Construction drawings, what are they? types and examples

During the project processes different figures come into play (architect, engineer, surveyor, etc.) that produce a series of construction drawings, each referring to certain building aspects. But what exactly is an architectural design and what does it consist of?

Let’s see some examples of construction drawings. I will also give you a list the main types and explain how to easily create accurate technical construction drawings with a dedicated software.

What are construction drawings?

Construction drawings are constructive graphical representations of a work as a whole that show all its final characteristics.

They are important in a construction project because they guide the entire construction process, representing the details of each technical element. It facilitates the understanding of dimensions, materials, typologies and qualities of the building.

The construction drawings, with numerous standard symbols and schematics, intend to communicate all the aspects of the design concept. For this reason they must be as clear, concise and coordinated as possible to avoid ambiguities that could cause errors and delays on site.

What are the most important types of construction drawings?

To properly represent and describe a project there are several types of drawing, such as:

1 – Site Plans

Site plans frame the surrounding area, specifying roads, buildings, topography, and current urban planning regulations.

2 – Architectural Plans

Architectural plans represent a bird’s-eye view of the building, depicting the roof and the surrounding environment.

Area view created directly from a 3D model with usBIM.blueprint

3 – Architectural Layouts

Architectural layouts represent each floor of the building. The building is sectioned to visualize floors, rooms, and the position of external and internal fixtures, stairs, etc. These drawings include details such as:

• • the size of internal and external walls;
  • general dimensions;
  • the names of the spaces;
  • the area of the spaces.

Floor plan created directly from a 3D model with usBIM.blueprint

4 – Structural Plans

Also known as framing plans, structural plans isolate the load-bearing structure of the building and highlight the nodes and structural connections, the arrangement of beams and joists.

5 – Electrical Plans and Schematics

These documents represent the electrical network, indicating the arrangement of cables, lighting devices, power supply, circuits, and electrical panels.

6 – Mechanical and Plumbing Drawings

They illustrate the elements of the HVAC system, such as the position of the thermostat, ventilation systems, and distribution elements. Additionally, they show the plumbing system, including pipes, pumps, and drains.

7 – Elevations

Elevations represent the building in elevation, offering a two-dimensional view of the exterior. They show details such as external finishes, the position of doors and windows, and the slope of the roof.

elevation view created directly from a 3D model with usBIM.blueprint

8 – Sections

Sections provide a vertical view of the building, cutting through it to show the interior. They highlight details such as:

• • • heights and levels;
    • structure of walls and floors;
    • foundations, beams, and columns.

Section created directly from a 3D model with usBIM.blueprint

9 – Construction Details

These documents are enlarged details of technical elements such as foundations, masonry, windows, and stairs. They serve to provide insights into stratigraphy, components, and construction connections.

10 – Finishing Drawings

Finishing drawings highlight the aesthetic details of the building, such as materials and furnishings. They often use floor plan renderings, which emphasize paints, flooring, and decorative details.

11 – Photorealistic Visualizations

Internal and external renderings simplify the understanding of the project, offering a realistic visual representation of the finished building.

What types of information come from the drawings?

Construction drawings contain all relevant info that the contractor needs to carry out in a construction. It is rich in symbols and details that remove communication gaps that could arise during the execution phase.

The data available in a construction drawing vary depending on:

• scale of representation: the smaller the scale, the greater the detail;
• type of drawing: in a floor plan, whether architectural, structural or mechanical, information will be obtained regarding the distribution of spaces, walls, fixtures, HVAC systems; in the sections, on the other hand, the analysis of levels, altimetries, material layer composition, the location of beams, etc., will be accentuated.

To learn more, read also: RFI Construction: The Comprehensive Guide

Who prepares the construction drawings?

The design teams produce the different construction drawings and thanks to specific technical and professional knowledge, can therefore define the construction process on site.

In a work group, there are different technical drawings specific to each field of application, subject to updating throughout the execution phase.

How to quickly produce accurate construction drawings with architectural software?

There are still numerous errors and inconsistencies that can be often found between the various designs. The cause is often linked to poor collaboration and coordination between the different disciplines involved during design.

In many cases, each professional tends to use their own software, producing different drawings with no connection among the others.

A valid solution to these problems is certainly the use of a dedicated software for creating technical drawing, a totally online application that allows you to generate plans, elevations and sections directly from a 3D file in IFC format, without the need of a BIM software.

This solution gives life to a completely openBIM working methodology and offers you the possibility to collaborate effectively with professionals who use BIM software different from yours and even with professionals who still use CAD.

Drawings overlaying the BIM model

To use this solution you do not need to install any application on your PC: access usBIM.blueprint and upload the 3D model in IFC format on the platform. You can:

1. automatically obtain the views (plans, prospectuses, sections) you want;
2. view the technical drawings in overlay with the BIM model;
3. print or export drawings in DXF/DWG/DWF format.

If you need to quickly produce accurate drawings, I recommend you try this software for creating your technical construction drawings.

FAQ about Construction Drawings

1. What are construction drawings?
An architectural drawing is a technical graphic representation that details how a building or structure should be constructed. It includes essential information on dimensions and materials, guiding architects, engineers, and contractors in the accurate execution of a project.

2. What are the key elements of an construction drawing?

• Detailed views: floor plans, elevations, sections, and specific details of components.
• Dimensions: precise measurements to ensure accurate execution.
• Symbols and annotations: standardized symbols representing materials, finishes, and construction methods.
• Scales: drawings are made to scale to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Organization: in complex projects, drawings are divided into packages (architectural, structural, MEP, etc.).

3. Why are construction drawings important?

• They communicate the design intent to all parties involved.
• They ensure compliance with building regulations.
• They prevent errors during construction by providing precise details.
• They facilitate cost estimation and work planning.

4. What are the different types of construction drawings?

• Site Plans: Show the surrounding area, including roads, buildings, topography, and current urban planning regulations.
• Architectural Plans: Offer a bird’s-eye view of the building, illustrating the roof and context.
• Architectural Layouts: Show each floor of the building, including walls, fixtures, stairs, and details such as: sizes of internal and external walls, general dimensions, names, and areas of the rooms.
• Structural Plans: Define the load-bearing structure, highlighting nodes, beams, and structural connections.
• MEP Drawings: Represent the electrical network, including cables, circuits, and lighting devices, as well as HVAC and plumbing systems, including pipes, pumps, and drains.
• Elevations: Offer an external view of the building, showing materials, windows, doors, and the slope of the roof.
• Sections: Cut vertically through the construction, revealing its interiors and details such as: heights and levels; structure of walls and floors, foundations, beams, and columns.
• Construction Details: zoom in on technical elements such as foundations, masonry, windows, and stairs.
• Finishing Drawings: highlight the aesthetic finishes of the building, including materials and furnishings.
• Photorealistic Visualizations: internal and external renderings that help understand the final appearance of the building.
• Excavation Drawings: Indicate trenches, foundations, and soil removal.
• As-Built Drawings: Document the final construction, including any modifications.

5. How are construction drawings made?
In the past, construction drawings were made by hand, while today CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software are used. These tools allow for the automatic generation of plans, elevations, and sections from a 3D model, improving collaboration and reducing errors.

6. Who creates construction drawings?
Drawings are prepared by architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry. Each discipline contributes specific technical documents to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.

7. What software can be used to create construction drawings?
There are various software such as usBIM.blueprint, which allow generating and overlaying construction drawings onto a BIM model. This facilitates collaboration among professionals and reduces errors due to uncoordinated drawings.