Architects Drawings

Understanding Planning and Detailed Drawings in Architecture

Understanding Planning and Detailed Drawings in Architecture

As an architect, our job is to bring the client's vision to life. But before the first brick is laid, you need to communicate that vision clearly to everyone involved in the project. That's where drawings come in. There are many types of drawings produced by architects, but two of the most important are planning and detailed drawings. So, what's the difference?

Planning Drawings

A planning drawing is like a roadmap. It gives a broad overview of the project and shows how everything fits together. It's used to help visualise the finished product and to get approval from the local planning authority.

Planning drawings are not very detailed, but they show the overall shape and size of the building, the location of rooms, and how the building will interact with the surrounding environment.

The local council require a list of drawings to be submitted as part of all planning applications, these need to be at the correct scale and annotated correctly to be validated. Some of these will include an Ordnance Survey location plan, site block plans and existing and proposed floor plans and elevations.

Detailed Drawings

A detailed drawing, on the other hand, is like a magnifying glass. It shows every detail of the building, from the placement of electrical outlets to the materials used in the construction. Detailed drawings are used by contractors and builders to construct the building. They're incredibly precise and leave nothing to chance.

Detailed drawings are produced after planning permission has been granted and is primarily used during the building regulation stage and construction. During this stage detailed drawings are submitted to Building Control as part of the plan check process. These drawings need to comply with all relevant parts of the Building Regulations.

The plan check will include detailed drawings from the architect, structural engineer and M&E engineer. On larger projects other consultants may also prepare drawings including civil engineer, fire engineer and acoustic engineer.

In addition to planning and detailed drawings there are various other types of drawings an architect may produce during a project. These include concept sketches, feasibility drawings, tender pack and as-built drawings.

It’s important to note that tender drawing differ from detailed drawing as they go one step further and provide even more details. Such as lighting schedule, floor and wall finishes, sanitary schedules and furniture, fixtures and equipment drawings.

Conclusion

To conclude, it's important to note that planning and detailed drawings are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they work together to create a successful project. Planning drawings provide the big picture, while detailed drawings ensure that every element is accounted for.

So, whether you're designing a residential home or a commercial building, understanding the difference between planning and detailed drawings is crucial. It's the foundation of a successful project.

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