We thought it to be only proper to begin our journey through the World of Architecture by first learning how to understand architectural drawings. We decided to explain the examples of drawings we have provided:
This is a basic floor plan, which primarily defines the relationship, size, and orientation, of the rooms on a certain floor. On this floor plan, there are no dimensions, but the orientation and relationship of the rooms, windows, doors, etc. are illustrated. Please refer to our index of architectural symbols for any symbols you may not understand.
Dimensioning:
This is the same architectural drawing. However, the rooms, windows, and doors are dimensioned. Dimensions are important in architecture and dimensioning is essential for architects. There are few different styles of dimensioning for floor plans most likely because architects use standard templates. This can only mean one thing: the sinks, toilets, cabinets, and bathtubs in your house are standard sinks, toilets, cabinets, and bathtubs.
The most important aspect of dimensioning a floor plan is to be sure to dimension Length and Location. Notice how almost every window and door is accompanied by two dimensions in some way or another. One dimensions the actual length of the window. For example, a standard window may be 2'-6". Another dimensions the location of the window. For example, a window may be located 4'-0" from a wall.
Another important aspect of dimensioning is to Dimension with Logic. Not everything must be dimensioned. Subtracting one dimension from another may find a third dimension. At the same rate, adding two dimensions may reveal a third dimension. A law in architectural dimensioning is to dimension efficiently. The way to do this is using either baseline or continued dimensioning.
Conclusively, the actual dimension has a specific format, which includes both feet and inches. Also arrows almost always accompany dimension lines. For example:
These are the basics of dimensioning. On a final side note, many architectural drawings have a more concise way of dimensioning, which frees up space on the actual drawing Many will have reference numbers and on the side the dimensions will look like the architect has taken notes. Thus, they are called Dimension Notes or Dim Notes.
Wrapping It Up
Finally, on most professional architectural drawings exists a border and a title block. A title block, usually found on the lower right corner, contains information about the drawing such as the date it was completed and the name of the architect. Also, a company logo may appear in the title block. Why not take credit for your work? Most importantly though is the scale of the drawing. Obviously, the architect cannot draw an actual seven foot line!. Scales usually look like so: 2"=1' or 2:1.
Congratulations! You now know how to interpret architectural drawings!
