Architectural
Working
Drawings
Learning Objectives:
Identify the different Draw an isometric view of
architectural working drawing a simple floor pan.
plans;
Value the importance of
architectural working
drawing plans.
Architectural Working Drawings
The architectural working drawings together with the
specifications are the most important parts of a working
plans.
Information on the designs, locations, and dimensions of
the elements of a building is found on the architectural
working drawings while information on the quality of
materials and sizes is found in the specifications.
Architectural Working Drawings
A good architectural working drawing gives the
contractor the exact information he needs.
Therefore, it must be made clear, simple,
orderly, and accurately drawn so that scaled
measurements will match the actual structure.
Architectural Working Drawings
The finished drawings made by the architect, or a
draftsman, and used by the contractor are called
“architectural working drawings”.
Since working drawings are the major portion of
the contract documents, they should be accurately
drawn.
Architectural Working Drawings
The architectural working drawings,
together with the specifications and the
general conditions, form the legal
contract between the owner and the
contractor.
Architectural Sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2
Sheet # 1
Title page and index (Exterior perspective,
Site Development plan or Plot plan, and
Vicinity map or Location plan)
Perspective
A graphic representation of the
view as seen by the eyes or it
shows the appearance of the
finished building. This drawing
represents the actual, in three-
dimensional form of the
proposed building. An
example;
Site Development Plan
The Site Development Plan is the outline and
measurements of the proposed building and its placement
on the property.
This shows the position and the location of the building
with property line, setbacks, approaches, grade contours,
landscape, and other pertinent data in relation to the site.
Site Development Plan
The Site Development Plan is the
outline and measurements of the
proposed building and its
placement on the property.
This shows the position and the
location of the building with
property line, setbacks,
approaches, grade contours,
landscape, and other pertinent
data in relation to the site.
Site Planning Phases
Project Identification
Begin your site planning process by documenting
fundamental project identification details.
Every complete site plan must start with clear
documentation of the project title, development
type, and comprehensive property information.
Project Identification
Include the exact property address and parcel details,
marking all scale references and directional indicators
(like the north point).
Document key stakeholders, including client
information and contractor details, as these will be
essential for project coordination.
Site Boundaries & Structure
When mapping site boundaries and structures,
precision is crucial.
Carefully delineate property lines and required
setbacks, as these form the legal framework for
your development project.
Site Boundaries & Structure
Document all existing buildings and structures on the
site, along with areas designated for new construction.
If your project involves demolition, clearly indicate which
structures will be removed. Include detailed building
footprints and dimensions to ensure accurate spatial
planning.
Landscape and Natural Features
Natural features play a vital role in site
development. Survey and document all
existing trees and vegetation that should be
preserved, marking areas designated for
new landscaping.
Landscape and Natural Features
Pay special attention to water features and existing
drainage patterns, as these will significantly impact
your development decisions.
Record terrain contours and grade changes, noting
any special soil conditions that might affect
construction.
Access and Circulation
Access and circulation planning ensures smooth
movement throughout the site.
Design and document all entry points, including
driveways and walkways.
Consider both immediate and long-term parking
requirements in your plan.
Access and Circulation
During the construction phase, you’ll need
marked access routes for construction vehicles
while maintaining emergency vehicle access
throughout the project.
Infrastructure & Utilities
Infrastructure and utility planning requires careful
coordination.
Map out all utility connections, including water, electrical,
and gas service points. Plan sewer and drainage systems
that integrate with existing infrastructure.
Consider future needs when planning external lighting,
ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.
Location Plan
The top view of the site or lot where the proposed house
will be built. It shows the position of the house inside the
lot, the number of the adjacent lots, streets, or lanes
before or beside the lot, and the North sign.
The location plan is usually located near the title block.
Location Plan
The main line symbol of
the North sign is
generally parallel to the
side border line of the
drawing paper and
points upward.
Location Plan
Title Block in House Plan - The title block in house plans includes
the following information:
1. Owner’s name
2. Location or address of the proposed house
3. Lot and block numbers
4. Signature of architect or civil engineer who approves the plan
5. Draftsman’s name or initials
6. Date when plan was drawn or completed
7. Table of Contents
8. Scale as shown
Sheet # 2
Floor plan and Elevation
Floor Plan
The top view of the floor area of a house.
It represents the arrangement of rooms, doors, windows, and
other features located in the floor plan.
Floor plans are scale drawings that show the relationship
between rooms, spaces, and physical features viewed from
above. They provide a way to visualize how people will move
through the space.
7 steps in creating a Floor Plan
1. List requirements.
Make a thorough list of the needs and wants of those who will
occupy the space.
2. Measure
Make sure you have the correct measurements, so you may
want to measure twice. What to measure:
- Outside walls or footprint of your space, any doorways
or entries, and windows.
- The walls from side to side and from the floor to the ceiling.
- Where the electrical outlets, switches, and other controls are
located.
2. Measure
Make sure you have the correct measurements, so you may
want to measure twice. What to measure:
- Permanent fixtures: any architectural features, including fireplaces,
brackets, shelves, benches, and any other built-in features.
- Surrounding space and outside or overall dimensions of these items,
and then locate each on your plan.
- Objects that will be inside the space.
3. Scale
Floor plans should be drafted to scale, which means
reducing the size of your drawing so the entire space can
reasonably fit on a piece of paper or screen.
A common scale is 1/4 inch = 1 foot. This same scale should
be applied to objects like furniture or exhibit booths that will
be included in the floor plan.
4. Think about sightlines
Standing, sitting, or working what do you want to
see?
Think about windows, doorways, walls and what
makes the most sense for the purposes you
intend for the space.
5. Render it
With all the components in mind, organize your
floor plan.
6. Evaluate
Review the wants and needs list.
Evaluate the spatial arrangement including
analyzing circulation.
Other factors include usable space, privacy, and
accessibility.
7. Share
Collaborate and have someone else look over
your floor plan to get helpful feedback to double-
check your thinking and design.
Elevation
The front or side view of a building. It
shows the design of the house, height
dimension; materials finish and complete
information on specification.
Ways/Steps to Draw an Elevation Plan
Drawing
Drawing main floor wall baseline
In order to create an elevation plan using traditional
methods, you need to start by drawing the main floor
wall baseline.
This can be done by referring to your floor plan
drawings and measuring the horizontal distance of any
walls. Make sure to include the thickness of any siding
material for the exterior sidewalls.
Determining the wall heights
After measuring the main floor walls, you will draw
vertical lines for the exterior walls.
It is important to determine how high the walls will be
above the unfinished floor height.
Consider the height of the ceilings in the rooms within
the section of the building and add to that the height of
any floor or ceiling joists above it.
Drawing windows and door outlines
After determining the wall heights, proceed to draw the
outlines of windows and doors.
Measure from the horizontal lines of your floors to
accurately position the exterior doors and windows.
To ensure precision, consult a separate window and
door schedule to obtain the dimensions for each
individual window and door in your elevation drawing.
Drawing the roofs
Moving on to drawing the roofs, you can now create the
desired roofline for your plan.
Choose from different roof types such as gable, shed, hip,
or gambrel to achieve the desired architectural style.
Take into account whether the roof will overhang or drop
below the exterior wall on the exterior elevation plan being
drafted, ensuring a cohesive and visually pleasing design.
Adding decks and railings
Once the windows, doors, roof, and basic drawing are
completed, you can add decks or porches, railings, and
stairways.
Make sure to accurately measure the height difference
between your main floor and the final level of
landscaping around the house.
Discuss
Discuss the initial drawing with relevant stakeholders to
gather feedback and insights.
This collaborative approach allows for a comprehensive
review of the design and ensures that any concerns or
modifications are addressed.
The drawing can then be enhanced by modifying the
plan.
Finalize the design
After incorporating the necessary changes and
suggestions it's time to finalize the design of the
elevation drawing.
Ensure that it aligns with the client's vision, meets
building codes and regulations, and fulfils any specific
requirements