Much Vexation About Representation LaiserinLetterLetters™ Laiserin's Lemma™—Have a Nice Day Today's Top-Level Take-Away—Documents and Computers? > As part of her master's thesis research, Jody Kenniston, a graduate student in Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is conducting a survey among engineers, architects and contractors re the quality of construction documents and the possible impacts of computer technology thereon. To participate—and qualify for a copy of the results—fill out the online questionnaire. Much Vexation About Representation Whether designing roads, refineries or residences, many engineers and architects still struggle with the three axes of representation: > from paper to digital > from 2D drawings to 3D models > from geometry to building information The trick is understanding that these axes are independent. For example, keeping 3D models and building information in digital form from end-to-end throughout the project lifecycle doesn't mean that humans must forever cease checking geometry in 2D paper drawings. Put another way, recognizing the continuing benefits of paper drawings is no reason to reject the emerging advantages of digital information. More... LaiserinLetterLetters™ An occasional sampling of reader electron-mail, or "keep those waves and particles pouring in, folks!" More... Laiserin's Lemma™—Have a Nice Day (lemma: a short theorem used in proving a larger theorem) The indefatigable Martyn Day has contributed still more of his rapier-sharp insights—and we respond. Unable to "afford such complacency" and preferring "historical accuracy over hyperbole," Martyn hurls the ultimate trans-Atlantic barb: "sounds like you work for Autodesk!" (albeit with a tacked on). More...