Weekly Terminology
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Week Three Terms
All Course Related Terminology

Week Three Terminology

Dimension -
Drawing information that gives the size and/or location of elements in plans, elevations, sections and details.

Dimension Line -
Line drawn between the two extension lines that extend past the extension lines. At the intersection of the two lines place a dark tick mark drawn freehand at a 45 degree angle.

Dimension String -
A line of continuous dimensions. Dimension strings are closed or open. A closed string gives every dimension along the string while an open string gives only the dimension need for size or location.

Dimension Text -
A number representing the length of the dimension. Use 3/32" architectural lettering.

Extension Lines -
Lines drawn perpendicular to the dimensioned part.

Elevation -
A view of the building from the front, back or side.

Line Quality -
Crispness/Blackness/Density. The quality of the line is in its consistency and appropriate line weight.

Line Weight -
Primary/Secondary/Rendition. The weight/thickness of the line communicates architectural information.

Orthographic Projection -
Drawing method used for plan/section/elevation drawings. This method uses right angles, parallel lines and perpendicular drawing surfaces.

Overall Dimension -
A dimension that shows the whole width or length of an element. The overall dimension is always drawn furthest out from the dimensioned element.

Plan View -
A view from above the building after a horizontal cut has been made 4' above the floor and the top part has been removed.

Scale -
Drawings are scaled so that the plan or elevation can be drawn on a standard sheet of paper. Architectural scales are generally given in fractions and Engineering scales are generally given in whole numbers.

Top View -
A view of the building from above.