows machines. A Mac OS X version is coming. You can read some reviews below or visit them on the Web.

• Product Review of BOA 2.4 for Mac OS

• BOA In-Depth Part 1

Closing Comments

There are a number of other excellent CAD programs available for the Mac, including some for Mac OS X. However this parent and experienced educator was asking for a program for home (personal) use. That limits our price a bit. We didn't list any CAD software which was over $800 because who would spend that kind of money on their child from the get-go.

Our strongest recommendation (and many folks might disagree with this) is to start with a very simple and inexpensive program like those from Abracadata. Such software is generally less than $100US. If this goes well, then consider spending more money (maybe much more). If your child is really ready for 3D modeling as well, there are a number of excellent inexpensive 3D modeling tools where they can model architecture and other forms and environments. That can be a lot of fun for them as a place to go once they master CAD. Visit our Digital Practice Guide for more information. We recommend DesignWorkShop and SketchUp as two excellent tools for young architects. Ashlar Vellum's new NEON would also be a good tool for general purpose modeling. You can learn more here: http://www.ashlar.com

Did we forget anything? If you think so let us know. Thanks.

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