STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

4.5 The Medium
4.5.1 Print
Digital media is long way from replacing print. For many, books, journals, magazines,
newspapers, product brochures, technical papers and other forms of printed literature
remain a preferred way to communicate information and images. In spite of the convenience
provided by the internet, many people would still rather access information in printed form. In
fact, much of the information on the internet is also available in print. Material suppliers and
manufacturers have for the most part simply made their printed literature available on a
website. The McGraw-Hill Construction Sweets Network is the largest industry resource for
construction products. While the network has gone largely digital, they still provide one of the
largest catalog programs in the industry, including multiple volumes of product literature to
over 70 thousand architects annually.
Books are arguably still the popular choice when communicating a large volume of in-depth,
comprehensive information and analysis on a subject.
4.5.2 Digital Media
Digital media include CD-ROM and DVD, digital video, cable TV and satellite broadcasting,
computer software and E-mail. Digital media emerged in dramatic fashion starting in the
1980’s, and has replaced much of the earlier analog technology. The spread of digital media
was enabled by, or at least paralleled, the diffusion of the personal computer into
mainstream culture. In turn, digital media have facilitated the diffusion of information into the
culture.
4.5.3 Software Programs
Software programs are a compilation of digital code that can be processed by a computer to
perform certain functions. They are great for automating processes, especially analytical
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