Graphic Language of Buildings

Architectural Plans

Types of Architectural Drawings

• Schematic Plans– Study drawings to develop a design concept

• Presentation Drawings– Communicate the design to the clients

• Working Drawings– Communicate the instructions necessary for the

construction of the design

Site Plan

• The view straight down on a building on a plot of land.• Shows:

– Location– Orientation (N, S, E, W)– Topography

• detailed description of land forms or surface features of an area• Contour lines show the different heights of the earth’s surface

– Landscaping– Utilities

• public services like water, electricity, gas, sewage

– Site work

Basic Elements of a Site Plan

Floor Plans

• View looking straight down into the building as if a cutting plane cut the top part of the building off at about 4 feet above the floor

• Shows size, form, and relationship between the spaces of a building measured horizontally

• Illustrates the thickness and construction of the vertical space defining elements like walls, columns, door and window openings

Which is Which?

Assignment

• Measure the classroom• Sketch a schematic plan• Draw a floor plan of the classroom at ¼” scale using the drafting

boards, triangle, and scale• Show wall thickness and dimensions• Include:

– Orientation– Title– Scale– Dimensions – Hatch Patterns– Straight, Square Lines

Sources

- d.lib.ncsu.edu- Wylyla.com- Luxtica.com