Understanding Architectural Blueprints If You Build It…

If You Build It… While digital technology continues to augment and enhance this traditional drawing method, hand drawing with a pen or pencil remains the most direct and versatile means of learning the language of architectural graphics.

Tools of the Trade… T-Squares T-squares are straightedges that have a short crosspiece at one end. This head slides along the edge of a drawing board as a guide in establishing and drawing straight parallel lines.

Tools of the Trade… drafting aids used to guide the Triangles are drafting aids used to guide the draw vertical lines and lines at specified angles. They have a right angle and either two 45°angles or one 30° and one 60° angle. Tools of the Trade…

Tools of the Trade… Templates have cutouts to guide the drawing of predetermined shapes. Templates are available for drawing other geometric shapes, such as ellipses, as well as symbols for plumbing fixtures and furnishings at various scales.

Tools of the Trade… Architect’s Scales An architect’s scale has graduations along its edges so that scale drawings can be measured directly in Feet and inches. Architect’s Scales

Parts of a set of Blueprints Plan views Section and detail Elevation views views

Floor Plan

Section Detail

Elevation

Doors and windows Exterior Door Interior Door French Doors Bi-fold doors Window Pair of windows

Construction Site

Garage Foundation and House Framing

Same House … Different Phase

Can You name the elements you see?

Checking for plumb and square. What do you see?

Tools of the Trade… If you build it… T- Square Triangle Templates Architect’s Scale