what are presentation drawings in architecture

Presentation Drawing

The importance of presentation drawing.

Presentation drawing, also known as a rendering, is a crucial aspect of the design process. It's a means of visually communicating ideas to clients, colleagues, and contractors. Presentation drawings can take many forms, from quick sketches to highly detailed, realistic illustrations. Regardless of the format, the goal of presentation drawing is to convey the essence of a design in a visually compelling way.

The Types of Presentation Drawing

There are several types of presentation drawing, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Here are four of the most common types of presentation drawing:

Sketches are quick, informal drawings that are used to explore ideas and communicate concepts. They are typically done by hand using pencil or pen and paper. Sketches are valuable because they allow designers to express their ideas quickly and without the need for expensive tools or software. That said, sketches are generally less polished than other forms of presentation drawing, so they may not be suitable for more formal presentations.

Concept Drawings

Concept drawings are more detailed than sketches and are intended to convey a more developed idea. They are still relatively informal, but they often incorporate color and shading to give the drawing depth and texture. Concept drawings can be done by hand or using digital tools like Photoshop or SketchUp.

Renderings are highly detailed, realistic illustrations of a design. They are typically created using 3D modeling software and are intended to give clients and colleagues a sense of what a finished project will look like. Renderings are often used in marketing materials and presentations because they are visually impressive and highly detailed.

Construction Documents

Construction documents are highly technical drawings that are used to communicate specific details about a project to contractors and builders. They include things like floor plans, elevations, and sections, and they are typically created using a combination of hand drawing and computer software.

Tips for Effective Presentation Drawing

Regardless of the type of presentation drawing you are creating, there are a few tips that can help ensure that your drawing is effective and communicates your ideas clearly.

Focus on Legibility

One of the most important aspects of presentation drawing is legibility. Your drawing should be easy to read and understand, even when viewed from a distance. Make sure that you use a font size and style that is easy to read, and avoid cluttering your drawing with unnecessary details that can distract from the main ideas you are trying to convey.

Choose the Right Format

Different types of presentation drawing are better suited to different formats. Sketches, for example, are best presented on paper or on a whiteboard. Renderings, on the other hand, are best viewed on a large screen or printed out at a high resolution. Make sure that you choose the right format for your drawing to ensure that it is presented in the most effective way possible.

Use Color Wisely

Color can be a powerful tool in presentation drawing, but it must be used wisely. Too much color can be distracting, while too little color can make your drawing look flat and lifeless. Use color to highlight important details and to create depth and texture in your drawing, but be sure to use it sparingly.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key in presentation drawing. Make sure that your drawing is consistent in terms of scale, proportion, and style. This will ensure that it is easy to read and that your ideas are communicated clearly.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Finally, the best way to improve your presentation drawing skills is to practice. Take the time to practice drawing different types of illustrations, and experiment with different tools and techniques to find what works best for you. The more you practice, the better you will become at conveying your ideas visually.

The Bottom Line

Presentation drawing is an essential aspect of the design process. It allows designers to communicate their ideas in a clear and compelling way and is crucial for getting buy-in from clients, colleagues, and contractors. Whether you're creating quick sketches or detailed renderings, there are a few key principles to keep in mind that can help ensure that your presentation drawing is effective and communicates your ideas clearly.

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what are presentation drawings in architecture

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What Are Presentation Drawings In Architecture

What Are Presentation Drawings In Architecture

Making a building look amazing is not something that should be taken lightly. And for that reason, architects have to make use of something called presentation drawings. This form of drawing has been used for centuries, and it still holds a very important place in the profession today. But what exactly are presentation drawings, and why are they so important?

Presentation drawings are the drawings that architects make to show the client their ideas for a building. Usually this includes the exterior design of the building, as well as details such as the materials used, the layout of the interior space, and sometimes even the furniture that will be used inside. Presentation drawings are usually produced in a very high level of detail, with fine lines and textures that capture the architect’s vision of the final product.

These drawings are important because they serve as a way for the architect to demonstrate to the client what they have in mind. They allow the client to get a feel for the building and to get a better understanding of the design process. For architects, presentation drawings are also an opportunity to showcase their creative abilities and to show off their skills. The more effective the drawings are, the more likely it is that the client will be impressed.

When making presentation drawings, it is essential that the architect pays close attention to detail. Every little nuance must be captured accurately, from the way the light hits the building to the way the windows are situated. It is also important that the drawings are easy to understand and non-technical, as they will be presented to a client who may not have a lot of knowledge in the field.

What Are Presentation Drawings In Architecture

At the same time, presentation drawings should also be aesthetically pleasing. By using colors and styles that are pleasing to the eye, the architect can help boost the credibility of their project and make it more attractive to potential customers. It is also important to make sure that the drawings accurately reflect the architect’s vision for the project, as it will give potential customers a better understanding of what the project is all about.

Documentation

Presentation drawings are also important for documentation purposes. Architects must keep records of their projects so that they can refer back to them if needed. The drawings serve as a record of what was done and make it easier to review the project in the future. In addition, the drawings can also be used to prove that certain regulations were followed and to determine if certain elements of the design were successful.

Presentation drawings also provide evidence that the architect has done their job properly. They demonstrate the level of detail and care that went into the project and show that the architect took all the necessary steps to ensure that the project was done right. In addition, they can be used in court to prove that the architect was responsible for any mistakes or issues that may have occurred during the construction process.

Lastly, presentation drawings can be great for marketing the project. By displaying the drawings to potential customers, the architect can show potential customers what the building will look like, and this can be a great way to attract interest in the project. Having high-quality presentation drawings can be a great way to drum up business for an architect, as potential customers are more likely to be interested in projects with exceptional visuals.

Time and Money Saving

What Are Presentation Drawings In Architecture

Presentation drawings can be a great way to save time and money on projects. By providing clients with detailed and accurate drawings, architects can avoid costly mistakes in the construction process and ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget. By providing clients with a realistic representation of what their project will ultimately look like, architects can help to ensure that the project goes as smoothly as possible.

Presentation drawings can also help architects to identify potential problems with the project before they occur. By analyzing the presentation drawings, architects can spot potential problems with the project and address them before they become costly issues. This can help to save time and money during the construction process, as any issues can be dealt with more quickly and efficiently.

Technological Advancement

In recent years, the technology available for making presentation drawings has advanced considerably. With the advent of computer-aided design software, architects can now produce highly detailed and sophisticated presentation drawings in a fraction of the time. This makes it much easier for architects to create complex and visually appealing drawings without having to spend hours manually drawing them.

In addition, the use of 3D printing has revolutionized the presentation drawing process. By using 3D printers, architects can quickly and accurately produce presentations that are as close to the actual project as possible. This can be especially helpful when creating drawings of complex structures that would otherwise be difficult to accurately depict.

Presentation Drawing Generators

What Are Presentation Drawings In Architecture

In addition to the advances in technology, there are also many tools available to help architects create presentation drawings. In particular, presentation drawing generators are a great way to quickly and easily create drawings that are higher in quality than traditional drawing methods. These generators can help cut out a lot of the time and effort associated with producing high-quality presentation drawings.

These generators also make it easier for an architect to make modifications to the presentation, which can be very useful if the client has special requests or changes that need to be made to the project. In addition, some generators can even help to create an entire presentation from scratch, which can make the process much faster and easier for the architect.

Impact on the Overall Project

Presentation drawings are one of the most important tools available to an architect, and they can have a huge impact on the success of a project. From allowing the client to get a better understanding of the project to helping to identify potential problems in the construction process, presentation drawings can make a huge difference in the overall outcome of the project.

For this reason, it is important for architects to take their time and effort in creating presentation drawings that accurately reflect their vision. Not only will this ensure that the drawings are effective and appealing, but it will also help the project be completed to the highest standard possible.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Anita Johnson

Anita Johnson is an award-winning author and editor with over 15 years of experience in the fields of architecture, design, and urbanism. She has contributed articles and reviews to a variety of print and online publications on topics related to culture, art, architecture, and design from the late 19th century to the present day. Johnson's deep interest in these topics has informed both her writing and curatorial practice as she seeks to connect readers to the built environment around them.

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12 Tips on Architecture Presentation (for Beginners)

No matter how great your design is, it is ultimately only as valuable as others determine it. This assessment is not based solely on your design’s inherent characteristics but also on how you prompt others to see it.

In other words, improving your presentation skills will be an incredibly valuable skill, not just in school but in the professional field of architecture.

The design itself is important, and while there is nothing you will read here that will negate that, it is crucial to know that your work does not end when the drawings are complete.

While it is undoubtedly appealing to utter that classy phrase, “My work can speak for itself,” it is not always true. Your work can say a great deal, certainly, but you are there to build it up even higher so that your audience cannot easily overlook it.

If you are a student, you may want to be aware of some useful tips for architecture presentation, along with some things you should include.

presentation in architecture

1. Get a Grasp of Your Audience

Interest levels are going to vary between audiences based on the context of your presentation. If you are a practicing architect, your design is the keystone of the presentation.

In this scenario, your professional success depends not just on how good your designs are but how well you can sell them to clients.

If you are a student, you are unlikely to be selling your design as much as you are trying to get a grade. It would help if you considered why your audience is sitting in front of you at that time.

Chances are students who, like you, are also trying to get a grade and ultimately will spend more time in their heads going over their own talking points than paying attention to you.

It is hard to entertain everyone in such a situation (although you will reap benefits if you manage to do it), so you will ultimately want to target the ones giving you a formal review.

So, focus on demonstrating your knowledge, dedication, and creativity. Prove that you worked hard on the presentation, and you will draw respect.

2. Plan and Structure Your Presentation

Unless you are incredibly gifted (maybe you are), you are not likely going to be able to ‘wing it’ with an architectural presentation without jumping unmethodically from point to point like an inebriated cricket.

It would help if you had a plan.

More specifically, you need an outline.

If you have ever taken a writing class, you should already be familiar with what an outline is and the purpose of doing one. Get a sheet of paper or open a word document/sticky note on your computer or phone and lay it out.

Have a series of steps that break down what you are going to present in which order. For example:

  • Introduction
  • Define criteria
  • Present design

Keep in mind, the above is only a rudimentary example, and you should structure your presentation appropriately to make it relevant to any given requirements.

Add additional details that could help you more comfortably present your design in an informative and easy-to-follow manner.

3. Structure the Visuals as You Would Telling a Story

You are an architect, after all. Words are your wheels, but compelling visuals are the car you are driving.

You want to present your design in a way that involves your audience’s eyes more so than their ears – like how you’d structure your architecture school portfolio , in a way.

If all you do is stand up there and talk, you will quickly find yourself in a room of bored faces in any presentation. This is especially true in a visually dominant subject like architecture.

Lay out your design in easily digestible chunks, which could include significant freehand sketches , artistic 3d renderings, and the study models you spent nights building.

Arrange them on the presentation board where you start with the macro-view or overarching concept on the far left; progress with other visuals as you explain and reveal details that support your ideas.

Whatever you do, base your presentation on those visuals and use your words to enhance them, don’t just add them in as a distraction from your persistent rambling.

4. Speak Clearly and Confidently

It is so blatant it’s cliché. But don’t overlook it.

Practice if this is an area in which you struggle. Your design is great, so speak clearly and confidently to back it up.

If you mumble your way through a presentation of the next Eifel Tower, but nobody understood enough of what you said to recognize that, you are not going to score very well.

Appearing unconfident during the presentation will likely attract more negative critique than if you sounded self-assured.

The concept is your brainchild; stand by it; defend it.

You need to relax because anxiety will ruin you if you let it – okay, that statement might not help.

Nevertheless, being comfortable when you have the floor will enable thoughts to flow through your head more clearly by blocking out potentially stressful outside stimuli and make the situation just about you and the design you are presenting.

It may be hard for you to get to this point, but once you do, you might find yourself looking forward to sharing your brilliant work rather than dreading it.

Easier said than done, but research deep-breathing techniques and meditation practice if you need to – find something that works for you.

Another method to train yourself in this regard is grabbing every opportunity during presentations and crits to get involved (even when it is not your turn to present) – ask questions, participate in discussions, and be an active participant.

6. Rehearse

Practice, identify weaknesses, and practice more to correct those weaknesses; recognize more areas for improvement and practice some more.

You cannot over-practice; the only thing you can gain from rehearsing is confidence and clarity, which will help with the presentation and achieve relaxation.

7. Dress Nice

For a practicing architect, a snazzy suit is a tool of the trade when presenting to clients because it demonstrates a nod to professionalism and conveys sincerity.

If you are a student, you may consider investing in high-quality garb for when you present your final project because, ultimately, putting effort into presenting yourself only aids the effort you put into presenting your project.

Should you always wear a suit when presenting a design?

Casual clothing is usually sufficient, but it certainly does not hurt to have something stashed away for those special occasions.

8. Be Concise

Short-and-straightforward beats long-and-convoluted when you consider that people seem to be developing shorter and shorter attention spans these days.

You will want to include all of the pertinent information that pertains to your design and your purpose in creating it.

But if you have to ask yourself whether or not the audience needs to know blatant fact 1 and useless detail 2, chances are you can leave them out for your presentation’s betterment.

9. Include Humor

It is entirely optional, so if you don’t have the humor gene, do not force it because that will backfire.

However, if you have a habit of making others laugh easily through your wit, it is not unprofessional to bring some of that humor to your presentation to add extra depth and color.

Also, people are more likely to remember experiences that make them laugh.

10. Be Personable

You are not a design machine; you are a human being who is creative and methodical.

If people see that you worked hard to put your presentation together, being open and sharing your experience will not bring you down.

Some people might even find the obstacles you faced and overcome as a test of your character and a tribute to your hard work. So, don’t be afraid to share your moments of weakness, observations, or whatever else that applies to human nature.

It adds a dimension of entertainment to your design project, and it adds a layer of likeability to yourself.

11. Recognize Imperfections

It does not matter how many times you revise, rehearse, or plan – if you are a student, it is virtually impossible for you to achieve perfection at such an early point in your architectural endeavor.

You need room to grow no matter how long you have been designing buildings because it is that opportunity to get better that ultimately keeps you engaged.

As an architect, if you know it all, you won’t be driven to innovate and whoever is judging your presentation is likely to know this.

All you have to do is what you can, and do not expect any more than that. If someone viewing your presentation calls you out on something or questions a component of your design, respond openly to the criticism, and don’t beat yourself up.

12. Include a Chance for Questions

The iconic last words of a solid presentation are “Any questions?”

You cannot expect to cover everything the human mind could contemplate asking, so inserting a brief Q&A as you wrap things up provides you an opportunity to cover anything you could have left out.

When you take on the challenge of encouraging questions – even if nobody asks any – it is a credible way to state that you know, in detail, everything you presented. Well enough to talk about it even when torn away from a guiding outline.

Furthermore, while it is no guarantee, you should anticipate questions if you have intrigued your audience enough with your design for them to want to dig deeper.

So, before any major design presentation, up your question-and-answering game by getting friends, colleagues, or anyone interested to ask you some impromptu questions so you can optimize how you respond to the unexpected.

You may also consider asking yourself questions, and in doing so, you may further understand your purposes in creating your design.

Four Choices in Architectural Presentation Drawings

Winning a project bid requires architectural presentation drawings that demonstrate to the potential client the merits of the structure’s design concept and is a direct indication of an architectural firm’s skill in creativity and technical ability. Poorly drafted presentation drawings can result in losing great projects to other firms. We offer four different avenues to presenting your architectural concept which are highly illustrative and demonstrate professionalism to your clients:

2D Elevations and Sections Simple projects such as warehouses and small office complexes may only require 2D elevations of the building facade and cross-sections that illustrate interior area functions. Overall dimensions and floor heights of the building are detailed along with the proper tones and hatching applied to the exterior surfaces to emphasize different materials can supply ample information and clearly illustrate simpler structures. These drawings are best printed in high resolution color on heavy board surfaces to enhance the presentation.

Isometric and Perspectives Drawings A better visual solution for non-technical clients is given with an isometric or perspective view of the structure which emulates a three-dimensional view and shows the relationship between multiple sides of the building. Color and texture rendering of these drawings along with landscaping features will offer clients a greater representation of the proposed structure. The ability to alter view orientation in real-time can help create an exciting presentation as the building is tilted and rotated to different angles.

3D Wire Frame Models As the pre-cursor to rendered models, wire frame 3D models are often employed to allow simultaneous viewing of underlying facets of the structure, such as beams, floors and walls. When the structural solution to a project outweighs the building appearance, wire frame models are the perfect solution. With the application of automatic hidden line removal, the model easily converts to a vector line exterior view of the structure.

3D Rendered Models Fully rendered 3D models of the proposed structure is an optimum solution and well worth the investment for projects that are high-end or have great public interest. Surface textures can nearly replicate real world materials and give your clients a glimpse of what the new building will look like in the real world. The ability to simulate an actual building walk-through is an added benefit to solids models.

Contact us to learn more details on the process and pricing of each of these architectural presentation drawing options.

Related links: Creative 3D Interior Modeling Design, Plan and Construct Using Building Information Modeling Give Clients a Virtual Tour Using Architectural Walkthroughs Curtain Wall Shop Drawings – Add Creativity, Beauty, and Function to Any Building Design Improve Your Presentations with Photorealistic Architectural Rendering BIM Advantages for HVAC Drafting Businesses Advanced Technology for 3D Architectural Design Three Business Development Strategies with Architectural CAD Drafting Services Choosing the Right Architectural Rendering Firm Can Make All the Difference BIM for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services

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10 Tips for Creating Stunning Architecture Project Presentation

Architectural design projects are the life and soul of architecture school . As a student, you are always working on one, and somehow it becomes what your life is revolving around.

You would give it every possible effort and believe you have done your best, but on jury day, when you see everyone else’s project you could lose a bit of your confidence, not because your project is any less, but because your presentation is lacking.

The architecture project presentation might not be the core of the project, but it surely influences the viewer. It can also be considered an indicator of your artistic skills and sense as a designer.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

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While you shouldn’t be completely dependable on positive results from a merely eye-catching architecture project presentation, you still need to give an adequate amount of time to properly plan it in a way that communicates your idea best. Your architecture professor might credit you for a creative design regardless of the presentation, but your future client might only see the presentation, so make it a habit, to involve your design skills in all aspects of your project, starting now.

Besides the essential tips and tutorials for photoshop architectural rendering that will definitely improve your board, here, we will give you some basic tips on how to create a Stunning Architecture Project Presentation . So, let’s get started.

Architecture Project Presentation Board Tips

1) size and orientation.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Most of the time your professors restrict you to specific board sizes and the number of boards. If that is the case then you need to confirm if your boards should be presented in Landscape or Portrait orientation. You, also, need to decide if you will be presenting your board side by side as one big board, one poster of equivalent size, or as separate boards that come in sequence.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Now, that you have a base to work on you need to start planning the layout of your boards or poster:

  • If you are presenting hand drawings then you can do prior planning on one or more A4 paper sheets for example. Try to make an accurate estimation of the space needed per each drawing and the buffering space you would like to leave around each.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

  • If you will be presenting CAD drawings, then this might be easier. You can experiment with the actual drawings on CAD Layout or Photoshop if you will be rendering your project digitally.
  • You can use a grid system to organize your drawings. Decide on a unit width, for example, 6cm, then use its multiples to create unit areas to contain your drawings, like for instance, 12cm for outer frame buffering, 36cm for main drawings and so.

Do This Or that! Here is an example!

3) placement and zoning.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Think of the way you would like the viewers to circulate through your presentation, what you would like them to see first, how they would best understand your project. For example, you may start by brief site analysis, then move to the concept statement and its illustrative sketches if needed.

  • If your concept is form-based you may need to show the form first, before the plan, then move to the plan to reveal how the form has functionally worked out.
  • If your concept is in the plan itself, then you may move directly to the plan and conclude with the rendered exterior form as usual.

Drawing and Rendering Tips

4) background.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Dark Background

It is called “background” for a reason. It should be a platform to feature your drawings as the main focus, clear of any distractions. Some students use faded renderings of their own projects as background, but this can be seriously diverting. White backgrounds are best, as they show the true colors of your project.

Some opt to use a black background to stand out, however, that doesn’t usually turn out so well. It may cause halation and strain for sensitive eyes.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Black and white presentation

There are many ways you can render your projects, choose the one you excel at and shows your project best.

  • There is the Black & White or Greyscale presentation where you only show lines with various thicknesses, in addition to shade and shadow.
  • There is the greyscale presentation with an element of color where you would choose one bright color, for example, green for landscape and greenery, to contrast with the, generally, achromatic drawings.
  • One color might become two colors revealing different materials like wood or bricks and glass for example.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Presentation with a Color Scheme on Greyscale

All, these previous techniques would work out fine if colors are not the main focus in your project, however, if there is an idea behind your color scheme or the used materials, or there are many details that will go lost in greyscale, then there is no way out.

You need to fully color or at least broaden the color palette for your presentation.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Colored Presentation

The manual achromatic presentation can be via graphic pencils and ink, and the colored elements can be executed using watercolor, markers, brush pens, or pastels. For digital presentations, you can use Adobe Photoshop as the most commonly used tool. You can even mimic the aesthetic of the manual presentation in Photoshop using downloadable brushes and a mix of effects.

6) Visual Hierarchy

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Black and White Contrast Color

What is your strongest point, the highlight of your project? Grab the attention from far away with that. There are many ways to grab the attention of a specific drawing, using color or size. For example, if the main idea is in your cross-section, you can present it on large scale with full-hue colors, against black and white plan drawings. That is mixing between two of the color presentation techniques mentioned in the previous point to get emphasis by contrast.

General Tips

7) Minimize text on your presentation board. Write a short and concise concept statement and add a very brief explanation, if needed. Don’t waste your time composing elongated descriptive text because no one will read it.

8) Replace words, whenever possible, with simple illustrative sketches and figures. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. You may use colors and keys to further clarify your illustrations.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

9) Use a suitable font for your title and text and, preferably, don’t use more than one font type per project. You can vary between the title, the concept statement, and the labeling by size. Sans Serif fonts like Century Gothic and Helvetica may be good for headlines; their slick minimalism befits modern high-tech designs.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

10) Finally, don’t overdo it.

  • Don’t pack your boards with drawings and text at every corner. Leave some breathing space but not too much, that it would look like a) you couldn’t finish your work, b) you didn’t well plan your boards or c) you haven’t worked hard enough.
  • Don’t overuse colors to the extent that they would become a distraction but also don’t make your presentation too light and faded, or it might exhaust the eyes of the viewer and give an impression of weak effort.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

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Architectural Drawing: Notation, Reflection, Communication and Presentation

Profile image of Nicolai Steinø

In a time of computer aided design, computer graphics and parametric design tools, the art of architectural drawing is in a state of neglect. But design and drawing are inseparably linked in ways which often go unnoticed. Essentially, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to conceive of a design without being able to visualize it in drawing. Architectural design, in other words, to a large extent happens through drawing. Hence, to neglect drawing skills is to neglect an important capacity to create architectural design. While the current-day argument for the depreciation of drawing skills is that computers can represent graphic ideas both faster and better than most medium-skilled draftsmen, drawing in design is not only about representing final designs. In fact, several steps involving the capacity to draw lie before the representation of a final design. Not only is drawing skills an important prerequisite for learning about the nature of existing objects and spaces, and thus to...

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Sophia Psarra

There is often a view that concept development is a mental activity, while drawing is a finished presentation of the outcome of this activity. The underlying assumption is that a magic leap takes place and these are transformed to precisely drawn plans, sections and elevations of the finished product. Based on this assumption students of architecture tend to move from the conceptual sketch to the design solution and from speculation to execution in 'one step' logic. In reality architects generate explorative drawings in the design process to develop, articulate and refine an idea. This paper reviews drawing strategies employed in the design process. The aim is to examine the role of drawing in exploring concepts through its graphical system. It argues that: there is a close link between the development of architectural concepts and visual expression; design is an intellectual activity in process rather than a static situation; this activity takes place through formal and spatial experimentation based on visual transformations; during the design process metaphoric interpretations establish associations between a formal and a conceptual order.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Carlos L Marcos

The development of new computer tools has greatly affected architectural language itself introducing a change within the history of a millenary discipline that could be easily paralleled to the discovery of linear perspective during the Renaissance. However, architectural drawing has not been affected in the same way –disregarding 3D modelling and computer renders-; that is to say, not the obvious revolution borne from the extraordinary capacity to work on a virtual three dimensional space and the possibility to anticipate the hyper-realistic final outlook of an architectural design but an equivalent key turn in 2D architectural drawing. In fact, architectural plans look quite the same now as they did before the advent of computer drawing tools. Our reflections here are based on the following questions that could be understood as starting hypothesis: Should architectural drawing disregard the theme of representation? Can a man transformed territory, a technologically advanced building or a changing cityscape be depicted or represented likewise? Is it possible to develop different graphic narratives to acquire connotative, evocative and reference values that may highlight the architectural qualities of every particular architectural project in a customized way according to its specific values? And last, but not least, can different drawing techniques and graphic resources generate design strategies? This paper discusses how architects may need to transform conventional modes of representation according to the content they want to convey. This is not only to explore the design strategy as a result of the graphic process developed throughout the project or the different graphic narratives used but also to reflect on the search for a specific mode of drawing. Each project should have its own way to be drawn. The final graphic results, however neat they may be, are not the main goal of this research; it is more a question of specific drawings for specific narratives, on the one hand, and the record of the graphic process as a design strategy, on the other. This research also arises from the assumption that we should accept as a starting point that the work of architecture can be transmitted through drawings, without abandoning the usual graphic codes, but enriching them through their processing or simple selection, making more effective graphic communication in order to evidence the qualities of the building as opposed to others that may be relegated, nuanced or denied. The use of diagrams, photo-collages or analytical drawings may well work as different notations of graphic thoughts. Finally, our scope of study is focused on a series of drawings produced during the diploma year of the degree in architecture at the University of Alicante in the Internationalization Studio.

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Goodnews O . Diemijenyo

Architectural Draughtsmanship

Josep Maria Toldrà

Mustafa Mezughi

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Drawing Imagining Building

Paul Emmons

Architectural Draughtsmanship. From Analog to Digital Narratives

Josep M. Macias Solé , Ivan Fernandez Pino

Architectural Drawing and Architectural Graphic Expression (EGA) are well defined and known disciplines. But there are forms of architectural expression (such as photography or diagrams), which are not necessarily “drawings”. In the last three decades, digital technology has offered architecture multiple forms of expression (digital photography, vector models, CAD), and has proposed multiple forms of structuring and organizing data (data modeling techniques, associative data models, database systems, etc.). The arrival of these data technologies to graphic expression requires the need to look at architecture from the point of view of data.

Architecture Media Politics Society

fiorent fernisia

INTRODUCTION In both architecture practise and academia, the choice of types of architectural drawing and how we present them is usually determined by how the method may effectively communicate our ideas to a specific type of audience in a particular spatial setting. The characteristic of one medium is cautiously chosen for the sake of clarity of information required by the circumstance in which we present the drawing. However, looking at architecture more substantially as knowledge about human relationship with space, as a representation, the types of drawing and the way we present them determine our depth of learning. 1 Drawing mediates our understanding of physical space. The act of representing allows us to separate our physical entity from the space inside the drawing so as to be able to see it more objectively. In this regard, what is often overlooked is that physical relationship, that is very much architectural, between the drawing itself and our own body. To build a thorough understanding, we need to learn architecture directly from its physical object and through not only its representation but also our embodied relationship with the medium. This research is an attempt to bridge the gap between the direct and the mediated architecture learning, that is by allowing drawing in its wholeness of physicality to not only to be used pragmatically but also performatively. This study aims to explore a new way to look at and use architectural representation, "How can architectural drawing generate an embodied-spatial relationship with its audiences and therefore perform the spatial idea being disseminated?" By borrowing a theory from narratology, we answer the question through a precedent study, as well as through two experiments that we conduct to try out this theory. In the end, we hope to elucidate the overlooked role of architecture drawing, namely its performance aspect.

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Architecture presentation techniques – Breaking down drawing and rendering styles

Most often than not, designers get limited with their presentation styles. Students get trapped in the deadlines, architects get restricted by clients or labors who are going to read the drawings. Architectural representation of an idea is the artistic way of expressing the building. It is to resemble the concept and detail of the actual design, but somehow also convey the essence of the project. There are many different ways to tackle the presentation style, so as to make the project more interesting, more eye-catching and easier to understand. Let’s take a look at some different architecture presentation techniques we can incorporate in our portfolios.

Pen and Ink – Hand Drawn Presentation

A fine example of architectural presentation is the pen and ink style. It can also be called the manual style, whereas one isn’t restricted to only pen and ink, but is also open to water-colors, pencil sketches or any other manual technique. This style has somewhere gotten lost with all the softwares available these days to an extent that designers hardly touch paper. This style is one of the simplest and most beautiful as it is not perfect, sometimes there are jagged lines, or color not within the lines, but it just adds to the aesthetic. For people who want to achieve this presentation style, but aren’t as confident about their drawing skills, don’t worry! There is a way! One can simply draw the basic sketch or outline of a drawing, and then digitize it using Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. These softwares allow one to take a hand drawn sketch, increase or decrease line strokes, color in them and add effects such as shadows, digital trees or other elements. Overall, this style is very appeasing and gives a more personal and dedicated impression.

1

Color Blocking – Using colors for dominance

A very elegant example of how colors can be used in architectural presentation styles to make elements stand out. Mostly used to denote massing in a 2d drawing, the color blocking technique is very obvious, but very attractive. Designers can chose colors depending on the number of elements, or based on the heirarchy of masses. So, the colors can be a variation of shades, for eg. one color used in different hues, or the same color tone, for eg. neutral or earthy shades, or bright colors used in the background with the drawing in plain white in the foreground etc. etc. There are n number of permutations and combinations which can be tried in this style and each would give an interesting result. 

2

Axonometric Style – All in one drawing style

One of my favourite techniques for presentation, the axonometric or simply axo style is according to me the easiest to read. Using an axo view, the designer can very well explain the concept and the inter-relationship between various stories, the play of levels or heights, as well as function of every space of the project. An all in one technique, this one diagram is enough to explain the plan, the facade, the inner details, sections and view of a single building. The axo can also be drawn in a variety of ways like sectional axo or floor plan axo etc. to explain further details. This technique is especially useful when the floor plate needs to be explained in minute detail, whereas the facade is a continuous element on all sides. It also conveys the process of design, for instance the steps in the making of the building. What’s more is, this style is the easiest to achieve on software, making it a go-to for students and small firms.

3

Perspective Drawing – 3D visualization

A 3D render is the best way to express what a designer has in his/her mind. The client understands the atmosphere of a space more than a 2D drawing. The sense of scale, colors, textures and feel of a space is best conveyed in this technique. There are a lot of ways to achieve 3D renders, especially with the tools available nowadays. It can be a photo-realistic render or a photoshop collage or a wireframe or white render. However a perspective drawing, where one has the sense of actually being in the space is my top pick. The angle or the camera placed is the most important thing in this style. Where the view gets cut and the kind of textures and colors one uses, with the correct light and shadow setting is also very essential. 

11

Info-graphic – Minimalist drawing style

The single line drawing presentation styles is used extensively these days, where the presentation appears to be more an info-graphic than an architectural drawing. This style is used mostly when the 3D view expresses the major portion of the design and the elevation and section drawings are merely present for further understanding. Often, drawings are not even part of the scheme, only a few details or plans are expressed, in single line for conveying the volumes. This style is perfect for architectural portfolios, where one project is to be displayed on one sheet, where there isn’t much scope for a lot of drawings.

16

Geometric Style – Clean lines and shapes

Sometimes, the drawing or the main focus of the project is lost in context with too many shapes on the sheet. The geometric style expresses everything in sharp straight lines. The absense of organic drawings in the form of trees, cars, etc. or expressing them in lines makes it more interesting to look at and doesn’t distract from the main project. This style is very eye-catching and extremely easy to achieve. Another way to add to this style, is by playing with the opacity of elements. For example, elements which have a more complex shape, like humans or trees, can have a very low opacity as opposed to the main components of the sheet like the facade etc. In this way, the project is highlighted and other elements, while present, do not overpower the sheet. 

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10 Tips for digital presentation of an architectural project

what are presentation drawings in architecture

“Drawing architecture is a schizoid act: It involves reducing the world to a piece of paper”- Eduardo Souto De Moura

Digital presentation of architectural projects is one of the most commonly used tools to communicate our designs to the viewers. They give the viewers an insight into our process of ideation to developing the project. They are often the primary indicators of an architect’s knowledge and abilities, artistic skills, and power of visualizing how an idea will become a real building. 

While sketching and drawing were mainly used for architectural representation in the past, with the rapid advancement in technology and constant innovation in the software used for creating the drawings, today’s digital presentation has made the process much quicker and simpler, yielding better outcomes and giving more clarity of design. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind while making the digital presentation of an architectural project: 

1. Project at a Glance | Digital presentation

Your audience is seeing the project for the first time. They need some context and information about what the project is about. So giving them an overall idea about your concept and approach for designing will intrigue them and keep them aware to listen till the end. Make sure that the sheet looks well-balanced in terms of the color palette used, negative space seen, composition , and orientation of the drawings. 

10 Tips for digital presentation of an architectural project - Sheet1

2. Let Your Design Unfold Slowly 

Structure your presentation in a manner that is interesting for the viewers. For example, imagine walking through a building that surprises you at different instances; it feels so elevating to walk through a well-designed building. Similarly, try to incorporate such a flow in your presentation that keeps your audience curious. 

3. Use the Right Aesthetics  | Digital presentation

Be it the font type, the font size, the color palette, or the material palette, make sure you choose the one that best suits your design. Using monochrome works well but sometimes the use of the right color to drive the visual attention of the audience can be taken into consideration. Make sure to use the font from the same family though its size may vary.

4. Make the Presentation a Virtual Experience  

Since digital presentation is going to become the aptest form of communication for architectural projects, the key challenge is to make the viewers understand the project as an experience, even though it is virtual. While technological inventions of Virtual and Augmented Reality make it possible to walk through the building that is still to be built, it would be a good idea to incorporate elements like scale, depth, humans, shadows, and so on by adding character or details to make it look more life-like. Make your presentation as close to a real experience as possible, to make your viewers understand the feel of the building and evoke emotions.

Architecture is an expression of a thought or an idea that gets converted into reality. Digital presentation is the way to communicate that thought to the viewer. Just as in life, even in architecture, the first impression is the last; so while creating the presentation, carefully curate how you want to create an impact on the minds of your viewers. It is through a good presentation that they will be able to read your designs. 

5. Tell an Engaging Story Through Your Design | Digital presentation

It is believed that architects are storytellers but if the story doesn’t interest your viewers then a lot of time and effort you put into designing will go in vain. Make sure you craft a good story about how your design was conceived and use as many illustrative sketches or graphical representations for depiction as possible. Using a storyboard can help to showcase the flow of thoughts and evolution of design. 

what are presentation drawings in architecture

6. Understand Your Audience 

Your presentation needs to evolve and change depending on the kind of audience you are presenting to. While the approach to design and concept development will appeal to students or other architects, being ready with relevant arguments for justifying your design will impress a jury, and giving a strategic explanation of why this particular design is appropriate for them is what will help you sell your design to a client. 

7. Keep It Clean 

Avoid giving more information than necessary. Don’t use too much jargon to express the design or philosophy . A plain white background with only the necessary text and more images or illustrations is the key to making sure that the audience remains focused.

8. Using Different Mediums of Representation | Digital presentation

With the digitization of drawings in architecture, various modes of representation have been developed by architects aspiring for a clearer depiction of their ideas for the project, to emphasize the way their project needs to be read. A few of those techniques are mentioned below: 

  • Digital sketches or illustrations- appeal to the audience due to the less use of text
  • Orthographic projection- they are more technical drawings to better understand how the design works and how to execute it. 
  • Image presentations- are often self-explanatory and create opportunities for the audience to interpret, imagine and visualize. 
  • 3D modeling- it creates room for exploration of details in the design, materials, lighting, etc, and gives a better idea of the scale and proportion of the project. 
  • Storyboard or Layout presentation- provides a visual narrative of the entire project and helps to engage the audience by giving them an overview before getting into an in-depth understanding of design. 

10 Tips for digital presentation of an architectural project - Sheet3

9. Creating an Elevator Pitch 

There may be times when the time constraint is such that the design can’t be explained in its entirety. Using key points or making notes create a separate elevator pitch style write-up that can be used in case you exceed the time of presentation. 

10. Stick to the Basics | Digital presentation

Avoid using complex architectural terms or language that is difficult for the audience to understand. You don’t want your audience to look for the meaning of words when they should instead be looking for the deeper meaning in your designs. Use simple language and structure your thoughts well before presenting. 

10 Tips for digital presentation of an architectural project - Sheet4

Arch2O.com. (2017). 10 Tips for Creating Stunning Architecture Project Presentation. [online] Available at: https://www.arch2o.com/tips-architecture-project-presentation/  

ArchDaily. (2010). Presentation tips for Architects, Part I. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/90006/presentation-tips-for-architects-part-i   [Accessed 28 Dec. 2021].

First In Architecture. (2017). A great design can be mediocre if it is not presented well. Here are some tips for a great architecture presentation board. [online] Available at: https://www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk/architecture-presentation-board-tips/ .

Show It Better. (2021). Architectural Representation Styles. [online] Available at: https://showitbetter.co/2021/08/architectural-representation-styles/   [Accessed 28 Dec. 2021].

Show It Better. (2021). Improve your online presentations in design! [online] Available at: https://showitbetter.co/2021/07/improve-your-online-presentations-in-design/   [Accessed 28 Dec. 2021].

Anon, (n.d.). Creating a Successful Architecture Presentation Board. [online] Available at: https://www.archisoup.com/studio-guide/architecture-presentation-boards .

Work – Chron.com. (n.d.). Architecture Presentation Tips. [online] Available at: https://work.chron.com/architecture-presentation-tips-12255.html   [Accessed 28 Dec. 2021].

RTF | Rethinking The Future. (2020). The evolution of representation techniques in architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a991-evolving-architectural-presentation-techniques-with-current-trends-in-digitalization/   [Accessed 28 Dec. 2021].

RTF | Rethinking The Future. (2020). 10 tips to make Successful Architecture Project Presentation. [online] Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a1265-10-tips-to-make-successful-architecture-project-presentation/   [Accessed 28 Dec. 2021].

my-a-archpanel (n.d.). MY.A.ARCHPANEL. [online] MY.A.ARCHPANEL. Available at: https://my-a-archpanel.tumblr.com/post/115643625117/via-pinterest-discover-and-save-creative-ideas   [Accessed 28 Dec. 2021].

dribbble.com. (n.d.). Dribbble – image.png by Lara Copaescu. [online] Available at: https://dribbble.com/shots/9162015-playful-boundaries-storyboard/attachments/11419537?mode=media   [Accessed 28 Dec. 2021].

‌Bustler (n.d.). Winners of Australia’s THE LODGE ON THE LAKE Competition. [online] Bustler. Available at: https://bustler.net/news/2888/winners-of-australia-s-the-lodge-on-the-lake-competition   [Accessed 28 Dec. 2021].

‌Journal. (2021). Drawing in Layers: How Architectural Collage Can Expand Your Design Possibilities. [online] Available at: https://architizer.com/blog/practice/details/rethinking-architectural-collage/

10 Tips for digital presentation of an architectural project - Sheet1

Shaymi Shah is a published author and an architectural content writer by profession. Through keen observation about architecture and life around her, she weaves narratives through her writing as she wants to make people, even outside the fraternity, realize the importance and fundamental need of design in our daily lives.

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what are presentation drawings in architecture

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Architectural Drawings

What are architectural drawings.

Architectural drawings are the blueprints of a home renovation project. They provide homeowners with a detailed plan of the proposed changes, including the dimensions of each new room or area. The drawings can also show the location of windows, doors, and other features. Homeowners use architectural drawings to get an idea of how the finished project will look and to make sure that all of the necessary changes are included. In some cases, the drawings may also be used to obtain building permits from the local authorities. Whether you’re planning a small bathroom remodel, basement renovation or a complete home addition, architectural drawings are required and will be a valuable tool in the planning , budgeting and building.

Why Ottawa Homeowners Need Architectural Drawings

Homeowners renovating their property may be unfamiliar with architectural drawings and how to use them. Here is a brief overview of architectural drawings and how they can be used in home renovations.  There are different types of architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details. Floor plans show the layout of a space, elevations show the exterior of a building, sections show how a space would be cut through horizontally, and details highlight specific features. Homeowners renovating their home need to consult with an architect or designer to determine what architectural drawings are required to build your project. Architectural drawings can be used throughout the renovation process, from initial planning to construction to completion. They are an essential tool for both homeowners, inspectors, municipalities and contractors.

What Kind Of Architectural Drawings Are Required For Custom Renovations In Ottawa?

What are the different kinds of architectural drawings? There are hundreds of various drawings but for the average custom renovation in Ottawa these are the most common drawings for getting permits to renovate your home.

Site Plan Drawings

Site plan drawings are created by architects that show details about a property, such as the dimensions of the land, the location of buildings and features, and the grade. They also include information about roads, walkways, and other elements of the landscape. When used in conjunction with a site analysis, site plan drawings can help to create a comprehensive picture of a property and its potential. They are required when obtain zoning approval from a municipality.

Floor Plan Drawings

Floor plan drawings are architectural drawings that show a view from above of the relationships between rooms, spaces and other features at one level of a structure. They are use to help design buildings and sometimes used by builders during construction. Floor plans may include notes for construction to indicate finishes, construction methods, or symbols for electrical items. Floor plan drawings are also a valuable marketing tool when selling/visualizing a house or commercial space as they give a good understanding of the layout and size of rooms and how they relate to each other.

Elevation Drawings

Elevation drawings are created by architects that show details about a proposed or existing building. These drawings provide specific details about the exterior of the structure, including the dimensions of each wall and the location of doors and windows. Elevation drawings also include information about the materials that will be used for the external walls and roof. This is important information for contractors, who use the elevation drawings to create a cost estimate for the project. Elevation drawings are also used by city planners to determine whether a proposed building meets zoning requirements.

Engineering Drawings

Engineering drawings are an essential tool for architects, providing detailed information about the construction of a building or structure. The drawings show the dimensions of each element, as well as the location of supports and load-bearing walls. They also indicate the type of materials to be used in construction. Engineering drawings are usually created using computer-aided design (CAD) software, which allows for precise measurements and detailing. In some cases, hand-drawn plans may also be used. Regardless of the method used, engineering drawings are a vital part of the architectural process, helping to ensure that a project is built to specifications.

HVAC Drawing

HVAC drawings are created by architects that show details about the location and size of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment. This type of drawing is essential for ensuring that the HVAC system is installed correctly and that it is appropriately sized for the size of the project. With heating and cooling equipment, bigger isn’t better, efficiency is.

MEP Drawing

MEP drawings are specialized technical drawings that show important details about the location of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a building. Created by architects & engineers they help engineers plan and contractors install these systems. MEP drawings can be extremely complex, and they often include a wide range of information such as dimensions, piping schedules, and equipment specifications. Because of their importance, MEP drawings must be highly accurate and must conform to all relevant building codes.

Foundation Plan

Foundation plans are created by architects that show small details about the construction of a building’s foundation. These plans is to provide builders with a clear guide for laying the foundation that supports the structure. Foundation plans include the dimensions of the foundation, the location of footers, beams, windows and doors, and any other structural details. A solid foundation is the best way to ensure your construction project is built to last.

Framing Plan

Framing plans are created by architects to provide detailed information about the structural design of a building. Once the framing plan is complete, it can be used by contractors to build the actual frame of the structure. The framing plan includes information such as the dimensions of the lumber, the spacing of the studs, and the location of door and window openings. In addition, the framing plan may also specify the type of foundation that should be used. Framing plans and building plans are crucial part to getting and renovation or construction projects permitted.

Presentation Drawings

Architectural presentation drawings are a type of drawing that is used to communicate an architect’s design concept to a client. Presentation drawings are typically more detailed and polished than working drawings, and they often include elements such as colour, shading, and perspective in order to help visualize the final project. In many cases, an architect will create several different versions of a presentation drawing, each with its own unique twist, in order to gauge which design is most popular with the client. Ultimately, presentation drawings serve as an important tool for architects, helping them to land new clients and bring their vision to life.

Example of work, drawings.

How much do architectural drawings cost when planning a renovation? 

The cost of architectural drawings will vary depending on the extent of the renovation, the size of the property, and the complexity. Clients hire us for all kinds of projects from small decks to custom home building. Prices are based on the scope of the project, complexity of the drawings and the number of drawings required to get the building permits approved. We offer a free consultation so a project manager can meet with you and discuss the entire process and provide an estimate on the cost to plan and design your renovation. Good architectural plans will pay for themselves when it comes to obtaining permits, inspections and during construction!

Atelier de Hahn

The architecture of a global traveler, final architecture presentation drawings.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Final architecture presentation drawings. In past blogs, I have emphasized the importance of  sketching  as integrative design  process . While these learned skills never fail to assist a student’s ability to investigative their project, this blog emphasizes the other end of the spectrum; namely the need to create a successful final presentation.

Some time ago, I visited the final presentation of a colleague’s studio and to my disappointment, most students’ drawings showed no hierarchy of design process; were collaged over each other in a haphazard manner; lacked precision and refinement in various rendering techniques; and, to my dismay, conveyed an absence of pride in their final work. (Yes, I believe that final semester presentations should carry a sense of gravitas.)

I recognize that I am more formal in my approach to final presentations, or let me be honest, in my approach to education in general. But in today’s world where most visuals and graphics are so curated and are designed to an extreme in terms of layout, composition, image selection, and typographic choices to name but a few, I have difficulty understanding why there is such a laissez-faire attitude when it comes to requesting students produce a set of deliverables for a final review, especially a review that concludes a year of learning! 

This is not simply about making a beautiful presentation, but is part of creating an identity—the student’s distinctiveness in how they responded to the project brief—and to a large degree, how they establish key relationships with the audience who view, discuss, and appreciate the visual and verbal efforts. I will admit that this lack of final presentation among many studios is not so much the students’ decision—especially in second year—but poor judgment by faculty in preparing our students to present their work.

Since early in my teaching career, I have had students present their projects holistically—meaning that contrary to pinning up drawings haphazardly, and thus failing to showcase multiple aspects of their design thinking, I request that they consider how to represent their final product, their process, and, most importantly, how they developed the project over the assigned time.

The following blog addresses my interest in having students craft final presentations and includes select drawings that were presented during the final reviews.

Stage 1: understanding the deliverables

To engage students in this endeavor, two weeks prior to their final presentation, I share a list of required deliverables that hopefully by then come as no surprise due to the familiarity of basic presentation requirements. These parameters are formed by analog and digital drawings as well as models that give insight into the projects; they are often accompanied by additional precedence materials that support ideas and process, and bring a personal touch to the presentation. These deliverables encompass plans, sections, elevations, sketches, process drawings, precedence, axonometrics, and perspectives, walk throughs, collages and montages, narrative texts, etc.

The initial conversations cover how to create a successful architectural presentation. As a class, we discuss possible layouts, visual hierarchy, formal structure of composition (proportion, balance, symmetry, rhythm, sequence, scale, movement, cropping, and repetition), and color versus black and white; all components defining how each student wishes to have their project read. At this time, I often share past presentation boards to inspire them, as I have seen that students need some visual clues to understand the task, yet they always draw on their own creative and experimental desires, enabling them to produce their own marvels. They are encouraged to underpin their creatively with an underlying structure or grid in order to give the necessary coherence and “visually persuasive” content needed for any successful final presentation.

I also recommend to students that their overall presentation showcase the excellence of their work in addition to conveying the process through which they arrived at their final design. In fact, we often discuss how final presentations are a mini thesis in their own right; one that communicates with elegance a narrative (story telling) and reflects a holistic design process. Of course, it is equally important that the layout be accompanied by a verbal presentation that omits the typical evasive words including kind of, perhaps, maybe, you know . . .

In addition to having students work with visual languages and aesthetic strategies, I give them constraints in order to compare and contrast between presentations—and this regardless of the program brief. I typically require a layout on three to five landscape-oriented side-by-side 24 x 36-inch panels; with the caveat that the overall presentation needs unity across all boards, while being easily read thematically as individual panels.

Stage 2: composition layout of the panels

what are presentation drawings in architecture

At this point, and with some basic instruction, students begin composing a graphic language through ideas in sketch form (Image 2, above). Some use place holders to locate specific drawings, while others write down the name of each drawing to be included. Either way, what is important at this early stage is to develop an idea about the sequential movement and dynamic rhythm of the overall composition, accompanied by a narrative that will assist them, and the reviewer, to understand the nature of their innovative design proposal. 

What I mean by this, is that to simply draw a rectangle or bubble indicating the position of a drawing does not allow students to understand that each drawing has a basic scale, size, and orientation. For example, the inclusion of a plan appears typically flat in any presentation, while an axonometric is more dynamic due to the angles (e.g., 30/60 degrees), and thus will begin to “point” in various directions, begging to be tied to a previous or subsequent drawing, which in turn will give sense to the overall layout. 

Students rapidly learn that creating a dynamic composition is essential, thus they begin to play with cropping and overlapping drawings—often at different scales—that give depth to the presentation, while allowing specific drawings to “pop out” and draw the attention of the reviewers.

Version 1: first formal layout 

what are presentation drawings in architecture

At this stage, it is critical that students rapidly move from conceptual thinking to actual presentation drawings at scale 1:1. To do this they must replace their conceptual note/drawing with the actual drawing. The reason is simple. If they don’t, it often leads to misinterpretation of the actual scale of each drawing, thus creating a presentation that is unreadable and does not make sense compositionally. Some students express a lack of interest in this step, and it is unfortunate, as they are avoiding replacing their placeholders (i.e., bubble diagrams) with actual scaled drawings which give a whole new perspective to the scale of the layout. Students who rely on an imaginary composition are often disappointed in the overall composition.

Prior to moving to a 1:1 scale, I encourage students to print out their presentation panels on 11 x 17 inch sheets of paper (Image 3, above). This allows them to assess if what they see on their computer screen makes sense when printed (Image 3 below). For students, it is always a revelation to see how drawings are perceived on screen versus when printed at a small scale, and this is even more true when see they them full scale, as jurors will during the final review. Self-critique and feedback are typically done on these xerox copies.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

In the above two images (4 and 5 above), changes are done to improve the readability of the large axonometric (middle left); perspectival sections are modified to basic sections (right of the axonometric); and both top and bottom right corners are adjusted for clarity and order. In this example, a  parti  based on organizing select areas of the loft (e.g., bookshelves) is highlighted, while bringing into focus past  charettes  conducted during the project.

Note that a site plan is  finally  introduced (Image 5 above, middle right showing part of the island of Manhattan), which will become the subject of subsequent iterations until it acts as a background for all plans and sections (Images 6, 7, and 8 below) followed by the introduction of an axonometric of the skyscraper (Image 9 below).

Version 2: the 1:1 printing

what are presentation drawings in architecture

At this juncture, a class review of the presentation panels is conducted at scale 1:1. As peers, a critique is conducted to assess the content of each composition and the students are invited to scribble their thoughts on the presentation panels, thus suggesting to their colleagues either the need for major changes or slight adjustments. Often critiques point toward the lack of overall readability of the compositions, probing the drawings in term of their position, proximity, scale, and color, in addition to the length, size and character/font of text with its obvious and unfortunate misspellings, etc.

Version 3: final adjustments

what are presentation drawings in architecture

At this stage, each student finetunes their presentation, making digital refinement after refinement. Images find a common scale, and ordering systems bring coherence to the layout, often interjected with process sketches and all necessary nomenclatures as sectional cuts, titles, north arrow AND graphic scale.

Note how in this example (Image 7 above), the site plan has migrated to become the background of the plan and sections while suggesting it is part of the perspective on the right. A very nice move that adds a dynamic to the right side of the presentation. Small refinements are calibrated, including the extension of the light in the middle right image into the drawing above (Image 8 below).

Version 4 (final presentation)

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Conclusion:

The day of the public review, it is always impressive to see for the first time the collective display of all the students’ work. Pride, hard work, and confidence infuses the space, and it is encouraging, and most rewarding to see the personality of each student represented in their final compositions. Not only are their design strategies different from each other, but each presentation carries a personal interpretation of the identical required deliverables. Perhaps the most important aspect in developing a final presentation, is to consider the task as a design project in its own right; one that starts with a brief (required deliverables), then the first conceptual sketches, next, the testing of the layout at a small scale, and then, at full scale, the day’s final presentation.

Post scriptum

Following is the close up of four panels (from left to right) of the above final presentation. Per the initial directive, each layout was created separately but conceived, foremost, as a single presentation.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

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Working Drawings: Understanding their importance

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What are working drawing?

Working drawings, also known as construction drawings , serve as a common language between architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders in a construction project.

They are a comprehensive set of documents that provide detailed, graphical representations of a building’s or structure’s components. The primary purpose of working drawings is to illustrate how a structure should be built, providing a clear and concise guide for construction teams.

From the blueprint of a small home renovation to the detailed schematics of a towering skyscraper, these drawings are crucial to the execution of any construction project. They are a manifestation of the creativity and vision of the architect or designer and serve as the roadmap for the contractor and their team.

Working drawings contain essential information about the size, shape, and location of all parts of the building, as well as the type of materials to be used.

In essence, working drawings ensure that everyone involved in a project shares a unified understanding of what is to be built, preventing costly errors and misinterpretations. They translate the design concept into construction-ready format, transforming ideas into reality.

In this article, we will delve into the intricate world of working drawings, exploring their types, components, preparation process, and the challenges that come with them.

Advantages of working drawings

Working drawings are a critical part of the design and construction process and offer several advantages:

  • Detail-Oriented: They are the most detailed and specific type of construction documents. They provide intricate details of all parts of the building, down to the smallest components, to guide builders and artisans accurately.
  • Clear Communication: These drawings help to communicate the design intent clearly and concisely among all parties involved in a project. They enable architects, engineers, contractors, and even clients to visualize the project in the same manner.
  • Code Compliance: They are crucial to ensure that a project is in compliance with local building codes and regulations. They demonstrate how a project adheres to these rules, which is important for obtaining building permits and avoiding legal issues.
  • Cost Estimation: They’re used to estimate the cost of the project accurately. They provide detailed specifications that help in determining the amount and type of materials required, labor costs, and other related expenses .
  • Reduction of Errors: By providing explicit instructions and precise measurements, working drawings help reduce errors during construction, leading to cost and time savings. They also help avoid potential conflicts and misunderstandings during the construction process.
  • Quality Assurance: They serve as a reference for quality control during the construction process. The detailed plans and sections help to verify that the building is being constructed as per the design, ensuring that the final product aligns with the initial vision.
  • Contractual Document: Lastly, working drawings also serve as a part of the contractual documents between the client and the contractor. They define the scope of work, which can be helpful in resolving disputes if any arise during the project.

Types of Working Drawings

Working drawings can be classified into several types, each serving a unique purpose and containing detailed instructions specific to an aspect of a project. Here are the key types of working drawings:

Architectural Drawings:

Or general arrangement drawings (GA’s) are the foundation of all construction projects. These drawings provide a detailed representation of the overall design of the building.

They typically include floor plans, elevations, sections, and details that describe the location, geometry, and other details of all architectural elements of the building. This might include structural and constructional details, the type and texture of the building material to be used, and even the style of windows and doors.

Structural Drawings:

Structural drawings are essential for specifying the framework of a building, such as the concrete framework, beams, columns, and foundations. These drawings provide comprehensive details about the load-bearing structures, including dimensions, material types, and sizes.

Structural drawings can include foundation plans, framing plans, and detailed sections and are critical for ensuring the stability and safety of a building.

Electrical Drawings:

These drawings are used to layout and install the electrical systems within the building. Electrical drawings would include the location of outlets, fixtures, switches, and the route of circuitry connecting these elements.

They also provide details on the electrical load of different appliances and how they should be distributed across various circuits.

Plumbing and Sanitary Drawings:

These drawings show the design of the building’s water supply and waste disposal system. They depict the details of fixtures like sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and the path of the water supply and drainage pipes. It also includes specifications for pipe sizes and materials, and the location of shut-off valves.

Other Specific Types of Drawings:

There are many other types of working drawings that are specific to particular disciplines or project requirements. For example, HVAC drawings provide details on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including ductwork, vent locations, and equipment details.

Similarly, fire protection drawings outline the layout and details of fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and emergency exits.

Each type of working drawing contributes to a holistic understanding of the project and ensures that all stakeholders have the detailed information they need to execute their parts of the project accurately and efficiently.

Components of Working Drawings

Elevations – Elevations provide a vertical view of the structure. They illustrate the height of the building, the position and size of windows, doors, and other architectural features. Elevation drawings can offer four perspectives: front, rear, and both sides, providing a comprehensive view of the building’s exterior.

Floor Plans – Floor plans provide a top-down view of each floor in the building. They indicate the layout of rooms, corridors, staircases, and the placement of furniture. They also specify the placement of windows, doors, and large appliances. Floor plans are fundamental to understanding the flow and functionality of spaces within the building.

Foundation Plans – Foundation plans detail the footing, column locations, foundation walls, and other elements that provide structural integrity to the building. These plans also indicate the type of foundation system, such as slab-on-grade, crawl space, or basement. They offer crucial information for the building’s initial construction stages.

Section Views – Section views , or cross-sections, offer a ‘cut-through’ perspective of the building. They are particularly useful in demonstrating the relationship between different levels of a building. They provide details about construction materials, floor-to-floor heights, roofing details, and wall assembly.

Roof Framing Plans – Roof framing plans detail the design of the roof structure. They specify the type of roofing materials, the pitch of the roof, locations of gutters, downspouts, and the design and placement of trusses or rafters.

Electrical Plans – Electrical plans show the placement of outlets, fixtures, and switches, as well as the routing of circuits. They detail the locations of light fixtures, power outlets, wired devices, and electrical system layouts. These drawings ensure the correct installation and safety of electrical components.

Construction and Architectural Details – Detailed drawings zoom in on particular areas or components of the building, providing more information than can be seen in the broader views. These can include window details, door details, eave details, staircase details, and more.

These drawings offer a close-up view of how different elements will connect and be constructed in real life, serving as a vital reference for both the design and construction teams.

The Process of Preparing Working Drawings

Creating working drawings is typically a collaborative process involving architects, engineers, and sometimes specialized drafters. The responsibility for preparing these drawings is usually assigned to the professional most suitable for each type of drawing. For instance, architects primarily handle architectural drawings, structural engineers tackle structural drawings, and so on.

The process of preparing working drawings typically begins after the preliminary design has been finalized and approved, serving as a critical bridge between design and execution phases.

Use of CAD and BIM in Preparing Working Drawings

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) have revolutionized the process of preparing working drawings. CAD enables drafters to create 2D or 3D graphical representations of physical objects, while BIM extends this capacity by incorporating information about a building’s characteristics and functionality.

Programs like AutoCAD and Revit are widely used in this process. They not only increase accuracy and efficiency but also facilitate easier changes and corrections.

Importance of Compliance with Industry Standards and Building Codes

One of the essential aspects of preparing working drawings is ensuring compliance with industry standards and building codes. These include regulations regarding safety, environmental impact, accessibility, and other essential factors.

A well-prepared working drawing will adhere to all these requirements, providing a clear roadmap for builders to follow. Any deviation from these codes and standards can lead to legal complications, increased costs, and potential project delays.

While preparing these drawings, it’s also crucial to consider practical aspects such as the ease of construction and materials availability. Careful attention to such details will ensure a smooth construction process and ultimately lead to a successful project outcome.

Challenges and Common Issues in Working Drawings

Coordination among these professionals is crucial to ensure that the information provided in the drawings is consistent and coherent. Without effective communication, discrepancies might occur leading to unnecessary revisions, delays, and increased costs.

Errors and Omissions – Despite the precision tools and technologies available today, errors and omissions in working drawings are still a common issue. This can be due to human error, miscommunication, or lack of understanding of the project requirements. Such errors can lead to serious consequences including incorrect construction, wasted materials, time delays, and increased expenses.

Information Accessibility – Often, the data included in the working drawings is complex and dense. It can be challenging for non-specialists, including clients and some contractors, to interpret the drawings accurately. This can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect implementations. Hence, there is a need for clear and accessible presentation of information in these drawings.

Presentation Issues – Working drawings need to communicate a great deal of information in a concise and clear manner. However, poor presentation can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. This includes unclear labeling, improper scaling, or overcrowded details. It is important to maintain a balance between providing all necessary details and keeping the drawings readable and understandable.

Use of Outdated Information – In the dynamic field of construction, building codes, standards, and technologies are constantly evolving. There’s a risk that professionals might use outdated information while preparing working drawings. This could result in non-compliance with the latest codes and standards, leading to legal issues, safety risks, and the potential need for costly revisions.

In order to mitigate these common issues, thorough checking procedures, effective communication, continuous learning, and proper use of technology should be prioritized by the teams responsible for creating working drawings.

Working Drawings vs Shop Drawings

Working Drawings and Shop Drawings are both essential components in the construction process, but they serve different functions and are utilized by different parties in the project.

Working Drawings:

  • Definition: Working drawings, also known as construction drawings, are comprehensive, detailed sets of plans that provide instructions on how to construct a building. They are prepared by architects and engineers and typically include site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, and details.
  • Purpose: Their main purpose is to communicate the design intent of the architect or designer to the contractor and workers on site. They are used as a guide for the construction process.
  • Content: These drawings are more detailed than preliminary sketches, as they show every part of the project in detail, specifying the location, dimension, type of materials, finishes, and more.

Shop Drawings:

  • Definition: Shop drawings are a subset of the working drawings, prepared by contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, or fabricators. They provide more detailed information about individual components that need to be manufactured or fabricated, such as custom cabinetry, windows, doors, or equipment.
  • Purpose: They are mainly used to explain how a specific part of the project will be produced or installed. They detail the specifics of the material, fabrication, sizing, and installation of components.
  • Content: Shop drawings are generally more detailed than working drawings, providing a deeper level of detail about the fabrication or installation of specific components. These drawings often include specific measurements, manufacturing conventions, and sometimes even exact product specifications .

In a nutshell, working drawings provide an overview of the entire construction process, while shop drawings zoom in on the details of specific elements or components. Both types of drawings are crucial for the successful completion of a project, but they are used by different stakeholders at different stages of the project.

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What Should Be Included in Architectural Presentation?

  • by Elif Ayse Fidanci
  • 20 September 2022

Architectural presentations mean representing your projects in architecture in your own way and in your language. Every architect needs a presentation to present their projects, ideas and concepts in architecture faculty and professional life. The elements contained in architectural presentations form your design and presentation language. Having your own design language determines your architectural vision and character. The success of architectural presentations increases the success of the projects and you can show your projects much better with a good presentation. Otherwise, if your presentations are not successful, your projects will not be perceived as perfect, even if they are perfect and complete.

Architectural presentations are an important issue on our agenda as architects every term and any type. In this article, we will talk about architectural presentations and their contents that you need to have as an architect or architecture students.

Architectural Drawings

Architectural presentation means presenting and transferring all the details of the buildings you have designed in professional life to the customers in the best way possible. That’s why you need to prepare a presentation to impress your customers and bring out the best in the project. Architectural drawings, one of the presentation elements, are not the elements we prefer for professional presentations. It is not easy for people who are not architects to read plans and sections and to understand the project through technical drawings. To avoid confusion, you should put architectural drawings in presentations of competition projects, student projects, not professional presentations.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Architectural drawings are essential for such projects and are a very important element. Architectural drawings at all scales must be seamless, error-free and clean. Drawings of architectural projects should start with 1/1000 or 1/500 master plans, and they should be placed in architectural presentations in logical order. Following the master plans, floor plans and sections are placed at 1/100 or 1/200 scales depending on the need and reading of the project. Then, when you add all of the architectural drawings, you should add real-size or small scale drawings such as 1/5, where layers such as point details, system details are well read. Make sure that your architectural drawings are prepared and presented in the same language and that the drawings are clean.

Layout Design

Successful architectural presentations and good reading of drawings and images depend on the layout design. We do not recommend making layout designs that are complex and difficult to read. Prepare simple and easy-to-understand templates to present to both clients and judges. If you design these templates and layouts to include a lot of presentation elements, you will surely make your project more difficult to understand. Sometimes crowded layouts are preferred to be “rich”, but this is very difficult for the reader to perceive.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Is background an important element for architectural presentation? Our answer is both yes and no.

If you’re making the background in a way that makes the layout easy to read and you’re confident in your graphic design skills, go for it! However, most of the time, colored backgrounds are preferred to compete with the project visuals, and this is a big mistake in architectural presentation. Our advice to you is to always make simple and clean presentations. For this, you should prefer a white background.

what are presentation drawings in architecture

Explanation Text

Explaining your projects and conveying them in the best way is the purpose of architectural presentation. In line with this purpose, one of the best ways of expression is to add text to the presentations, both in the presentations you prepare in your professional life and in the presentations you will prepare for your competition and school projects. Explanatory texts required by some competitions and project submissions are critical elements in architectural presentation. The font and font size of the texts you will choose must be the simplest. You can choose from the fonts we have recommended in our previous articles. The font of your articles should be in “sans serif” format suitable for architectural presentation.

Quality Images

Quality renders and project images are a necessity to complete your presentation in the most successful way. If you think that you are not good at this subject for your presentations in professional life, you can attend visualization and rendering courses that you will develop yourself, or you can work with a professional rendering artist.

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COMMENTS

  1. What Is Presentation Drawing In Architecture

    Presentation drawing in architecture is a creative visual form of communication used to convey information about buildings, structures, and other aspects of the built environment. It is an important part of the architect's skill set and allows them to effectively communicate their ideas. Presentation drawing is used to demonstrate a building ...

  2. Presentation Drawing

    Presentation drawing, also known as a rendering, is a crucial aspect of the design process. It's a means of visually communicating ideas to clients, colleagues, and contractors. Presentation drawings can take many forms, from quick sketches to highly detailed, realistic illustrations. Regardless of the format, the goal of presentation drawing ...

  3. What Are Presentation Drawings In Architecture

    Impact on the Overall Project. Presentation drawings are the drawings that architects make to show the client their ideas for a building. Usually this includes the exterior design of the building, as well as details such as the materials used, the layout of the interior space, and sometimes even the furniture that will be used inside.

  4. Creating a Successful Architecture Presentation Board

    Architecture presentation boards are a tool to showcase your work. They are a way to draw your viewers into your design process and methods, providing an overall summary and vision for the project. You are communicating your design and showcasing your artistic skills, and your sense as a designer. Every successful project has a central concept ...

  5. Architectural Drawing Standards and Types Explained

    Architecture drawing scales. All architecture drawings are drawn to a scale and as described here in great detail, there are set scales that should be used depending on which drawing is being produced, some of which are below: 1:500 (1"=40'0") - Site plan. 1:250 (1"=20'0") - Site plan (note that 1:250 is not a common metric ...

  6. Guide to Creating Effective Architectural Presentations

    Sketches and Drawings. Hand-drawn sketches and drawings can add a personal touch to your presentation and convey a sense of authenticity. You can use sketches and drawings to illustrate your design process or to highlight specific design elements. Diagrams. Diagrams can help simplify complex concepts and make them more accessible to your audience.

  7. 12 Tips on Architecture Presentation (for Beginners)

    Be Personable. 11. Recognize Imperfections. 12. Include a Chance for Questions. 1. Get a Grasp of Your Audience. Interest levels are going to vary between audiences based on the context of your presentation. If you are a practicing architect, your design is the keystone of the presentation.

  8. Plan Graphics for Presentation Drawings

    For presentation plan drawings the necessary annotations are minimal. They include section tags, drawing titles, north arrows and scale notations. The sizes noted below are recommendations for 1/8" scale plans. If you are printing to a different scale, it is recommended that you adjust the sizes of the graphics.

  9. Four Choices in Architectural Presentation Drawings

    Winning a project bid requires architectural presentation drawings that demonstrate to the potential client the merits of the structure's design concept and is a direct indication of an architectural firm's skill in creativity and technical ability. Poorly drafted presentation drawings can result in losing great projects to other firms. We offer four different avenues to presenting your ...

  10. 10 Tips for Creating Stunning Architecture Project Presentation

    General Tips. 7) Minimize text on your presentation board. Write a short and concise concept statement and add a very brief explanation, if needed. Don't waste your time composing elongated descriptive text because no one will read it. 8) Replace words, whenever possible, with simple illustrative sketches and figures.

  11. Successful Architectural Presentation Boards

    Architectural presentations are designed both for juries and submissions during student years and for customers in professional life. Architects present their projects of different scales as architectural presentation boards. ... Concept boards should be submitted before your architectural drawings and render images. While creating concept ...

  12. The Best Way For Architectural Presentations

    Contents of Architectural Presentations. The drawings included in the architectural presentations are created to represent your project. The most important criterion while creating the content is the harmony of the drawings and all other representations in the content. Architectural presentations should first explain the design process of your ...

  13. Architectural Drawing: Notation, Reflection, Communication and Presentation

    Since then, architectural drawing and Presentation has developed as a language to the extent that it embodies much of the social and cultural practice Nicolai Steinø of architecture (Robbins 1994). On a more mundane level, drawings are easy to produce, Aalborg University reproduce and distribute (whether physically [email protected] or ...

  14. Architecture presentation techniques

    Architecture presentation techniques - Breaking down drawing and rendering styles. Most often than not, designers get limited with their presentation styles. Students get trapped in the deadlines, architects get restricted by clients or labors who are going to read the drawings. Architectural representation of an idea is the artistic way of ...

  15. 10 Tips for digital presentation of an architectural project

    "Drawing architecture is a schizoid act: It involves reducing the world to a piece of paper"- Eduardo Souto De Moura. Digital presentation of architectural projects is one of the most commonly used tools to communicate our designs to the viewers. They give the viewers an insight into our process of ideation to developing the project. They are often the primary indicators of an architect ...

  16. How architectural drawings work

    Introduction. I intend, in this paper, to offer a discussion about the functioning of representation in architecture. I will begin with a discussion on the use of architectural drawings, focusing specifically on presentation drawings — drawings that are used by designers, clients or critics to discuss qualities of architectural projects.

  17. What is an architectural drawing?

    Presentation Drawings. Architectural presentation drawings are a type of drawing that is used to communicate an architect's design concept to a client. Presentation drawings are typically more detailed and polished than working drawings, and they often include elements such as colour, shading, and perspective in order to help visualize the ...

  18. Final architecture presentation drawings

    Final architecture presentation drawings. In past blogs, I have emphasized the importance of sketching as integrative design process.While these learned skills never fail to assist a student's ability to investigative their project, this blog emphasizes the other end of the spectrum; namely the need to create a successful final presentation.

  19. Working Drawings: Understanding their importance

    Architectural Drawings: Or general arrangement drawings ... Hence, there is a need for clear and accessible presentation of information in these drawings. Presentation Issues - Working drawings need to communicate a great deal of information in a concise and clear manner. However, poor presentation can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

  20. Architecture drawing presentation

    Architectural drawing are made according to a set of convention, which includes particular views like floor plan, section, sheet sizes, units etc. Architectural drawing are use by architect to develop their design ideas to clients and also to communicate ideas and concepts. Introduction.

  21. What Should Be Included in Architectural Presentation?

    Architectural drawings at all scales must be seamless, error-free and clean. Drawings of architectural projects should start with 1/1000 or 1/500 master plans, and they should be placed in architectural presentations in logical order. Following the master plans, floor plans and sections are placed at 1/100 or 1/200 scales depending on the need ...

  22. Drafting & Presentation

    Architectural Drawings: Hidden Masterpieces from Sir John Soan... Contemporary Japanese Architecture Hand-drawn Perspectives and Sketches: Architectural Rendering

  23. What is presentation drawing in architecture?

    Presentation drawing in architecture is the production of a drawing for the purpose of gaining support, such as at a presentation of an architectural...

  24. Architecture Drawing Presentation

    Architecture Drawing Presentation. Concept Models Architecture. Timber Architecture. Architecture Concept Diagram. Architecture Office. Architecture Exterior. Architecture Design. Exibition Design. Collective Housing. Alveary Architecture. 474 pengikut. Komentar. Belum ada komentar! Tambahkan satu untuk memulai percakapan.