An architectural drawing is a technical illustration of a building or building project. These drawings are used by architects for several purposes: to develop a design idea into a coherent proposal, to communicate ideas and concepts, to enable construction by a building contractor, or to make a record of a building that already exists.
Architectural drawing software is commonly referred to as CAD (computer-aided design) software. Architects use this software to produce the technical drawing of a building containing specifications that are used by a contractor to construct the final architectural building. Prior to the existence of architectural drawing applications, architects manually drew these plans.
Concept drawings are used by architects and interior designers as a quick and simple way of exploring initial ideas for designs.
Image courtesy of CCDI Group
A site plan is a detailed engineering drawing that shows information about grading, landscaping, building arrangement, topography, and other details. These are made easier with architectural drawing software that allows such information to be rapidly added.
A structural drawing is a plan for how a building will be built. These types of architect drawings detail the load-carrying members of a structure.
Image courtesy of Odeh Engineers, Inc.
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Many architects use AutoCAD as a 2D drawing tool for creating floor plans, elevations, and sections. This architectural software speeds up the drawing process with pre-built objects like walls, doors, and windows, that behave like real-world objects.
Used worldwide by both commercial and residential architects, CAD has replaced manual drafting. It helps users create designs in either 2D or 3D so they can visualize the construction. CAD enables the development, modification, and optimization of the architectural design process.
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Architects design buildings using software focused more on exteriors, while interior designers focus on the inside spaces of buildings, and include furniture, fixtures, and other accessories to create a desired look and function.
Autodesk's Revit software helps architects across the project lifecycle by bringing all architecture, engineering, and construction disciplines into a unified modeling environment, driving more efficient and cost-effective projects.
Additionally, project teams can work together anytime, anywhere using Revit with BIM Collaborate Pro, a powerful and secure cloud-based collaboration and data management solution.
There are many types of architectural drawings that are required during the process of designing, developing, and constructing a building. Some are used at specific times and stages, and others (such as floor and site plans) are continuously evolved and adapted as the project develops.
