An architectural drawing is a technical drawing of a building or building project used to develop and communicate design proposals, obtain regulatory approval, and provide a builder with the information required to construct the work.
What is an Architectural Drawing?
An architectural drawing is a technical representation of a building or proposed building project. It communicates information about the design, dimensions, layout and construction of a building.
Architectural drawings can be used at different stages of a building project, from developing an initial design through to preparing documentation for approval and construction.
What information can an Architectural Drawing show?
Depending on the purpose of the drawing, architectural drawings can communicate information such as:
- Building layouts and room arrangements.
- Dimensions and measurements.
- Floor plans.
- Elevations showing the external appearance of a building.
- Sections showing how parts of a building are arranged vertically.
- Site layouts and the relationship between a building and its site.
- Construction and material information.
The type and level of detail included depends on the stage and requirements of the project.
How are Architectural Drawings used?
Architectural drawings can serve several purposes throughout a building project.
During design, they help communicate proposed layouts, forms and design decisions.
During the approval process, drawings can form part of documentation submitted to the relevant planning or building authority.
During construction, drawings provide builders and other project participants with information about the design and requirements of the proposed work.
Architectural Drawings and approvals
Architectural drawings may form part of documentation required for planning or building approvals.
The specific drawings and information required depend on the type of project, the applicable regulations and the requirements of the relevant authority.
Drawings used for approval should contain the information required by the applicable planning and building requirements.
Architectural Drawings and construction
Construction drawings communicate the design information needed to carry out building work.
Depending on the project, this can include dimensions, layouts, elevations, sections, materials and construction details.
The drawings used for construction should be coordinated with other relevant project documentation and requirements.
Related terms
- Building Designer
- Draftsman
- Building Permit
- Development Application
- National Construction Code
- Building Information Modeling