This paper discusses the use of CAD to promote the integration of graphical information across project design teams.

CAD comes in many shapes and forms, for modelling graphical information in 2 and 3 dimensions. Why are practices opting for CAD, what approach are they taking, and what impact is it having on them?

CAD can benefit both practice and project, with the principle advantages perceived in four areas:

• CAD provides a base to test and integrate design information
• tasks are achieved more rapidly
• practices are able to dramatically raise fee earning capacity
• communications are better and faster within design teams

The base of graphical information stored by consultants on in-house CAD systems must be made available to other consultants working on the same project. Equally, information must be transferred back. Electronic communication enables complete and rapid integration of the project data base.

The theory is excellent, but does it actually happen? A recent CICA report suggests not, for a number of reasons. What can be done about it? Is it desirable, and if so, how is it best effected?

A case study demonstrates how we achieve an integrated project database, and how it benefits the project.

A description of an established integrated project database demonstrates the impact it has on the project as a whole. The architect and the structural engineer are linked through Datadraw into a co-ordinated grahical database, providing access to all relevant project information as well as having their own CAD terminals for draughting purposes.

CAD is increasingly recognised, but many practices still need to overcome the barriers outlined in the CICA report. We look at the change in attitudes and the impact of new technology in the light of development of UNIX based systems, ISDN and other innovations.

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