Technical drawing
The term ‘technical drawing’ has a very broad meaning, referring to any drawing that conveys the way that something functions or how it is constructed. Technical drawings are intended to convey one specific meaning, as opposed to artistic drawings which are expressive and may be interpreted in a number of ways.
Most drawings prepared during the design and construction of buildings might be considered to be technical drawings.
Technical drawings will generally become more complete, more specific and will increase in detail as a project progresses. They may include:
- Sketches.
- Design intent drawings.
- Detail drawings.
- Working drawings.
- General arrangement drawings.
- Assembly drawings.
- Component drawings.
- Shop drawings.
- Installation drawings.
- As-built drawings and record drawings.
Technical drawings may comprise two-dimensional (orthogonal) plans, sections and elevations, or may include three-dimensional or exploded projections. They may be drawn to scale by hand, or prepared using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. However, increasingly, building information modelling (BIM) software is being used to create three-dimensional representations of buildings and their components. BIM models may be described as 'design intent models' during the early stages of development but then may evolve into 'virtual construction models' (VCM) and finally 'as-constructed models'.
It is important that the purpose for which technical drawings are being prepared and the people that will use them are carefully considered to ensure they are properly structured and adopt an appropriate presentational techniques.
The scale at which drawings are prepared should reflect the level of detail of the information they are required to convey, and graphical techniques such as the use of different line thicknesses and hatching can help provide greater clarity.
To help convey the precise meaning of information, technical drawings may include title blocks, dimensions, notation and symbols. To ensure their meaning is concise and unambiguous, it is important that these are consistent with industry standards.
Specification information may be included on technical drawings or in a separate specification, but information should not be duplicated as this can become contradictory and may cause confusion.
The broad term ‘technical drawing’ should not be confused with the specific meaning of drawings prepared during the technical design stage. These are drawings prepared after the detailed design (or 'developed design' or 'definition') has been completed, but before the construction contract is tendered or construction begins. These drawings will often be prepared by specialist subcontractors.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- As-built drawings and record drawings.
- Assembly drawing.
- Common mistakes on building drawings.
- Component drawings.
- Concept drawing.
- Design drawings.
- Detail drawing.
- Drawing board.
- Elevations
- Engineering drawing.
- General arrangement drawing.
- Installation drawings
- North American Paper Sizes.
- Notation and symbols.
- Paper sizes.
- Projections.
- Scale drawing.
- Scale rule.
- Section drawing.
- Shop drawing.
- Technical design.
- Technical drawing pen sizes.
- Types of drawing.
- Working drawing.
Featured articles and news
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Comments
This would all be so much more useful if we could actually see examples of all the different types of drawings.