Types of Plans
Learn the different types of plans used within the interior design industry. As with all trades or professions there are certain definitions that are relevant to that trade and associated industries.
Listed below are a number of the more common types of definitions for types of drafting plans.
Plan
This is the horizontal cross section or view of a site or building or component. It is used to locate items.
Reflected Plan
This is a plan drawing that usually shows a ceiling. It has the same orientation as the other plans of the building but it is viewed as if reflected in a mirror. This is usually to help with intricate ceiling layouts.
Elevations
Elevations are the vertical views of the buildings or its internal walls or components. This is to show what the object looks like and its position in relation to that wall.
Cross-Section
A cross section is a view through a component. e.g. a cutaway view or a cut through a particular position of a component. This may be a view through a building or a piece of cabinetry.
Preliminary Drawings
Prelimininary are the sketches and preliminary layouts that you draw to develop the spaces and ideas for the project.
Sketch Plans
Sketch plans is taking the developed preliminary drawings and collating the ideas into a fairly concise single or set of plans to illustrate your ideas to others. e.g. a client.
Detailed Sketch Plans
Detailed original sketch plans are revised after reviewing them and detail is added so that the project can be planned fully. They will be detailed enough to give a client for their clear understanding, a quantity surveyor for setting up an accurate budget, and can be used by an engineer or contractor to examine and advise on various ways of constructing the project. They may also to be used to discuss with local planning and building authorities.
Working Drawings (Blue Prints)
Working drawings are the nuts and bolts of constructing the project. They will also be used to obtain your building consent or permit and they usually contain location, assembly and component drawings.
Location Drawings
Location drawings include block plans, site plans, floor plans and sometimes elevations. These are the drawings that locate the positions of various spaces in a building. They may include the general construction, i.e. finishes such as brick or board, but are more for the location including window and door positions.
Assembly Drawings
Assembly drawings include cross sections, and some detailing showing the junctions in and in between components, the main structure and components.