How to Read Architectural Drawings: Plans, Elevations, Sections, and Details

Apr 9

An architectural drawing set is not meant to be read like a book from the first page to the last. It is a coordinated group of views. Each view answers a different question about the same building.

Start with the cover sheet

The cover sheet usually identifies the project, drawing list, scope and major code or zoning information. Read the sheet index first. It tells you which disciplines are included and where to find plans, elevations, structural work and building systems.

Plans look down

A floor plan is a horizontal cut through the building, viewed from above. It shows rooms, walls, doors, windows, fixtures and dimensions. A site plan shows the building in relation to property lines, yards, access, utilities and other site features.

Check the drawing title and scale. An enlarged bathroom plan may contain information that is intentionally not repeated on the general floor plan.

Elevations look at a face

An exterior elevation shows one side of the building. It communicates heights, roof shape, windows, doors and materials. Interior elevations show a room wall directly, which is useful for kitchens, bathrooms, millwork and equipment layouts.

Sections cut through the building

A building section is a vertical cut. It explains relationships that a plan cannot show clearly: floor-to-floor heights, stairs, foundations, roof construction and how an addition meets an existing house.

Details enlarge the difficult parts

Details show how materials connect. Typical examples include a window sill, roof edge, wall base or structural connection. A circle or tag on a plan points to a detail number and the sheet where that detail appears.

Follow the references

Door, window and finish tags lead to schedules. Section and elevation markers lead to other views. Revision clouds identify changed areas, but the revision block explains when and why the sheet changed. Notes and specifications add requirements that may not fit graphically.

If two views appear to conflict, ask before building. Coordination is part of the architect's work.