Included in the tender

My admin and Quantity surveyor work very closely together, and when new tenders come through the first thing these 2 do is look at the drawings.

Then comes the split M. Woods takes the drawings and measures up and Kira Bennett takes the lead on the contracts and t's and C's. Communication with our contractors is open, honest and clear.

But every project starts with a vision and a set of drawings. This Blog explains why they are so important.

In the realm of architecture and design, elevations and drawings serve as crucial tools for conveying ideas, capturing the essence of a structure, and facilitating effective communication between architects, clients, and construction teams. Elevations and drawings bring designs to life, enabling stakeholders to visualize a project in its entirety. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of elevations and drawings, their purpose, and the techniques employed to create compelling visual representations.

Understanding Elevations:

Elevations are two-dimensional representations of a building's facades or sides, providing a clear depiction of its height, width, and proportions. They convey crucial information about the vertical dimensions and overall exterior appearance of a structure. Elevations showcase various architectural elements, such as windows, doors, balconies, and decorative details, enabling architects and clients to evaluate the visual impact and aesthetics of a design.

Types of Elevations:

1. Front Elevation: This elevation depicts the front face of a building, typically the one facing the main entrance or public space. It showcases the most prominent features and sets the tone for the overall architectural style.
2. Rear Elevation: The rear elevation highlights the backside of a building. It typically includes secondary entrances, service areas, and the relationship between the structure and its surroundings.
3. Side Elevations: Side elevations capture the profiles of a building's sides, offering insights into its overall shape, symmetry, and proportions.
4. Cross-Sectional Elevation: Cross-sectional elevations provide a vertical slice of a building, showcasing its internal composition, including floor levels, ceiling heights, and spatial arrangements.

The Power of Drawings:

Architectural drawings supplement elevations and play a vital role in communicating design concepts. They convey information about a building's layout, interior spaces, materials, and construction details. Drawings are often categorized into the following types:

1. Floor Plans: Floor plans present a top-down view of a building's layout, illustrating the arrangement of rooms, corridors, and other functional areas. They help stakeholders understand the flow and functionality of spaces within a structure.
2. Sections: Sections are vertical cuts through a building, providing a detailed view of its interior. They reveal the relationship between different floors, structural elements, and the distribution of spaces.
3. Details: Detail drawings focus on specific architectural elements, such as windows, doors, staircases, or construction junctions. They provide enlarged views and annotations to convey precise information about materials, dimensions, and construction techniques.
4. Renderings: While not technical drawings per se, renderings are powerful visualizations that bring designs to life. They use computer-generated imagery or hand-drawn techniques to showcase a building's exterior or interior from a realistic perspective, including lighting, materials, and textures.

The Creation Process:

Creating elevations and drawings requires a combination of artistic skills, technical knowledge, and specialized tools:

1. Manual Techniques: Traditional methods involve hand-drawing using drafting tools like pencils, rulers, and compasses. Skilled artists can bring life to elevations and drawings through their artistic interpretation and attention to detail.
2. Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Modern architecture heavily relies on CAD software, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit. These tools allow architects to create precise, scalable, and editable digital drawings. CAD software also enables quick modifications, better collaboration, and the generation of accurate 3D models.
3. 3D Modeling and Visualization: With advancements in technology, architects can create realistic 3D models of their designs. Software like Autodesk 3ds Max or SketchUp combined with rendering engines such as V-Ray or Lumion help architects produce immersive visualizations, allowing stakeholders to experience the proposed building before construction begins.

Conclusion:

Elevations and drawings serve as invaluable communication tools in the field of architecture. They enable architects to convey their visions, assist clients in understanding the design intent, and guide construction teams in executing projects with precision. By mastering the art of elevations and drawings, architects can effectively bridge the gap between abstract concepts and tangible structures, resulting in successful architectural endeavors that are both visually striking and functionally sound.