ABSTRACT
Social interest housing (SIH) is a priority within urban development
policies in Ecuador, particularly in Guayaquil, a city facing rapid population
growth, high urban density, and budgetary constraints that limit access to
adequate housing. In this context, computer-aided design (CAD) tools have
become strategic instruments for optimizing architectural planning and
construction documentation in socially oriented housing projects. This paper
analyzes the use of AutoCAD as a technical drafting and planning tool in the
design of social interest housing in Guayaquil. A qualitative–comparative
approach was adopted, focusing on AutoCAD’s contribution to precision in
architectural layouts, plan standardization, technical coordination, and
compliance with local regulations. The methodology involved the development of
social housing prototypes with built areas between 45 and 60 m², integrating
variables such as spatial distribution, cross-ventilation, orientation, and
municipal requirements. The results show that AutoCAD enables accurate
representation of reduced spaces, facilitates the reuse of standardized
elements, and supports reliable area and quantity measurements. Although
AutoCAD does not natively include advanced parametric capabilities, its
accessibility, low hardware requirements, and compatibility with institutional
approval processes make it a widely used tool in social housing projects. The
study concludes that AutoCAD remains a fundamental resource for the technical
development of social interest housing in Guayaquil, particularly in contexts
with limited economic and technological resources.
RESUMEN
La vivienda
social (SIH) es una prioridad dentro de las políticas de desarrollo urbano en
Ecuador, especialmente en Guayaquil, una ciudad que se enfrenta a un rápido
crecimiento demográfico, una alta densidad urbana y restricciones
presupuestarias que limitan el acceso a una vivienda adecuada. En este
contexto, las herramientas de diseño asistido por ordenador (CAD) se han
convertido en instrumentos estratégicos para optimizar la planificación
arquitectónica y la documentación de la construcción en proyectos de vivienda
de orientación social. Este artículo analiza el uso de AutoCAD como herramienta
técnica de dibujo y planificación en el diseño de viviendas de interés social
en Guayaquil. Se adoptó un enfoque cualitativo-comparativo, centrándose en la
contribución de AutoCAD a la precisión en los diseños arquitectónicos, la
estandarización de los planos, la coordinación técnica y el cumplimiento de la
normativa local. La metodología consistió en el desarrollo de prototipos de
viviendas sociales con superficies construidas de entre 45 y 60 m², integrando
variables como la distribución espacial, la ventilación cruzada, la orientación
y los requisitos municipales. Los resultados muestran que AutoCAD permite una
representación precisa de espacios reducidos, facilita la reutilización de
elementos estandarizados y permite realizar mediciones fiables de superficie y
cantidad. Aunque AutoCAD no incluye de forma nativa capacidades paramétricas
avanzadas, su accesibilidad, sus bajos requisitos de hardware y su compatibilidad
con los procesos de aprobación institucional lo convierten en una herramienta
muy utilizada en proyectos de vivienda social. El estudio concluye que AutoCAD
sigue siendo un recurso fundamental para el desarrollo técnico de viviendas de
interés social en Guayaquil, especialmente en contextos con recursos económicos
y tecnológicos limitados.
Keywords / Palabras
clave
AutoCAD, social interest housing, CAD, architectural design, Guayaquil.
AutoCAD,
viviendas de interés social, CAD, diseño arquitectónico, Guayaquil.
Introduction
Social
interest housing (SIH) has become a central topic in contemporary urban and
architectural research due to its direct relationship with social equity,
quality of life, and sustainable urban development. In Latin American cities,
rapid urbanization processes, informal settlement growth, and economic
inequality have intensified the demand for affordable and well-planned housing
solutions. Ecuador reflects this regional reality, particularly in Guayaquil,
the country’s largest and most populous city, where housing demand continues to
outpace supply (Florio & Tagliari, 2021).
Guayaquil’s
accelerated demographic growth, combined with high land values and climatic
conditions characteristic of a tropical coastal city, poses complex challenges
for the planning and construction of social interest housing. Public housing
programs and private initiatives aimed at low-income populations must operate
under strict budgetary limitations while ensuring minimum habitability
standards, structural safety, and compliance with municipal regulations. These
constraints require design processes that are not only technically accurate but
also efficient, adaptable, and cost-effective.
Within this
context, the adoption of digital tools for architectural design has transformed
traditional workflows. Computer-aided design (CAD) systems have replaced manual
drafting, enabling higher levels of precision, faster modifications, and
improved coordination among project stakeholders. Among these tools,
AutoCAD—developed by Autodesk—remains one of the most widely used CAD platforms
in architectural and engineering practice worldwide. Despite the emergence of
Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, AutoCAD continues to play a
crucial role in the production of technical drawings, particularly in small-
and medium-scale housing projects (Li et al., 2026).
The
relevance of AutoCAD in social interest housing lies in its capacity to
generate accurate two-dimensional documentation required for construction,
budgeting, and regulatory approval. In cities such as Guayaquil, municipal
authorities frequently require architectural plans in DWG format, reinforcing
AutoCAD’s institutional relevance. Additionally, its relatively low hardware
requirements and widespread professional familiarity make it accessible to
small design firms, public institutions, and academic environments involved in
SIH development (Burgess et al., 2026).
From an
architectural perspective, social interest housing is characterized by reduced
floor areas, repetitive unit typologies, and standardized construction systems.
These characteristics demand precise spatial planning to ensure functional
layouts, adequate ventilation, and compliance with minimum living standards.
AutoCAD supports this process by allowing exact control over dimensions,
efficient use of layers for technical coordination, and the reuse of
standardized blocks for architectural and construction elements. Such features
contribute to reducing design errors and improving the clarity of construction
documentation.
Recent
academic and professional studies emphasize that while parametric and BIM-based
tools offer advanced capabilities for automation and data integration,
traditional CAD platforms remain highly relevant in contexts with limited
technological and economic resources. In Guayaquil, where public housing
programs often prioritize cost efficiency and rapid execution, AutoCAD serves
as a practical and reliable solution for the technical development of housing
projects. Moreover, its compatibility with other digital tools allows it to
function as part of hybrid workflows that incorporate parametric design or BIM
methodologies when required (Liao et al., 2026).
This
research aims to analyze the application of AutoCAD in the design and technical
development of social interest housing in Guayaquil, focusing on its
contribution to spatial optimization, plan standardization, technical
coordination, and regulatory compliance. By examining its role within
contemporary housing design processes, the study seeks to demonstrate that
AutoCAD remains a relevant and effective tool for addressing the challenges
associated with socially oriented housing projects in rapidly growing urban
environments (Tian, 2020).
Materials and Methods
This
research was developed using a qualitative–descriptive methodological approach,
supported by a comparative technical analysis of digital design processes
applied to social interest housing (SIH). The study focuses on the use of
AutoCAD as a computer-aided design tool for architectural drafting, technical
coordination, and documentation of housing projects in the urban context of
Guayaquil.
A.
Materials
The
materials used in this study include digital tools, technical documentation,
and regulatory references related to social interest housing design. The
primary materials are described below:
Computer-Aided
Design Software.
The main
tool employed was AutoCAD, developed by Autodesk, due to its widespread use in
architectural and engineering practice in Ecuador. AutoCAD was used for the
development of two-dimensional architectural drawings, including floor plans,
elevations, sections, and building services layouts. Its functionalities for
layer management, block creation, dimensioning, and digital measurement were
essential to the research process.
Housing
Design Prototypes.
Standardized
social interest housing prototypes were developed as case-study models. These
prototypes were designed with built areas ranging between 45 and 60 m²,
consistent with typical SIH standards in Ecuador. The housing units included
basic functional spaces such as living-dining areas, kitchen, bathroom, and one
to three bedrooms.
Technical
and Regulatory Documentation
Local building regulations, municipal guidelines, and minimum habitability
standards applicable to housing projects in Guayaquil were reviewed and applied
during the design process. These documents provided constraints related to
minimum room dimensions, circulation widths, ventilation requirements, and
construction specifications.
Computing
Equipment.
The design
work was carried out using mid-range personal computers, reflecting the typical
technological resources available in small architectural offices and academic
environments. This condition ensured that the methodology and results were
replicable under common professional circumstances.
B. Methods
The
methodological process was structured into four sequential phases, aimed at
evaluating the effectiveness of AutoCAD in the design and technical development
of social interest housing.
1)
Architectural Drafting and Spatial Configuration
In the
first phase, architectural layouts were developed using AutoCAD based on
functional requirements and minimum habitability standards. Floor plans were
drafted with precise control over dimensions to optimize reduced spaces
characteristic of SIH. Particular attention was given to spatial efficiency,
circulation clarity, and the logical arrangement of service areas (Hamed, 2021).
2)
Standardization and Layer Organization
The second
phase focused on the organization and standardization of drawing elements.
Reusable blocks were created for architectural components such as doors,
windows, sanitary fixtures, and basic furniture. These elements were organized
using a layered drawing structure, separating architectural, structural, and
building services components. This approach improved drawing clarity and
facilitated modifications during the design process (de Diego et al., 2022).
3)
Technical Coordination of Building Systems
In the
third phase, technical coordination was addressed through the integration of
electrical, plumbing, and sanitary layouts within the architectural drawings.
The use of layers allowed for the superposition and verification of different
systems, helping to identify potential conflicts and ensuring consistency
between plans. This step was essential for producing construction-ready
documentation.
4)
Measurement, Quantification, and Documentation
The final
phase involved the use of AutoCAD’s digital measurement and annotation tools to
calculate areas, perimeters, and quantities of construction elements. These
measurements supported preliminary cost estimation and technical validation of
the design proposals. The resulting drawings were formatted according to
standard DWG requirements, suitable for municipal submission and construction
use (Toledo et al., 2016).
Results
As a result
of a preliminary evaluation, the basic needs of social housing were identified
through a sample of dwellings in the Guayaquil suburbs, where more than 60% of
social housing typologies are concentrated. It was determined that the
established social housing typologies include concrete block dwellings with
zinc roofs and partition structures with wooden enclosures, reflecting a
traditional design. Therefore, an approach was developed toward a scheme using
AI and Autodesk (Chi et al., 2015).
Specific
parameters were designed for horizontal housing algorithms. Initially, the
objective was to define general parameters. As the research progressed, design
strategies were established to meet specific habitability needs. Reference
projects provided the necessary parameters to begin designing the algorithms
for creating residential units through Project Management (PM). There are two
types of parameters:
1) for
general building definitions and
2) for the
specific elements of the building.
The
objective of the proposal is to provide housing for families of three (45 m²
units) to six (60 m² - regulatory standard), which represents the primary
population in suburban areas. This algorithm (Table 1) contains a set of
building parameters:
a)
variations in width and length of each unit (from A to F);
b) one, two
or three-story unit;
c) specific
location of hydraulic zones;
d) five
types of stairs;
e)
definition of the dimensions and positions of the mezzanine openings;
f) types of
window frames and their position (based on Modulor);
g)
dimensions and position of the walls;
h)
dimensions and location of six types of skylights;
i)
dimensions of terraces, windowsills and benches;
j) two
types of doors, and
k) kitchen
sink countertop dimensions.
Unit types
were generated from combinations of units A, B, C, D, E, and F. Parameter
manipulation allowed for the generation of many unit types, with large
variations in area, from 45 to 60 m². Since the stated objective was to create
a variety of unit types, primarily derived from strategic traffic location,
parameters were inserted into the algorithm to enable such combinations.
Table 1. Parameterization of
spatial units
The
carefully designed algorithm generated a diverse set of units, with the goal of
creating three units for each modularity(Ali et al., 2020; Kalach et al., 2021). Following this
step, the unit elements were detailed: floors, stairs, walls, windows, doors,
benches, and washbasin countertops.
The
flexible arrangement of stair types and spaces by use allowed for the
distribution of social, private, and service areas in different positions
within the space. Furthermore, the possibility of generating different openings
in the units provided alternate heights and different internal views.
This figure
provides a schematic view of the main decisions made to define the building
components.
Le
Corbusier's Modulor system was adopted to define the windows that contribute to
the dynamic facade. The parametric approach promotes many alternatives for the
openings of the VIS units. The diversity of the units, resulting from the
manipulation of parameters, responds to new contemporary lifestyles, which
demand flexibility and the ability to adapt to different internal and external
environments.
Data
Analysis
The
application of AutoCAD and general data based on the synthesis of information
filtered using AI in the design and technical development of social interest
housing (SIH) produced positive results in drafting accuracy, spatial
efficiency, and technical coordination. The development of standardized housing
prototypes demonstrated that AutoCAD is an effective tool for managing reduced
floor areas and repetitive design typologies, which are characteristic of SIH
projects (Liao et al., 2026).
One of the
most significant results was the high level of dimensional precision achieved
in architectural layouts. AutoCAD allowed exact control over minimum room
dimensions, circulation widths, and spatial relationships, ensuring compliance
with habitability standards and local building regulations. This precision was
particularly relevant in housing units with built areas between 45 and 60 m²,
where small dimensional errors can significantly affect functionality.
The use of
blocks and layered drawings contributed to improved efficiency during the
design process. Standardized blocks for doors, windows, sanitary fixtures, and
furniture reduced drafting time and ensured consistency across multiple housing
units. Layer-based organizations facilitated the separation and visualization
of architectural, electrical, and plumbing systems, improving the clarity of
technical documentation and reducing the likelihood of design conflicts (Gómez-Sánchez et al., 2019).
Additionally,
AutoCAD’s digital measurement tools enabled accurate calculation of built areas
and construction quantities. These measurements supported preliminary cost
estimation and material planning, which are critical factors in social housing
projects constrained by limited budgets. The DWG format generated by AutoCAD
also proved effective for institutional review, as it is widely accepted by
municipal authorities and technical departments involved in housing approval
processes (Alawi et al., 2024; Hosseini Khorasani et al., 2024).
The
analysis was conducted through a qualitative evaluation of the design process,
focusing on drafting accuracy, time efficiency, ease of modification, and
technical coordination. Observations were recorded during each methodological
phase, allowing for the identification of advantages and limitations associated
with the use of AutoCAD in SIH projects. The results were interpreted in
relation to the specific urban, economic, and institutional conditions of
Guayaquil.
Figure 1. Social housing based on modular design in Autodesk and data analysis
applying Artificial Intelligence for 3D visualization
B.
Discussion
The results
confirm that AutoCAD remains a highly relevant design tool for social interest
housing projects, particularly in urban contexts with economic and
technological constraints. In Guayaquil, where housing demand is high and
public resources are limited, the efficiency and accessibility of AutoCAD
provide a practical advantage over more complex digital platforms.
Although
Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools offer advanced capabilities such as
parametric modeling, automated quantity takeoffs, and integrated data
management, their implementation often requires higher levels of investment,
training, and hardware performance. In contrast, AutoCAD—developed by
Autodesk—offers a balance between technical precision and operational
simplicity, making it suitable for small architectural offices, public
institutions, and academic environments involved in SIH development.
The
discussion also highlights that AutoCAD’s two-dimensional approach is well
aligned with the documentation requirements of social housing projects. The
focus on clear, construction-ready drawings supports effective communication
between designers, engineers, and construction teams. This is particularly
important in projects where construction methods are standardized, and
execution timelines are tight (Gómez-Sánchez et al., 2019).
However,
the limitations of AutoCAD must be acknowledged. The lack of native parametric
and data-driven functionalities restricts its capacity for automated design
optimization and lifecycle analysis. As housing projects become more complex
and sustainability requirements increase, the integration of AutoCAD with
complementary tools—such as BIM or energy analysis software—could enhance
overall project performance.
Despite
these limitations, the findings indicate that AutoCAD continues to play a
fundamental role in the technical development of social interest housing. Its
widespread institutional acceptance, ease of use, and adaptability to local
workflows ensure its continued relevance in cities like Guayaquil, where the
primary design challenge lies in balancing cost efficiency, technical accuracy,
and social impact (Villegas et al., 2020).
Conclusions
This study
demonstrates that AutoCAD continues to be a fundamental and effective tool for
the design and technical development of social interest housing (SIH) in
Guayaquil. Its application enables a high level of precision in architectural
drafting, which is essential for projects characterized by reduced floor areas,
repetitive housing typologies, and strict budgetary constraints.
The results
confirm that AutoCAD supports efficient spatial optimization, allowing
designers to comply with minimum habitability standards while maximizing
functional use of space. The use of layers and standardized blocks improves
drawing clarity, reduces design errors, and enhances coordination among
architectural, structural, and building service systems. These advantages
contribute directly to improved technical quality and reduced development time
in SIH projects.
Furthermore,
AutoCAD’s accessibility, moderate hardware requirements, and widespread
institutional acceptance make it particularly suitable for the urban and
administrative context of Guayaquil. The use of standardized DWG formats
facilitates municipal approval processes and supports effective communication
between designers, engineers, and construction teams, which is critical for the
successful execution of social housing projects (AlSagri & Sohail, 2024).
Although
AutoCAD presents limitations related to parametric modeling and integrated data
management, these constraints do not diminish its relevance in socially
oriented housing design. Instead, they highlight the opportunity to integrate
AutoCAD with complementary digital tools, such as BIM platforms or performance
analysis software (Ismail et al., 2023; Jorge et al., 2023), to enhance
design efficiency and sustainability in future projects (Qin et al., 2024).
In
conclusion, AutoCAD remains a practical, reliable, and accessible solution for
addressing the technical challenges of social interest housing in Guayaquil.
Its continued use, combined with emerging digital methodologies, can contribute
to the development of more efficient, sustainable, and socially responsive
housing solutions in rapidly growing urban environments(Guardiola & García-Quero, 2014; Paredes & Perez,
2025).
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