It is a graphical representation of structures, machines, and their component parts that communicates the engineering intent of a technical design to the craftsman or worker who makes the product (Britannica).
Drafting
Engineering Drawing
Architectural
From a horizontal perspective, shows the layout of doors, windows, rooms, and other fixtures.
Floor Plan
Shows the surroundings of the building’s lot area. May include adjacent buildings, streets, rivers, etc.
Site Plan
Shows the exterior model of the building when looked at from its front, right side, left side, and rear.
Elevation Plans
From a vertical perspective, shows the different levels of a building.
Section Plan
From a horizontal top-down perspective, shows roof layout, slope points, ridges, and other roof accessories.
Roof Plan
A rendered 3d model of the building.
Perspective Plan
Focuses on specific elements of the building, such as stairs.
Detail Drawings
A list of all symbols used in the architectural plans that represent their real-life counterparts.
Symbols and Legends
States the material or finish to be used for a specific area or portion of the building plan.
Proposed Materials and Finishes
Structural
Offers a top view of the foundation and shows the girders, beams, columns, and openings.
Foundation Plan
Include supports, girders, and joists.
Floor Framing Plan
Shows the arrangement of roof rafters from a top-down view.
Roof Framing Plan
Critical for the structural integrity of the building, as the beams and columns support the slabs of the infrastructure, which bear the loads being placed upon it.
Beam and Column Layout
Similar to Sections in the Architectural Plan, but focuses on the layout of its structural members.
Structural Sections
Similar to Elevations in the Architectural Plan, but focuses on the layout of its structural members.
Structural Elevations
Detailed plans on joint connections between beams, columns, and bracing.
Connection Details
Shows the specifications, location, and design of shear walls and bracing in buildings.
Shear Wall and Bracing Plan
Displays reinforcement details for slab, slab thickness, and rebar layout.
Slab Reinforcement Plan
Retaining walls, or walls that confine soil, along with the necessary render, treatment, and dimensions.
Retaining Wall Details
Specifies the load-bearing capacities of stairs and ramps in buildings.
Stair and Ramp Details