Like all industries, construction uses its own brand of terminology and phrases. In any construction project, its a good idea to get a general knowledge of the concepts being displayed or conveyed. Did you know the following terms and definitions as they relate to architectural drawings (plans)?
Floor Plan: A drawing featuring a horizontal section of the project space. Imagine looking down on the project from above, this is the floor plan. A floor plan is also sometimes referred to as a floor layout.
Section (or cross section): This describes a drawing that shows a cut through of the body of a building or object (like walls or casework), perpendicular to the horizon line.
Detail: A detail is generally a close up of a section. The detail helps to visualize how a building, room, or object is to be constructed or connected.
Elevation: A drawing that shows a front or side view of a building or room. It is a 2D representation of the building or room it shows.
Dimension: The distance between two points
Site Plan (or plot plan): Similar to a floor plan, in that it is a drawing featuring the project space from above, but this plan includes exterior space. This is important information when a project includes work outside a building like a parking lot or landscape. New construction will always have a site plan.
How did you do? Did you pass Construction Terminology 101? Good news, everyone graduates from my classes.
