Architects can have fun and learn crucial elements of architecture at the same time, courtesy of Minecraft.
Minecraft is a 3-D, open world where players can explore environments, collect materials, transform materials, alter landscapes, and build buildings and infrastructure.
In this guide, you will learn more about how Minecraft can benefit architecture students and architects.
You will also discover excellent Minecraft alternatives.
Do Architects Use Minecraft?
Architects play Minecraft to inspire creative or dynamic thinking, make designs come to life, and practice elements of architecture.
Minecraft presents the first-person point of view, allowing architects to maneuver and experience the world as real-life architects.
Interestingly, it takes architects back to the roots of architecture by encouraging them to think about base materials.
Players must find and collect specific resources and combine and transform them into sophisticated materials.
This step can be relatively time-consuming, forcing players to consider what they want to build and how they will create it.
Next, they must find an appropriate setting for their homes, buildings, towns, or cities.
Further, they can alter the landscape to fit their designs, or they can change their plans to fit the landscape.
In this way, architects must consider base-layer construction and how it fits into projects.
Naturally, they will spend most of their time creating actual builds.
Some architects use Minecraft to recreate famous or prominent architecture in real life or fantasy worlds.
Other architects use Minecraft to bring their own conceptions to life, find out how their designs would truly work or look, and alter specific aspects until they meet their vision.
How Useful Is Minecraft To Architects?
Minecraft is enjoyable to practice architecture and design without requiring specific calculations and considerations.
For this reason, architects can use the game to get into a creative mindset and consider practical applications without putting too much pressure on themselves.
They can practice uncomplicated blueprinting, landscaping, material selection, spatial planning, alteration and expansion, and interior design here.
Aspiring architects may also find their passion for design and builds by playing Minecraft.
However, Minecraft does not have use-value while practicing authentic architecture.
Architects who wish to practice serious architecture aspects or involve details in their planning should consider architecture and Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) software.
Is Minecraft Good For Architecture?
Minecraft is an excellent choice for architects if they are learning architecture or practicing the creative elements of architecture.
It may be especially good for prospective architects, students, or architects looking for inspiration.
A few of the reasons Minecraft stands out from its alternatives:
- It is accessible to everyone with a computer, graphics card, and reasonable-speed internet connection.
- It is easy to use for any age group.
- It approaches architecture in a fun way.
- It uses 3-D modeling similar to some CAD software.
- It is collaborative, so players can work with others or architecture groups to build specific projects.
- Players must work with limitations in landscape and materials, similar to real life.
Do Architects Draw Or Use Computers?
Architects draw and use computers for their designs.
Technical drawings or drafts allow architects to put their ideas on paper, as well as build and change them.
Hand-drawn designs also facilitate posing ideas to peers, collaborators, consultants, or clients informally.
Architects use CAD software for similar tasks and for advancing preliminary drafts to formal drawings.
CAD is software facilitating the development and modification of 2-D or 3-D designs.
Uniquely, advanced CAD can consider materials, environment, weather conditions, measurements, angles, load weight, and other important elements to buildings.
Similar to hand-drawing, architects can share, consult, and collaborate with team members and clients over the design.
What Do Architects Actually Do?
Architects design, optimize, and oversee the development of structures, buildings, and infrastructure.
They are mainly responsible for the overall aesthetics of the building and may be in charge of its practicality, functions, or longevity.
Naturally, they have smaller tasks that contribute to their goals, such as:
- Meeting with clients to discuss preferences and objectives
- Determining proper materials to meet objectives and respect limitations
- Preparing drawings with materials, measurements, and other specifications
- Optimizing designs to meet adjusted needs or costs
- Preparing official, scaled drawings and blueprints
- Respecting structure and work codes and regulations
- Conducting risk analyses
- Determining estimates and overall costs
- Recommending team members who may need to work on the project
- Visiting work sites to oversee construction
Depending on their teams, architects may hand some of these responsibilities off to structural engineers, junior architects, or architectural designers.
What Technologies Do Architects Use?
Architects use many technologies to assist with essential tasks, including computers, tablets, diazo machines, laser printers, and 3-D printers.
On computers and tablets, they can take advantage of CAD software.
It is specially designed architecture software considering essential elements of geometry and physics.
They use this software to design, develop, and optimize buildings and other structures.
Diazo machines and laser printers allow architects to prepare blueprints.
Finally, some architecture firms and architects use 3-D printers to showcase to bring their designs to life and track the progress of projects.
Minecraft Alternatives To Practice:
There are plenty of alternatives, architecture games where aspiring architects and experienced architects can practice their craft:
- Lego Worlds: Players can use Lego blocks to design homes and other types of structures.
- Cities: Skylines: Architects can build houses, cities, and roads. With mods, they can even customize the homes themselves.
- Terraria: A sandbox version of Minecraft, players can explore and build to their heart’s content.
- The Architect: Paris: Architects can draw and build their own projects within the city of Paris, France.
- Project Highrise: Players can build 2-D towers and skyscrapers.
Final Thoughts
While architects mainly practice architectural design through hand-drawn drafts and CAD software, it can be delightful to practice techniques and bring them to life one step at a time in Minecraft.
It is not only a pleasurable game but an enjoyable way to encourage a creative spirit and emphasize some aspects of the design process.
If you desire a leisurely way to inspire and motivate yourself in architecture, consider Minecraft or similar games.
References
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm#tab-2
https://store.steampowered.com/app/332310/LEGO_Worlds/