Traditionally, floor plans, elevations, and sections contained notes and dimensions written in a standardized style of hand lettering. However, recent changes in technology allow for creation of type that can be applied to handdrawn orthographic projections. Lettering and type can be computer generated, printed on adhesive reproduction film (“sticky back”), and applied to drawings. Lettering is also created by specialized machines (lettering machines) that print on adhesive-backed tape that can be applied to drawings. Lettering machines can be used to produce type in a range of sizes, styles, and colors. In addition, all of the com monly used CADD programs allow for consistent, standardized type to be readily applied to the appropriate location on a drawing. Even with these changes in technology, it is useful to develop the ability to hand-letter in a consistent standardized style. Many designers still create presentation drawings by hand, and for the sake of visual consistency, hand lettering is crucial. Hand lettering is also often used on quick sketches and design details, and for dimensions and revisions of drawings. There are some basic rules for lettering design drawings, as well as some stylistic elements that influence letter form. Guidelines are required for all lettering locations. Horizontal guidelines create the lines on which the lettering rests. Consistent spacing between the lines of lettering is required. Vertical guidelines must be drawn so that the lines of type are aligned consistently. Lettering for design drawings is typically all capitals, allowing all letters to fit within a single pair of guidelines, with no tips or tails above or below the guidelines. Letters should have perfectly vertical strokes; the vertical strokes should not slant to the left or to the right. A tiny lettering triangle is used as a straightedge in making vertical strokes. Figure 1-15 is a hand-lettering reference.
Dimensions, required on all construction drawings, are sometimes necessary on drawings used for presentation purposes. Their inclusion is based on the project and the presentation audience. Dimensions must be accurate, complete, and readable. Horizontal dimensions should read across the sheet from left to right. Vertical dimensions must read from the lefthand edge so as not to require rotating the drawing in a variety of directions. Dimension lines should be of a thin, crisp line weight that sets them apart from wall and other construction lines. The lines leading
from the area dimensioned to the dimension lines (known as leader lines) should be spaced slightly apart from construction lines. Dimensions should be written above the dimension lines, so that they are underlined by them. Dimensions are best written in feet and inches. For example, 2'-4" is written, not 28". The single exception is made for items measuring less than one foot; these are listed in inches only. Figure 1-16 is a town-house upper-level floor plan using standard dimensioning conventions for interior. Figure 1-17 is a town-house lower-level floor plan employing standard conventions for locating interior and exterior dimensions outside of the plan boundaries.
It is important to note that the conceptual basis for orthographic drawings and drafting conventions is the same whether created by hand or through the use of electronic tools. The meaning communicated in a floor plan is the same whether the drawing is created by hand or with the use of a CADD program. While the debate rages on as to the “best” CADD program, most of the commercial design firms that I have interviewed use AutoCAD® software and expect entry-level designers to have a working knowledge of it. I have noted more variation in terms of CADD software used by residential design firms. My many interviews with those who hire professional interior designers have consistently shown that all employers expect recent graduates to come equipped with high-level CADD skills. Clearly this book is not the guide to any software program; instead the focus is on the concepts and conventions that convey information in design drawings. Some recently published AutoCAD guides have proven highly useful, and those are listed in the references.
DIMENSIONS
Dimensions, required on all construction drawings, are sometimes necessary on drawings used for presentation purposes. Their inclusion is based on the project and the presentation audience. Dimensions must be accurate, complete, and readable. Horizontal dimensions should read across the sheet from left to right. Vertical dimensions must read from the lefthand edge so as not to require rotating the drawing in a variety of directions. Dimension lines should be of a thin, crisp line weight that sets them apart from wall and other construction lines. The lines leading
from the area dimensioned to the dimension lines (known as leader lines) should be spaced slightly apart from construction lines. Dimensions should be written above the dimension lines, so that they are underlined by them. Dimensions are best written in feet and inches. For example, 2'-4" is written, not 28". The single exception is made for items measuring less than one foot; these are listed in inches only. Figure 1-16 is a town-house upper-level floor plan using standard dimensioning conventions for interior. Figure 1-17 is a town-house lower-level floor plan employing standard conventions for locating interior and exterior dimensions outside of the plan boundaries.
COMPUTER-AIDED DRAFTING AND DESIGN (CADD)
It is important to note that the conceptual basis for orthographic drawings and drafting conventions is the same whether created by hand or through the use of electronic tools. The meaning communicated in a floor plan is the same whether the drawing is created by hand or with the use of a CADD program. While the debate rages on as to the “best” CADD program, most of the commercial design firms that I have interviewed use AutoCAD® software and expect entry-level designers to have a working knowledge of it. I have noted more variation in terms of CADD software used by residential design firms. My many interviews with those who hire professional interior designers have consistently shown that all employers expect recent graduates to come equipped with high-level CADD skills. Clearly this book is not the guide to any software program; instead the focus is on the concepts and conventions that convey information in design drawings. Some recently published AutoCAD guides have proven highly useful, and those are listed in the references.
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