Architectural Graphics

Francis D. K. Ching

• Publisher: Wiley
• Year: 2015
• ISBN:
  9781119073383
• Edition: 6
• Topic: Architecture
• Subtopic: Architecture Design

The bestselling guide to architectural drawing, with new information, examples, and resources

Architectural Graphics is the classic bestselling reference by one of the leading global authorities on architectural design drawing, Francis D.K. Ching. Now in its sixth edition, this essential guide offers a comprehensive introduction to using graphic tools and drafting conventions to translate architectural ideas into effective visual presentations, using hundreds of the author's distinctive drawings to illustrate the topic effectively. This updated edition includes new information on orthographic projection in relation to 3D models, and revised explanations of line weights, scale and dimensioning, and perspective drawing to clarify some of the most difficult concepts. New examples of modern furniture, APA facilities, and presentation layout provide more up-to-date visuals, and the Reference Center features all new animations, videos, and practice exercises.

Architectural graphics are key tools for conveying design through representation on paper or on screen, and this book is the ultimate guide to mastering the skill, then applying your talent to create more effective design communication.

• Understand multiview, paraline, and perspective drawing
• Master interior sections using a variety of techniques
• Render tonal value, enhance depth, and convey illumination
• Develop professional-quality layouts for presentations

Architectural graphics both inform the design process and serve as the means by which a design is interpreted and built. Complete mastery of the tools and conventions is essential to the successful outcome of any project, and mistakes can cause confusion, time delays, increased costs, and possible catastrophe. Architectural Graphics is the comprehensive guide to professional architectural drawing, with insight from a leading authority in the field.

1
Drawing Tools and Materials

This chapter introduces the pencils and pens necessary for inscribing lines, the instruments available for guiding the eye and hand while drawing, and the surfaces suitable for receiving the drawn lines. While digital technology continues to further augment and enhance this traditional drawing toolkit, the kinesthetic act of drawing with a hand-held pencil or pen remains the most direct and versatile means of learning the language of architectural graphics.

Drawing Pencils

Pencils are relatively inexpensive, quite versatile, and uniquely responsive to pressure while drawing.

Lead Holders

• Lead holders employ standard 2 mm leads.
• The push-button action of a clutch mechanism allows the exposed length of the lead shaft to be adjusted or withdrawn when the pencil is not in use.
• The lead point, which is capable of a variety of line weights, must be kept
  well sharpened with a lead pointer.

Mechanical Pencils

• Mechanical pencils use 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.9 mm leads.
• A push-button mechanism advances the lead automatically through a
  metal sleeve. This sleeve should be long enough to clear the edges of
  drafting triangles and straightedges.
• The relatively thin leads of mechanical pencils do not require sharpening.

Wood-Encased Pencils

• Wooden drawing pencils are typically used for freehand drawing and sketching. If used for drafting, the wood must be shaved back to expose ³/4" of the lead shaft so that it can be sharpened with sandpaper or a lead pointer.

All three styles of pencils are capable of producing quality line drawings. As you try each type out, you will gradually develop a preference for the characteristic feel, weight, and balance of a particular instrument as you draw.

Drawing Leads

Drawing Pens

Technical Pens

Technical pens are capable of producing precise, consistent ink lines without the application of pressure. As with lead holders and mechanical pencils, technical pens from different manufacturers vary in form and operation. The traditional technical pen uses an ink-flow-regulating wire within a tubular point, the size of which determines the width of the ink line.

There are nine point sizes available, from extremely fine
(0.13 mm) to very wide (2 mm). A starting pen set should include the four standard line widths— 0.25 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.70 mm­—specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Since digital tools have reduced the need for manual drafting, a variety of less expensive, low-maintenance technical pens have been developed. Equipped with tubular tips and waterproof, pigment-based ink, these pens are suitable for writing, freehand drawing, as well as drafting with straightedges. They are available in point sizes that range from 0.03 mm to 1.0 mm. Some are refillable and have replaceable nibs.

Fountain Pens

Fountain pens typically consist of a reservoir—either a disposable cartridge or an internal piston—containing a water-based ink that is fed to a metal nib by capillary action. While not suitable for drafting, fountain pens are ideal for writing and freehand sketching because they offer ease in drawing fluid, incisive, often expressive lines with little or no pressure.

Fountain pen nibs come in extra-fine, fine, medium, and broad sizes; flat tipped nibs are also available for italic and oblique strokes. Some nibs ...