1. Understanding Architectural Blueprints
If You Build It…

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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…

5. 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.

6. 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

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

8. Floor Plan

9. Section Detail

10. Elevation

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

12. Construction Site

13. Garage Foundation and House Framing

14. Same House … Different Phase

15. Can You name the elements you see?

16. Checking for plumb and square.
What do you see?

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