C AD VANTAGE for Communities, Professionals and Students

I propose to consider how added value for professionals, and the consumers of their buildings and students of these processes might be attained. Through the vehicle of new technologies including the humble'CAD'system a fuller collaboration in design decision-making is aided through representation of 3 dimensional design ideas and their comprehension from different'vantage'points. Thus computing may enhance opportunity for more informed dialogue involving verbal and visual responses between the intentions of the architect and client and promise to open up more of the architectural design process to participation by the building consumers, bringing advantage'to all actors in the design process. More liberated sketching at the system is becoming evident as programmers, and users'skills adapt to the search for more enabling, creative and easier tools, procedures and interfaces freeing responsiveness to consumer wishes. Reflection from clients and practitioners brings hope that a more informed dialogue is enabled through computer supported designing. The beginnings of CAAD support to community groups acts as a facilitator. Contacting and working with community groups follows effective'Community Development'precedents established in the Liverpool of the sixties, to contact, activate, enable and provide necessary skill supports for community-driven striving for resolution of housing problems. Results of this, ploughed back into CAD teaching for Environmental Planners, brings increased awareness and visualisation of environmental, architectural and human issues and promises to begin a new cycle of more informed participation for citizens, architects, planners and consultants