Architecture

By: Leann Mayberry

Architecture is drawn as blueprints. At first blueprints

were drawn on semi-transparent film called

vellum. Today we make our blueprints on computers with drafting software.

Indicating Symbols

• As an architect you can use these symbols to tell builders where to put things.

More Indicating Symbols• These also indicate features of • the house, and their • location. These are • used more • commonly as • flooring, • fencing, and • things of that • sort. (They are • used mainly in

sketches.)

Blueprint Plans Needed to Build a House

• Foundation Plan• Framing Plan• Floor Plans• Roof Plans• Interior Elevation Drawings• Exterior Elevation Drawings• Cross-section Drawings• Detail Drawings• Window and Door Schedules• Electrical Schematic Drawings• Plumbing Schematic Drawings

You might wonder why blueprints are blueprints instead of prints. It is simply because of cyanotype. Blueprints were

printed in cyanotype, the process of printing that causes the background to be blue and the lines white, and so blueprints

had a blue background and were called ‘blueprints’ because of it.

• Sometimes an architects seal is required if you want to use your blueprints in the design of a real home. There are national codes such as the UBC codes that your plans should conform to.

Important Facts

• Houses are normally drawn per foot. For each foot there is ¼ an inch of drawing.

• Final drawings are known as working drawings.

• Dashed lines indicate secondary or unseen objects.

• The scale for a drawing is usually written next to the title.