How to Draw a Finished Floor Plan
- 1). Draw plans that reveal a horizontal cut through the proposed building at about 1 meter above floor level, revealing the location of walls, windows, doors and less permanent elements such as furniture and fittings. Use a hierarchical system for the use of line weights within the drawing. Large structural elements should have a heavier line weight. Elements that are transitory, such as furniture and fittings should have a lighter line weight.
- 2). Indicate the orientation of the building using a North-facing directional arrow. This should be clearly located on the sheet.
- 3). Show nearby buildings and structures that directly influence the quality of light or sound of the proposed building. These elements should have a relatively light line weight compared to the proposed structure. Nearby buildings that are planned to be demolished should be shown with a dashed line.
- 4). Note the scale of the building being drawn. Floor plans are drawn to scale so that all elements of the floor plan are accurately represented. The most common scale used in modern day practice in America is Imperial. For example, an architectural plan at a scale of 1:96 means that 1 centimeter on the drawing equals 96 centimeters in real life. The scale of the drawing is usually located at the bottom right corner of the sheet.
- 5). Show proposed uses within spaces. Use a number referencing system to avoid overloading the plan with too much information.
- 6). Show the structural grid of the building with the use of a dotted line. The structural grid highlights the location of the main structural elements within the building on the drawing, usually shown at a set scale.
- 7). Number each work sheet. This will make it easier for individuals using the floor plans to find the information that they require.
- 8). Use symbols to show other information such as sections, detailed sections and elevations, which are described on other sheets. Include a sheet number next to the symbol for easy reference.
- 9). Use a small box in the bottom right hand corner of the sheet to show information such as sheet reference number, page content and description, name of the client, all revision notes and dates, and the initials of the drafter.
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