Technical Drawing and Plans

Plans

• Instructions for assembling an item refer to written steps, often in short sentences, describing how to assemble that item.
• Assembly diagrams are annotated (labelled) pictures that explain in detail how to assemble an item.

Plans and Elevations

• An elevation is a view of a building's front, back, or side, helping to understand the structure's external dimensions and design.
• Elevations can include front elevation, side elevation, and rear elevation, each depicting the respective sides of the building.

Symbols on a Floor Plan

• Solid wall symbols represent walls that extend to the ceiling.
• Partial wall symbols represent walls that do not reach the ceiling.
• Window symbols are shown with three parallel lines in a wall.
• Door symbols are shown with a straight line perpendicular to a wall and an arc indicating the swing direction.
• Sliding door symbols are indicated differently from regular doors.
• Symbols for bath, toilet, and shower represent their placement within a building.
• Symbols for double kitchen sink, single bed, and single armchair indicate their exact locations.

Reading Floor Plans

• A floor plan provides a bird’s-eye view of a building, showing the layout and arrangement of rooms and fixtures.
• Key points to understand when reading a floor plan include:
  • Identifying the front entrance and tracing the path through the house.
  • Identifying doors and windows, which are essential parts of the floor plan.
  • Identifying fixtures, such as baths, sinks, and toilets, which are marked because they are immovable once installed.
  • Identifying room labels, which are the names of each room written on the plan.

Interpreting a Floor Plan

• Interpreting a floor plan involves identifying any errors and understanding the placement of various elements within the layout.
• Key points to consider when interpreting a floor plan include:
  • Ensuring the logical arrangement of fixtures and entryways in each room.
  • Ensuring door and window placements provide proper access and light without compromising privacy or functionality.
  • Ensuring functional spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, are properly located and accessible.

Activity: Interpreting a Floor Plan

• When interpreting a floor plan, consider the following:
  • Check window placements, cupboard spaces, and door orientations in the kitchen.
  • Ensure proper plumbing alignment and privacy in the toilet and bathroom.
  • Verify the placement of sliding doors and entry points in living spaces.
  • Ensure proper door swings, window placements, and cupboard locations in bedrooms.
  • Assess the orientation and functionality of the entire plan, ensuring logical flow and usability.

Learn about technical drawings, plans, and elevations, including assembly instructions and annotated diagrams. Understand the importance of elevations in architecture and building design.