Understanding Elevation View Basics and Best Practices

Elevation view is a visual representation of a 3D object from a specific angle, allowing us to see its shape and structure more clearly.

Elevation views are typically drawn from the side, showing the object's height and width. This makes it easier to understand the object's dimensions and proportions.

For example, an elevation view of a building can help architects visualize the layout of rooms and corridors. By studying the elevation view, they can make informed decisions about the building's design.

A well-crafted elevation view should include all necessary details, such as windows, doors, and rooflines.

An elevation view is a drawing of an interior or exterior vertical surface or plane that forms the skin of a building. It's a vital tool in communicating an architectural proposal.

Elevations are typically drawn in an orthographic view, to scale, to show the exact size and proportions of the building's features. This helps architects and designers communicate their ideas clearly.

An elevation can be drawn in isolation, but it's often produced after a floor plan has been created. In fact, elevations are often drawn up from a floor plan as the design evolves.

Drawings of elevations can be used to describe the vertical interface between the interior and exterior of a building, or to depict the vertical surfaces of rooms. They provide a detailed view of the building's exterior or interior surfaces.

Elevations are a mandatory requirement for obtaining planning permission, and presenting proposals. They help break down the external envelope into individual segments, describing each surface separately.

Elevation views are a crucial aspect of architecture and design.

There are three main types of elevation views: front elevation, side elevation, and rear elevation.

Front elevation is the view of a building from the front, typically facing the street or main entrance.

Side elevation shows the view of a building from the side, often highlighting its height and width.

Rear elevation is the view of a building from the back, showcasing its rear facade and any outdoor spaces.

These elevation views are essential in architectural drawings and designs, as they help to communicate the building's layout and appearance.

Preparing elevation views requires careful consideration of the building's design and features. For an exterior facade, it's helpful to have detailed floor plans ready for easy reference.

To accurately draw elevations, each side will be used to pinpoint the exact locations of wall corners, openings, stairs, and decks. This is especially important for interior renovation or kitchen design, where the size, location, and spacing of individual drawers and cabinets need to be clearly communicated.

Simple elevation drawings might show the outline of a building, exterior walls, openings such as doors and windows, roofing, and exterior features like chimneys, decks, and porches. They can also include projections like eaves and rainwater pipes, level datums, key dimensions, and a title block with project details.

Here's a list of key elements to include in an elevation drawing:

An elevation drawing should include the outline of a building, exterior walls, and sometimes the finishes of the walls. This is a basic requirement to provide a clear visual representation of the building's design.

The exterior walls should be detailed to include openings such as doors and windows, as well as roofing and exterior features like chimneys, decks, porches, and steps. These details are essential to give a comprehensive view of the building's exterior.

A titleblock is also a must-have, including the name, number, and revision of the drawing, the date of preparation, and who prepared it. This information is crucial for reference and identification purposes.

Elevation drawings can contain a great deal more detail depending on the complexity of the building and the reason for their preparation. However, it's essential to strike a balance between providing sufficient information and avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Here are some key elements that should be included in an elevation drawing:

Remember, the level of detail required will depend on the specific needs of the project. By including these essential elements, you'll be able to create a clear and effective elevation drawing that communicates the design intent.

A roof plan is a crucial aspect of elevation views, offering a strategic view of the overarching shelter that guards the home. It tells a story of possibilities, outlining the placement for skylights, chimneys, and routes for rainwater.

To create an accurate roof plan, you'll want to have detailed floor plans ready for easy reference, just like you would for an exterior facade. This will help you pinpoint the exact locations of wall corners, openings, stairs, and decks.

A roof plan can be used to identify iconic structures, like the Sydney Opera House, which can be unmistakably recognized by its side profiles alone. This type of drawing is being used in architecture and beyond, all over the world.

To create a comprehensive elevation view, it's essential to add dimensions and labels to your roof plan. This will provide an additional level of information about the design intents and help builders clarify or direction whenever they have concerns.

Here are some key uses of roof plans:

To read an elevation drawing, remember that all objects appear along a single plane, with no perspective effect, so all objects are shown at the same size and scale.

Locate the same side of the building in floor plans and perspectives if available to get a better understanding of the design.

Take note of any annotations on the drawing indicating floor heights, levels, materials, and fixtures.

Look for the edges of walls, the outlines of doors and windows, and the form of the roof to start interpreting elements.

You'll likely be able to see the roof's pitch, its height from the ground, and the level of its apex.

All of this information will eventually be used to turn the vision into reality.

Adding dimensions and labels to your elevation drawings is crucial for clarity and accuracy. This is where you add the text and symbols that explain the design intent and provide builders with the information they need to bring your project to life.

You can include plenty of dimensions to thoroughly explain the design. This is especially important for detail drawings and blow-up views, where builders may have concerns about specific parts of the project.

Text is also essential for labeling finishes, materials, and specific pieces of furniture or appliances. This helps builders understand the design and make informed decisions about the construction process.

Symbols may also be necessary for closets and cabinets, with dashed lines to indicate the swing direction of doors. This is especially important for elevations that show interior spaces.

Detail drawings and blow-up views are meant to provide an additional level of information about a particular part of the project. They include plenty of dimensions and text to thoroughly explain the design intents.

Here are some key elements to include when adding dimensions and labels:

By including these elements, you can ensure that your elevation drawings are clear, concise, and provide builders with the information they need to complete the project successfully.