Final answer:
The modern term 'computer architecture' covers three aspects: the design of instruction set architecture, organization of the computer, and the physical hardware implementation. CAD software has transformed architectural design through enhanced visualization, speed, and accuracy, facilitating 3D models and virtual tours.
Step-by-step explanation:
The modern meaning of the term computer architecture encompasses three core aspects of computer design, which are: the design of instruction set architecture (ISA), which defines the machine code that a processor reads and acts upon; the organization of the computer, which includes the practical details of how specific implementation technologies realize the ISA; and the hardware implementation, involving the actual physical components of the computer.
Computer architecture enables engineers, programmers, and users to understand computers at different levels. On the physical level, engineers see computers as a series of electronic changes. On the design level, programmers view the machine as running a program. On the commonsense level, users see the computer performing tasks such as word processing or solving equations.
The invention of CAD (computer-aided software) in 1961 revolutionized architectural design, migrating from pencil to digital technology, allowing for realistic representations, enhanced speed, improved accuracy, and overall affordability. Modern CAD programs support architects in designing, drawing final plans, and creating live 3-dimensional models that can offer virtual tours and detailed views of the architectural design from various angles.