Why Architectural Drawing is Common in Architectural Design
For architectural design projects, while the emphasis is on the use of 3D models and architectural BIM modeling, the time-tested practice of using architectural drawings and 2D technical drawings is still common in the AEC industry. Architectural drafting has evolved from the drawing board to computer-aided drafting and design (CAD) software programs. Drafting practices help provide architectural construction plans that include the technical details of the architectural, structural, and electrical elements required for the construction of a building. To understand the stage in which architectural design takes place, the workflow of a building design life cycle must be considered.
The basic workflow of an architectural design project begins with the architect creating a conceptual plan that is typically modeled on 3D architectural models and rendered as photorealistic images for marketing and presentation to clients and clients.
After the client approves the conceptual design, the design progresses in more detail and is shared with other parties, such as structural engineers and MEPs. The way an architect advances the design to the ‘design development’ phase lends itself to two options, either developing a 3D model in more detail and then creating subsequent sheets and details using a 3D tool such as Revit or AutoCAD, or as is still customary, develop the conceptual design in 2D using more traditional methods. From conceptual drawings provided by architects and engineers, a draftsman can convert these designs using CAD software programs to create technical drawings.
Architectural drafting is the process of creating technical drawings that include the floor plan, sections, elevations, detailed drawings, and other documents in a Construction Drawing Set (CD Set), which are normally required for the construction of a building.
The difference between architectural drawing and modeling
Architectural drafting refers to the creation of 2D technical drawings and architectural construction drawings that are primarily used by on-site contractors and consultants. 3D architectural modeling refers to the creation of 3D models and photorealistic image renderings that are mainly used to present the architectural design for marketing purposes and then progress from there to create the 2D technical drawings, feeling indeed like an additional stage ( the 3D modeling element). . The main software used for drawing drafting to create 2D technical drawings is AutoCAD, while modelers use Revit and ArchiCAD to create 3D models and rendered images. Architectural draftsmen should have a basic understanding of 2D and 3D software, such as AutoCAD, and knowledge of technical codes and drafting guidelines specified by organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME ), the American Association for Design Drawing (ADDA). )), Public Works, Government Services Canada (PWGSC), National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), British Standards Institute BSI, and Australian Standards Code AS1100. Architectural modelers need to have a deeper understanding of architectural, building and construction concepts and experience with 3D software programs such as Revit and ArchiCAD.
Why Architectural Drawing Is Still Common in Architectural Design Practices
Architects and designers prefer 3D architectural models because they provide a 3D perspective of the building’s conceptual plan; It makes it easy to manage your project data and allows you to make design changes on the fly. However, construction companies that require technical specifications of the architectural project prefer 2D technical drawings and architectural construction drawings because they provide the precise details needed for construction, most of the resources involved in construction comprise 2D drawings, there are no problems with comparing software compatibility when using 3D models and is a suitable solution to meet the budgetary requirements of a construction project. Some of the reasons why architectural drafting is preferred by various construction companies include:
• Suitable for construction requirements – In some construction projects, 2D technical drawings or architectural CAD drawings are sufficient to complete the construction, where no additional information provided by 3D models is required. A construction drawing kit (CD set) includes all floor plans, elevations, sections, and detailed plans required for construction. Technical codes, symbols, and other additional information, such as material type, are provided on technical drawings. Therefore, construction companies consider 2D technical drawings sufficient to successfully complete construction.
• Availability of technical resources – Not all companies have technical resources to deliver 3D models. While drafting teams are qualified to work in AutoCAD to deliver 2D technical drawings, they may not be qualified to work in Revit to deliver 3D models. In the construction industry, the availability of drawing equipment that can provide 2D technical drawings is wide compared to companies that provide 3D modeling services.
• Software availability – The adoption of new programs and practices is gradual and slow in the construction industry. The software used in construction projects varies from country to country. Some countries use ArchiCAD and AutoCAD Architecture instead of Revit, which leads to incompatibility of project data. 2D technical drawings in AutoCAD are widely used and supported, making them a preferred choice for Revit 3D models.
• Adequate for cost and budget requirements – In most cases, construction companies do not find the need to invest more in 3D models, when drawing solutions provide detailed technical drawings that are sufficient and relevant enough for construction. There is also the additional investment in resources that are competent enough to understand and implement 3D architectural models on site.
While 3D architectural modeling and BIM modeling provide design-related information typically required for architects and designers at the design stage of the construction project life cycle, architectural drawing provides technical drawings that are not just about aesthetics, but also about high-performance details of building elements. CAD architectural drawings specifically communicate design intent and aid in the construction of buildings that companies find in a relevant way compared to 3D models. Even as construction companies will eventually need to evolve to combine the use of 2D technical drawings and 3D architectural models until then, the time-tested practice of using architectural drafting and drafting solutions in construction is here to stay.