Purchasing Resources for Architectural Plans

Architectural Plans Key Terms

Learn about architectural plan terminology and definitions
By Nikki Davis Architectural plans key terms are pertinent to people in many fields. From the architects themselves, to contractors, to subcontractors, down all the way to the owners and anywhere in between, knowing the terminology surrounding architectural plans will help everyone involved better communicate on the project and give you a better overall outcome on your endeavor.

Architectural plans key terms deal in large part with marks on the plans themselves. They also entail dimensions, fields and projections surrounding the design of the plans. Architectural plans are a complex component to the start of a building, and understanding the basics of the concepts surrounding how and why they are designed will help you gain a better grasp on the business project you are working on.

Dimension string

The dimension string is a line of continuous dimensions, and it can be open or closed. Closed dimension string gives every dimension along the string, and open dimension string gives only the dimension needed for size or location.
Try:  Find out more about dimension strings from Architectural Practices - Task Checklists.

Orthographic projection

Orthographic projection is a drawing method that you can use for plan/section/elevation drawings. In this method you use right angles, parallel lines and perpendicular drawing surfaces to give you a 3-dimensional appearance on a 2-dimensional surface.
Try:  Learn more about orthographic projection from MedBib.com.

Scale

Drawing to scale means putting your plan or elevation on a standard sheet of paper. You will typically see architectural scales in fractions and engineering scales in whole numbers.
Try:  Look at the tools from DraftingSteals.com to make your architectural plans to scale.

Line weight

Line weight is the weight or thickness of the line on the architectural plan, which in turn signifies architectural information to the contractor or builder.
Try:  Check out information Line Weight from Architectural Drafting Fundamentals from Triton College.

Dimension line

Dimension lines are the lines that are drawn between two extension lines that extend past your extension lines. Then at the intersection of the two lines, you put a dark tick mark via freehand at a 45 degree angle.
Try:  Learn about dimension lines with illustrations from Integrated Publishing.

Extension lines

Extension lines are the lines that are drawn perpendicular to the dimensional part on an architectural drawing.
Try:  Learn about extension lines tips and tricks in AutoCAD from Ellen Finkelstein.

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