Which Architectural Drawings show the side view of a building?

Architectural drawings are vital tools for planning, visualizing, and constructing buildings and it also delivers precise and apparent information regarding the dimensions, design, and aesthetics of the structure. Side views known to be elevations play a crucial role, among these drawings, in representing how a building will emerge and appear from different angles. In this article, we are going to study and explore the various types of architectural drawings that depict the building’s side view that focus on their characteristics, and purpose.

Architectural Elevations:

Architecture drawings that effectively depict the building’s exterior vertical planes are known as architectural elevations. It shows the structure’s side view from various stances which include the sides, rear, and front. They are so important to understand the exterior materials and appearance of the building and also depict how it will fit into its environment. Stakeholders take assistance from elevations to visualize the architectural design and make decisions regarding materials, aesthetics, and finishes.

Types of Elevation Drawings:

Front Elevation:

Known as the main elevation, the front elevation offers the building’s facade view as it seems from the main entrance or the road or street. Front elevation drawing generally emphasizes the primary architectural features which include:

Entrance: The placement and design of windows, doors, and any entryways.

Façade Details: Architectural elements which include ornamentation, cornices, and columns.

Signage: Any specifying signage or decorative elements on the front of the building.

This elevation is usually the most straightforward and polished drawing because it depicts the public face of the building and sets the manner for its broad aesthetic.

Rear Elevation:

The rear elevation depicts the building’s back side view which may not be publicly visible but is crucial to understand the broad functionality and design. The rear elevation drawing includes:

Service Areas: Locations of utility meters, HVAC units, and service entries.

Private Areas: Doors and windows leading to less visible or private areas which include gardens or backyards.

Finishes: Details regarding how the building’s rear side is finished and whether it varies from the different.

Understanding rear elevation is important for assessing how the building blends with its surroundings.

Left Side Elevation:

Known as west elevation, the left side elevation depicts the left side of the building when facing the front, this view is crucial for:

Side Facades: Showing the materials and side walls’ design which may include doors, windows, or other architectural features.

Depth: Displaying the depth of the building and illustrating how various sections or wings relate to each other.

Integration: Displaying how the building interacts with adjacent landscapes or structures on the side.

These elevations allow us to understand the lateral appearance of the building and how it fits in its plot.

Right Side Elevation:

Known to be an east elevation, the right side elevation delivers a building’s right-side view when facing the front. The east elevation drawing is similar to the west elevation in its purposes and includes:

Side Facade: Effective details of doors, windows, and any architectural elements on the building’s right side.

Structure: Depicting components like balconies, extensions, or rooflines.

Integration: Illustrating how the right side of the building interacts with surrounding properties or outdoor spaces.

The east elevation view complements the left side elevation and offers a comprehensive view of the external design of the building.

Significance of Elevation Drawing:

Aesthetic Representation:

Elevation drawings are important for design visualization and the building’s aesthetics. These drawings allow clients, architects, or designers to look at how various components blend to form the external appearance of the building and it helps in:

Approval of Design: It ensures that the design meets the expectations of the client and the requirements of regulations.

Selection of Material: Selecting finishes and materials that perfectly align with the intended feel and look.

Verifying: Demonstrating that the design of the building is cohesive from all sides.

Construction:

It is important to understand that elevation plays a crucial part in the phases of construction and planning:

Guidance: During construction, offering precise information for contractors to follow.

Coordination: Poised to assure that the process of construction perfectly aligns with the intent of the design and integrates with the surroundings and site structure.

Regulation: Ensures to meet the codes of building and zoning regulations that may effectively influence the exterior design.

Marketing:

The elevation drawings are usually used for purposes of marketing and presentation:

Presentations: Assisting clients in architectural visualization of the building’s final appearance before beginning the construction.

Sales: Depicting the design of the building in advertisements, brochures, and promotional materials.

Reading of Elevation Drawings:

Scale and Dimensions:

These drawings are designed to scale which means that the dimensions are proportional to the building’s actual size these elements to check include:

Scale: Indications of the ratio between the size of the drawing and the actual size.

Dimensions: The measurements are delivered on the drawing to understand the size and placement of features architectural.

Key Features:

The focus of identifying in elevations drawings features:

Doors and Windows: Their size, design, and placement.

Architectural Details: Decorative materials, elements, and finishes.

Projections and Rooflines: The extensions and shape of the roof and any elements of projecting.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is 3D architectural animation?

A process that creates computer-generated, a short movie of a building or architectural design is known as 3D architectural animation. This process consists of a sequence of fixed images that create a dynamic, when played back, and immersive visualization of the structure.

How to read architectural drawings?

There are several items you will need to understand when learning how to read architectural drawings, as you review floor plans and other drafts; understand scales and dimensions, floor and site plans, interpreting the elevations, and the final product from the drawings.

What are the 4 common types of architectural elevation?

There are 4 common types of elevation in architecture which are front elevation, side elevation, back elevation, and rear elevation.

How many elements of any architectural design?

Every design or architecture of a structure or solution consists of four things called the basic elements of architecture and design and they are points, lines, planes, and volumes.

Conclusion:

The elevation drawings are an essential element of architectural design that provide important building’s side views that demonstrate its external appearance, materials, and how it fits within its surroundings. Stakeholders can achieve a complete view of the design and functionality of the building by understanding the various types of elevation drawings such as left side, right side, front, and rear.