You’re in your first year or just first learning about architectural terms – Below are common terms that will come up within the architectural practice. This will also be helpful in the future, when you decide that you want pursue architecture, or you are a client yourself and you want to learn how to read architectural drawings. This will be broken up by terms in architectural drawings to terms of the building itself
ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING TERMS:
1. PLAN (SITE PLAN, FLOOR PLAN)
FLOOR PLAN – A overall view of the building’s floor layout. The plan will show walls, partition walls, doors, windows. Imagine viewing the whole floor from above, and normally when you putting drawings together you make a floor plan for each floor. Though, for example, if you’re doing a mid-rise or high-rise building with a floor plan that is exactly the same on levels 4-8. Then you just have to label the drawing : ”LEVEL 4-8 FLOOR PLAN”.
SITE PLAN – An overhead view of the property/ site, showing it’s relationship to the surrounding environment and external elements.
2. REFLECTED CEILING PLAN (RCP)
Similar to a floor plan BUT you are looking overhead on the ceiling. This will indicate lighting, sprinklers, ceiling material, and other elements.
3. SECTION
A vertical cut through a building showing its internal structure and details.
4. ELEVATION
For sure there should be programs out there that reach out for volunteers – students, professionals, or the general public who are curious about construction.
5. INTERIOR ELEVATION
A 2D representation of a specific vertical plane or surface within an interior space. The purpose of interior elevations is to give a previse visualization of how various elements in the interior spaces (North, east, south, west) relate to each other. This is a good way to show where cabinets, furniture, and other elements are located. Some architecture firms might have a legend indicating the type of material the walls are, for their interior elevations.
6. PERSPECTIVE
A realistic representation of a building or space, showing depth and scale as percieved by the human eye.
7. SECTION PERSPECTIVE
A section perspective, is created by extending the section cut through the building or space, and then the elements and features within that section are depicted using perspective drawing techniques. This is a great way to communicate graphically in presentations, or when working in a firm – this is a great way to communicate with your client about the interior space of the building in a concept form. This combines both a 2D and 3D form, which makes them an effective tool for design communication. Especially, when you’re client (who may be new to reading plan), can have a clear idea of the space compared to if they just see it in 2D form.
8. AXONOMETRIC
A 3D drawing that shows an object at an angle providing a comprehensive view of all sides.
9. FINISH PLAN
Not a major term to be familiar with, but still very important when you are practicing with a firm. A finish plan specifies a type of floor material to be used within each area of the space. The goal is to provide a comprehensive guide for the contractors and construction teams to execute the design as accurate as they can!
TERMS FOR BUILDING COMPONENTS:
1. FACADE – Refers to the front face of the building
2. FOUNDATION
The base on which the entire building rests, usually made of concrete, stone, or steel.
3. SLAB
A flat horizontal member that forms the floors and ceilings of a building.
4. COLUMNS
A vertical structural element that supports the load from beams, slabs above and transfers it to the foundation.
5. PARTITION WALL
Walls or dividers that separate rooms or spaces within the building.
6. PARAPET
A low protective wall or railing along the edge of a roof, balcony, or terrace.
7. SKYLIGHT
A window set in the roof or ceiling to allow natural light into interior space.
8. INSULATION
Material used to maintain the building’s temperature and reduce energy consumption.
Hi! I'm Vheonix
The intent for this blog is to guide, inspire, & achieve as aspiring designers. I am an introverted individual in a field that involves social & interpersonal skills. Though, I want you to gain the confidence you need to succeed as a designer.