As an avid Android enthusiast I get rather frustrating these days that the other “i” applications are almost the only applications discussed in many e-zines + newspaper articles. Android is the fastest growing of the operating systems when it comes to smartphones and tablets, and commands a whopping 68.1% of the market share. Yet all you here about is “i” application this and “i” application that.
As an Android enthusiast and an Architect, I love using the android applications on my HTC for work and play when it comes to architecture. Many times when I’m on the move and i need to check something, I usually don’t have my laptop near by. But that is almost no longer problem nowadays, as Google Play (formally the Android Market) almost has an answer for that, with many architecturally related applications.
Here is where my frustration has come up with a minor solution, I have compiled a list of what at this stage I have discovered as some very handy Android applications which I am sure will assist many “Android Architects” out there like myself.
Please add your comments, and even suggestions so that we may share our Android app experiences with our architect colleagues.
12. Dwell
When ArchDaily comes out with their app, this will quickly fall down the list! Similar to the website, it gives you many design ideas. Its very easy to use, and a great reference guide on the go.. when you dont want to open up the net + open ArchDaily or Dezeen.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zumobi.android.dwell&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS56dW1vYmkuYW5kcm9pZC5kd2VsbCJd
11. Autodesk SketchBook Mobile Express
You can never beat a good ACTUAL sketchbook! That feeling of pen or pencil on paper is something that I personally could never give up. This is a good little tool, one you need to master, but good and fun to have.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sketchbookexpress&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLnNrZXRjaGJvb2tleHByZXNzIl0.
10. Buildings
How often do we forget to compile the list of “must see” buildings to visit, or when we do, forget an address to find them. This application is fantastic when you are travelling. It gives you small photos of many buildings, and also their addresses + distance from current location.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.openbuildings.buildings
9. Adobe Photoshop Express
Photoshoping on the run is difficult at the best of times when you have a laptop, mouse + some space. On the phone, its not bad, on the tablet a bit better, but when you need to make one of those last minute changes quickly, its very very very handy!
http://market.android.com/details?id=com.adobe.psmobile
9. Design Dimensions
A very very handy reference application for when you need to check on dimensions for many many various elements. The database is quite extensive. I use this as a guide only, obviously one must check standards + regulations for most uses.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.SolidDesignStudio.DesignDimensions&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5Tb2xpZERlc2lnblN0dWRpby5EZXNpZ25EaW1lbnNpb25zIl0.
7. Steel Sections
This is simply another fantastic little reference application, for when you need to check on some steel section dimensions. Simple, effective + very useful.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.silverfernsolutions.steelsections&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5zaWx2ZXJmZXJuc29sdXRpb25zLnN0ZWVsc2VjdGlvbnMiXQ..
6. Bridge Architect
There are not many “fun” architectural type apps, but this is! Fun and simple, and you also get to challenge that structural engineering education that you had back in second year of university!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reactive.bridge.beta&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5yZWFjdGl2ZS5icmlkZ2UuYmV0YSJd
5. Architect Quotes
Another app, that is more for fun, and a little also for some knowledge. There arent too many quotations, but there are enough to allow you to ponder, analyse, and discuss in the office + with colleagues.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.narble.quotes.architect&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5uYXJibGUucXVvdGVzLmFyY2hpdGVjdCJd
4. Dropbox
Having the ability to access an online file store in this day and age is essential. Having this “online portable hard drive” means that you can also access documents from almost anywhere, and save a few forests for those advanced users.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dropbox.android&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5kcm9wYm94LmFuZHJvaWQiXQ..
3. Instagram
Site photos and photos of architecture in general take on a new dimension. Sharing images with Clients is very easy, and it nice to also get some feedback on your photos from colleagues and friends. But, an app that is also just a little fun!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.android&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5pbnN0YWdyYW0uYW5kcm9pZCJd
2. Autodesk AutoCAD WS
No matter if you use AutoCad, ArchiCad, Microstation or Vectorworks, there is always a .dwg version of the drawing file. Here you can annotate, review + comment drawings on the go, and even when desperate make some last minute minor amendments!
http://market.android.com/details?id=com.autodesk.autocadws
1.(tied) Twitter
This is a tie between Twitter + Tweedeck as with one the other would not survice, nor would be as good. Social networking is incredible. The sharing ideas, articles + thoughts amongst architects is growing, and it simply a fantastic way to interact with your colleagues.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.twitter.android&feature=apps_topselling_free#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLG51bGwsImNvbS50d2l0dGVyLmFuZHJvaWQiXQ..
1.(tied) Tweetdeck
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thedeck.android.app&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS50aGVkZWNrLmFuZHJvaWQuYXBwIl0.
