Drawing elevations and sections can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and tools, you can create accurate and detailed drawings.
A good starting point is to use a scale ruler to ensure your measurements are precise.
You can also use a combination of orthogonal projections to create a 2D representation of a 3D object, as seen in example A.
To add depth to your section drawings, use different line weights and hatching techniques to indicate materials and textures.
In example B, the architect used a combination of solid and dashed lines to differentiate between structural elements and finishes.
For creating detailed sections, a software like AutoCAD can be really helpful, allowing you to create precise 2D drawings from 3D models.
Worth a look: Average Cost of Architectural Drawings
What is Elevation Drawing?
An elevation drawing is a 2D picture of a building's vertical side, showing all design elements from a specific point of view. It's like a picture of the project, outlining the building's vertical features.
An elevation drawing is typically drawn in an orthographic view to scale, to show the exact size and proportions of the building's features. This means it's a precise representation of the building's exterior or interior vertical surfaces.
Elevation drawings are used to break down the external envelope into individual segments and describe each surface separately, making them a vital tool in communicating an architectural proposal.
What Is Drawing?
Drawing is a fundamental concept in architecture and design.
A section drawing is a type of drawing that depicts a vertical plane cut through a portion of the project.
It's usually represented via annotated section lines and labels on the project's floor plans, showing the location of the cutting plane and direction of the view.
These views can be orthographic, where the drawing is shown parallel and two-dimensionally, or perspective views with three-dimensional depth.
For another approach, see: Cross Section Architecture
Architectural
An architectural plan is a view of an object projected horizontally, or from above. This is also known as a top view or roof plan.
For your interest: Elevation View
In architectural drawing, a floor plan is a view of an object cut horizontally through the building or object, usually at a height of about 1,000-1,200mm above the ground or a floor plane. This gives us information about the thickness of walls and openings as well as the qualities, size, and shapes of internal spaces.
A floor plan is like slicing through a capsicum, lifting off the top and then drawing or showing everything you would see. This includes both cut through and below the level of the cut.
A section is an orthographic projection of an object as if it would appear cut vertically by an intersecting plane. It's drawn similar to a floor plan, but vertically.
A section must show the same information as a plan, including wall thicknesses, windows, doors, and openings. This information is cut through and shows the internal and external spaces, forms, and shapes created.
In a section, the most important information is the cut, which communicates the material thicknesses, types, openings, and internal and external spaces.
Components of Elevation Drawing
Elevation drawings are a crucial part of architectural design, and they play a vital role in communicating the building's design to stakeholders. They show the vertical features of the building from a specific point of view.
Elevation drawings are identified by elevation tags, which are symbols with an arrow pointing in the direction the elevation is facing. These tags can include letters or numbers indicating the sheet number and order.
There are two commonly used naming schemes for elevation views. The first one uses four basic directions starting with the side that faces the street, while the second method is based on compass directions.
Here are the components of an elevation drawing that should be included:
- All openings (windows and doors)
- All floors
- External elements (such as stairs, balconies, columns, porches, or chimneys)
- All materials (timber cladding, zinc or glass for example)
- Landscape (anything in line or behind your elevation)
- Floor and ridge height levels
- Entourage – people, vehicles, furniture, trees etc (to add scale)
- Shadows (to highlight protruding or recessive opening and objects)
- Roofing and awnings
- Dimensions
- Exposed structural members
- Finishes and decorative accessories
Each of these components is essential to the communication of the building's design, and they should be carefully included in the elevation drawing to ensure a clear understanding of the building's features.
Types of Elevation Drawings
Elevation drawings are a crucial part of the design process, and there are several types to consider.
One type of elevation drawing is the Elevation view, which changes the perspective to the outside, showing a 2D picture of the vertical side.
This type of drawing outlines the vertical features of the building design, including all design elements seen from a specific point of view.
Elevation views can be taken directly or at an angle, making them a versatile tool for architects and designers.
By using elevation drawings, you can get a clear understanding of how your building will look from the outside.
These drawings act like the project's pictures, giving you a visual representation of the building's design elements.
You might like: Elevation Plan View
Designing Elevation Drawings
Elevation drawings are a crucial part of architectural design, allowing clients to visualize the building's exterior and interior features. They provide a 2D representation of the vertical side of the building, including all design elements seen from a specific point of view.
To create effective elevation drawings, it's essential to understand the purpose of these views. As mentioned in Example 10, elevations are made to accurately illustrate how a building looks with all of its features, serving as a reference for clients and builders alike.
Elevation drawings can be used in various applications, including exterior and interior designs, historical records of a building, renovation and remodeling, and communicating construction information.
For another approach, see: Architectural Drawings of Houses
What Is Its Purpose?
Elevation drawings are a crucial tool in architecture and design. They provide a clear and accurate representation of how a building looks from the outside, highlighting its features and details.
Their purpose is to give clients a visual understanding of the design, allowing them to see how the building will look in its final state. This is especially important for clients who are involved in the design process.
Elevations are also used by builders to ensure that they construct the building as planned. They provide a reference for builders to check against during construction.
Some of the main uses for elevations include exterior and interior designs, historical record of a building, renovation and remodeling, communicating construction information, planning and regulations approval, sales and marketing, and details for fabrication or manufacturing.
Here are some specific uses for elevations:
- Exterior and interior designs
- Historical record of a building
- Renovation and remodeling
- Communicating construction information
- For planning and regulations approval
- Sales and marketing
- Details for fabrication or manufacturing
You can create as many elevation plans as you need for a single project, making it easy to experiment with different designs and ideas.
Private Realm
Designing an interior elevation drawing is all about creating a sense of intimacy and coziness, making the space feel like a private retreat.
An interior elevation gives us a direct look inside the home, showing off the inside details like cabinets, bookshelves, and alcoves. This makes the design from the blueprint feel real and tangible.
The private realm of an interior elevation is where we get to see the personality of the homeowner shine through.
Inside the Architect's Mind
A standard section view cuts straight through a building or object to show what's inside, revealing how things are built and highlighting the main structural parts and materials used.
To create a section drawing, you need to decide where to make the cut, including the placement of the section line, direction of the view, rooms to be intersected, and other important elements.
The section line should be consistently placed on all floor plans, as well as elevations if necessary.
When creating a section drawing, it's essential to reference all relevant views to create the outline of the building and prepare the drawing with the appropriate measurements and scale.
A floor plan is like slicing through a building, lifting off the top, and drawing or showing everything you would see – that is both cut through and below the level of the cut.
To determine the height of the cut, consider where humans use their hands, which is around 1,100mm above the floor. This is also where most windows will run through vertically.
Here are some key elements you'll see when cutting through a building plan at 1,100mm:
- Wall thicknesses
- Windows
- Doors and openings
- Built-in furniture like kitchen benches, sinks, toilets, or bathroom vanities
- Floor or ground materials
- The top of furniture or furniture outlines
Elevations are made to accurately illustrate how a building looks with all of its features, providing a reference for clients to see how things look and for builders to properly construct the features of the design.
Create Cross Plans
You can create cross-section and elevation plans with simple functions and automated tasks to reduce the time needed for drawing.
The process involves cutting plans at the click of a button, creating a cut directly on your plan, and previewing the results simultaneously.
Elevation plans are child's play, as elevations are automatically detected, and you can simply select and customize the appropriate view.
To create a cross-section and elevation plan, you can use features that automate tasks and reduce the time needed for drawing.
For a single project, you can create as many cross-section and elevation plans as you want.
Here are some features to help you create cross plans:
- Cutting plans at the click of a button: create a cut directly on your plan and preview the results simultaneously
- Elevation plans are child's play: elevations are automatically detected. Simply select and customize the appropriate view
- Display view name: once you name the view it can be automatically displayed on the plan
Downloadable Scaled Drawings
Downloading scaled drawings is a breeze, and you can get them at any time. You can define the most suitable format, orientation, and scale for your plan before downloading.
To ensure ideal print quality, it's recommended to download your plans at 300 dpi. This will give you a crisp and clear image.
If you're looking to create a seamless elevation drawing, it's essential to have detailed floor plans ready for easy reference. This will help you accurately draw the elevations and pinpoint the exact locations of wall corners, openings, stairs, and decks.
Here are some essential steps to prepare your reference drawings:
- Have detailed floor plans ready for easy reference.
- Use each side of the floor plans to pinpoint the exact locations of wall corners, openings, stairs, and decks.
Remember, a well-prepared reference drawing is key to creating a professional-looking elevation drawing.
Perspectives and Views
Elevation views change the perspective to the outside, showing a 2D picture of the vertical side—inside or outside—either directly or at an angle, including all design elements seen from a specific point of view. They act like the project's pictures, outlining the vertical features of the building design.
Section views allow for a detailed examination, cutting the project into a vertical piece that shows the hidden details of its construction. They're like x-rays for architectural design, showing the small but important aspects of space organization and structural details.
Section perspectives add depth and dimension to the straightforward section views, showing angles and details that can't be fully described with words. They blend accuracy with artistic creativity, adding a personal touch to architectural drawings.
Expand your knowledge: Architectural Design Drawings
Roof Plan: Mapping
A roof plan is a strategic view of the overarching shelter that guards the home, extending past the boundaries of walls.
This view outlines the placement for skylights, which can bring in natural light and fresh air, and chimneys, which can provide ventilation and a focal point in the design.
Roof plans also tell a story of possibilities, offering routes for rainwater to flow through gutters and downspouts, protecting the home from water damage.
By mapping the elevation of the roof, architects and designers can create a functional and beautiful space that serves the needs of the occupants.
Elevating with Views
Elevating with Views is a crucial aspect of architectural design. It changes the perspective to the outside, showing a 2D picture of the vertical side.
Elevation views can be taken directly or at an angle, including all design elements seen from a specific point of view. They act like the project's pictures, outlining the vertical features of the building design.
An exterior elevation view shows what the building looks like from the outside, highlighting details like windows and wall textures. This detailed view helps architects and builders visualize the building's appearance.
Section views, on the other hand, allow for a detailed examination of the project's construction. They cut the project into a vertical piece that shows the hidden details of its construction, acting like x-rays for architectural design.
Adding dimensions and labels to elevation views provides an additional level of information about a particular part of the project. These drawings include plenty of dimensions and text to thoroughly explain the design intents.
Drawing and Editing Tools
With the right tools, you can create cross-section and elevation plans quickly and efficiently.
Automated tasks can reduce the time needed for drawing, making it easier to focus on other aspects of your project.
Line Weights
Line Weights are a powerful tool in drawing and editing, allowing you to add hierarchy and character to your work.
You can use different thicknesses of lines to represent distance, foreground and background, significance, and detail. Lineweights help to add hierarchy and character to your drawings.
In a section, major architectural elements can be shown in bold lines, while minor details such as wall patterns and vegetation can be shown with fine lines. Features in between, like doors and windows, can be shown with medium lines.
Lineweights can also be used to add depth to your drawings, providing a clear distinction between different parts and materials.
Light and Shadow
Light and shadow can be used to increase depth and contrast in your drawings, making them more visually appealing.
Adding light and shadow can help convey different ambiances from room to room, creating a sense of atmosphere in your design.
In designs with unique openings, light and shadow can illustrate how windows, skylights, and voids bounce light into the interiors, adding an extra layer of realism.
Shades and gradient colors can be used to add a 3D aspect to your drawings, making them more engaging and dynamic.
Light and shadow can also help show how sunlight interacts with different coverings and openings on a facade, providing valuable insights into the building's thermal performance.
By incorporating light and shadow into your drawings, you can create a more immersive and engaging experience for your audience.
Take a look at this: Light Bar Draw
Draw Faster with These Features
Drawing faster is a game-changer for anyone who spends a lot of time creating designs. With the right tools, you can significantly reduce the time needed for drawing.
Create cross-section and elevation plans with simple functions and automated tasks. This can be a huge time-saver, especially for teams that work on large projects.
Automatic Detection
Automatic Detection is a game-changer for architects and designers. It saves time and effort by automating tedious tasks.
With Automatic Detection, you can select an elevation on your plan and customize the framing required for your view. This feature is especially useful for creating detailed and accurate designs.
I've seen designers struggle with manual measurements and calculations, but Automatic Detection makes it a breeze. It's like having a personal assistant at your fingertips.
Simply select the elevation on your plan and customize the framing required for your view.
Simultaneous Preview
The simultaneous preview feature is a game-changer for architects and designers. It allows you to prepare your section and elevation plans by previewing the final result simultaneously, saving you time and effort.
With this feature, you can see how your design will look before you even start drawing. This is especially useful for complex projects where multiple elements need to come together seamlessly.
By previewing your design simultaneously, you can catch errors and make adjustments before investing too much time and resources. This is a huge time-saver and can help you avoid costly mistakes down the line.
The simultaneous preview feature is just one of the many tools available to help you streamline your drawing and editing process.
Reference Drawings
Reference drawings are a crucial part of the architectural design process, serving as a basis for accurately drawing elevations.
Having detailed floor plans ready for easy reference is especially helpful for exterior facades. Each side will be used to pinpoint the exact locations of wall corners, openings, stairs, and decks.
Detailed drawings show the fine details and add depth to plans long before construction starts. This helps to create a functional and appealing living space.
Incorporating reference drawings into your design process can save time and reduce errors in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is section and elevation in drawing?
Section drawings show what lies within a space by cutting through it, while elevation drawings depict a vertical view from the front, side, or back. Understanding these 2D representations is crucial for visualizing and communicating architectural and design concepts.
What are the 4 types of elevation?
The four types of elevation are front, rear, left side, and right side elevations. These elevations provide a comprehensive view of a building's exterior from different perspectives.
Sources
- https://www.archisoup.com/understanding-section-drawings
- https://ls-usa.com/blog/blueprint-basics-plan-section-elevation-drawings
- https://cedreo.com/floor-plan-software/cross-section-elevation-plans/
- https://www.archisoup.com/architectural-elevation-drawings
- https://archimash.com/articles/plan-section-and-elevation-in-architecture/
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