CHAPTER 5

Sketching Applications

I N T R O D U C T I O N better than vertical lines. If this is your situation,

Sketching, or freehand drawing, is drawing without the aid move the paper so vertical lines become horizontal.
of drafting equipment. Sketching is convenient because only Such movement of the paper may not always be pos-
paper, pencil, and an eraser are needed. There are a number sible, so it does not hurt to keep practicing all forms
of advantages to freehand sketching. Sketching is fast, visual of lines for the best results.
communication. The ability to make an accurate sketch quickly
can often be an asset when communicating with people at
work or at home. Especially for technical concepts, a sketch
SKETCHING STRAIGHT LINES
can be the best form of communication. Most drafters prepare Lines should be sketched lightly in short, connected
a preliminary sketch to help organize thoughts and minimize segments, as shown in Figure 5-1. If you sketch one
errors on the final drawing. The computer-aided drafter usually long stroke in one continuous movement, your arm
prepares a sketch on graph paper to help establish the coordi- tends to make the line curved rather than straight. If
nates for drawing objects or just to organize the drawing before you make a dark line, you may have to erase it if you
beginning. Some architects, designers, and drafters use sketches make an error. If you draw a light line, there is often
to help record the stages of progress until a final design is ready no need to erase an error because it does not show up
for formal drawings. very much when the final lines are darkened to your
satisfaction.
SKETCHING TOOLS AND MATERIALS Use the following procedure to sketch a horizontal
straight line with the dot-to-dot method:
The pencil used for sketching should have a soft lead.
A common No. 2 pencil works fine for most people. STEP 1 Mark the starting and ending positions or dots,
A mechanical pencil with a soft lead such as H, F, or as in Figure 5-2. The letters A and B are only for
HB is good. An automatic 0.7-mm or 0.9-mm pencil instruction. All you need are the points.
with F or HB lead is also good, and commonly used STEP 2 Without actually touching the paper with the
because of its availability and ease of use. Soft pencil pencil point, make a few trial motions between
leads allow for maximum control and variation of the marked points to adjust your eye and hand to
line weight. The pencil lead should not be sharp. the anticipated line.
A slightly rounded pencil point is best because it
is easy to control and does not break easily. The
lead point is not a factor when using an automatic
pencil. Different thicknesses of line, if needed, can be
SHORT 2"–3" STROKES
drawn by changing the amount of pressure applied
to the pencil. Paper quality is not critical, either. A MAKE STROKES
FROM LEFT TO
good sketching paper is newsprint, although almost RIGHT AND DOT-TO-DOT
any kind of paper works. Use commonly available BOTTOM TO TOP
IF RIGHT-HANDED
paper such as standard copy machine bond paper
or notebook paper. Paper with a surface that is not
too smooth is best. Many preliminary architectural FIGURE 51 Sketching short line segments.
designs have been created on a napkin at a lunch
table. Sketching paper should not be taped down
to the table. The best sketches are made when you A B
are able to move the paper to the most comfortable
drawing position. Some people make horizontal lines FIGURE 52 Step 1: Dot-to-dot.

66
Chapter 5: Sketching Applications 67

A B FOR A Ø 6" CIRCLE

FIGURE 53 Step 3: Short, light strokes. 3" R

1
A

B
A B

FIGURE 54 Step 4: Darken to finish the line.

1/2"–1" WIDE

STEP 3 Sketch very light lines between the points by FIGURE 56 Step 1: Making a trammel.
moving the pencil in short, light strokes, 2" to
3" long. With each stroke, attempt to correct the
most obvious defects of the preceding stroke so
the finished light lines are relatively straight (see 2
Figure 5-3).
CENTER
STEP 4 Darken the finished line with a dark, distinct,
uniform line directly on top of the light line. Usually A B
the darkness can be obtained by pressing on the
pencil (see Figure 5-4).
FIGURE 57 Step 2: Marking the radius with a trammel.

SKETCHING CIRCULAR LINES

approximate 3" radius with tick marks, such as A and
The parts of a circle are shown in Figure 5-5. Three
B in Figure 5-6.
sketching techniques are used in making a circle: tram-
mel, hand compass, and nail and string. STEP 2 Sketch a straight line representing the diam-
eter at the place where the circle is to be located.
On the sketched line, locate with a dot the center
Sketching Circles Using the Trammel of the circle. Use the marks on the trammel to
Method mark the other end of the radius line, as shown in
Figure 5-7. Place the trammel next to the sketched
A trammel is an instrument used for making circles. In
line, being sure point B on the trammel is aligned
this example, the instrument is a strip of paper. Use the
with the center of the circle.
following steps to sketch a 6" diameter circle using the
trammel method: STEP 3 Pivot the trammel at point B, making tick marks
at point A as you rotate the trammel, as shown in
STEP 1 To sketch a 6" diameter circle, tear or cut a Figure 5-8, until you have a complete circle, as
strip of paper approximately 1" wide and longer shown in Figure 5-9.
than the radius of 3". On the strip of paper, mark an
STEP 4 Lightly sketch the circumference over the tick
marks to complete the circle, as shown in Figure 5-9.

X
CENTER
R IUS
D
RA

DIAMETER B
Y Z
Ø C
3

A
CIRCUMFERENCE

FIGURE 55 Parts of a circle. FIGURE 58 Step 3: Sketching the circle with a trammel.
68 Architectural Drafting and Design

FIGURE 59 Steps 4 and 5: Completing and darkening the circle. FIGURE 511 Steps 4 and 5: Sketching a circle with the hand-
compass method.

STEP 5 Darken the circle, as shown in Figure 5-9. You

can darken the circle directly over the tick marks if STEP 3 Determine the approximate radius by adjust-
your sketching skills are good, or if you are in a hurry. ing the distance between your index finger and
the pencil point. Now, with the radius established,
place your index finger on the paper at the pro-
Sketching Circles Using posed center of the circle.
the Hand-Compass Method STEP 4 Using the established radius, keep your hand
and pencil point in one place while you rotate the
The hand-compass method is a quick and fairly accurate paper with your other hand. Try to keep the radius
way to sketch circles, although it takes some practice. steady as you rotate the paper (see Figure 5-11).
Use the following steps to sketch a 6" diameter circle
STEP 5 You can perform Step 4 very lightly and then go
using the hand-compass method:
back and darken the circle or, if you have had a lot
STEP 1 Be sure your paper is free to rotate completely of practice, you may be able to draw a dark circle as
around 360°. Remove anything from the table that you go (see Figure 5-11).
might stop such a rotation.
STEP 2 To use your hand and a pencil as a com-
pass, place the pencil in your hand between your Sketching Circles Using
thumb and the upper part of your index finger so the Nail-and-String Method
your index finger becomes the compass point and A method used to sketch large circles is to tie a pencil
the pencil becomes the compass lead. The other and a nail together with a string. The distance between
end of the pencil rests in your palm, as shown in the pencil and nail is the radius of the circle. When a
Figure 5-10. large circle is to be sketched, use this method because
the other methods do not work as well. This method
is used with a nail driven at the center and a string
connected to a pencil, for drawing large circles at a
construction site.

MEASUREMENT LINES
AND PROPORTIONS
In sketching an object, all the lines that make up the
object are related to each other by size and direc-
tion. In order for a sketch to communicate accu-
rately and completely, it should be proportional to
the object. The actual size of the sketch depends on
FIGURE 510 Step 2: Holding the pencil for the hand-compass the paper size and the desired size of the sketch. The
method. sketch should be large enough to be clear, but the
Chapter 5: Sketching Applications 69

LINE 1 TABLE
LINE 2

FIGURE 512 Measurement lines.

proportions of the features are more important than FIGURE 514 Spatial proportions.
the size of the sketch.
Look at the lines in Figure 5-12. How long is line 1?
How long is line 2? Answer these questions without determined by spatial proportions. A typical verbal loca-
measuring either line; instead, relate each line to the tion for the table in this floor plan might be as follows:
other. For example, line 1 can be described as half as “The table is located about one-half the table width
long as line 2, or line 2 described as twice as long as from the top of the floor plan or about two table widths
line 1. Now you know how long each line is relative to from the bottom, and about one table width from the
the other. This relationship is called proportion. You right side or about three table widths from the left side
do not know how long either line is in terms of a mea- of the floor plan.”
sured scale, but no scale is used for sketching, so this
is not a concern. Whatever line you decide to sketch
first determines the scale of the drawing, regardless of Using Your Pencil to Establish
the actual length of the line. This first line sketched Measurements on a Sketch
is called the measurement line. You relate all the other
lines in your sketch to the first line. This is one of the Your pencil can be a useful tool for establishing measure-
secrets in making a sketch resemble the object being ments on a sketch. When you are sketching an object
sketched. that you can hold, use your pencil as a ruler. Place the
The second thing you must know about the relation- pencil next to the feature to be sketched and determine
ship of the two lines in the example is their direction the length by aligning the pencil tip at one end of the
and position relative to each other. Do they touch each feature and marking the other end on the pencil with
other? Are they parallel, perpendicular, or at some other your thumb. The other end can also be identified by a
angle to each other? When you look at a line, ask your- specific contour or mark on the pencil. Then transfer the
self the following questions (for this example use the measurement to your sketch. The two distances are the
two lines given in Figure 5-13): same. Even though sketches do not require this accu-
racy, this is a quick way to establish measurement lines.
1. How long is the second line? A similar technique can be used to sketch a distant
Answer: Line 2 is about three times as long as line 1. object. For example, to sketch a house across the
2. In what direction and position is the second line rela- street, hold your pencil at arm’s length and align the
tive to the first line? pencil with a feature of the house, such as the house
width. With the pencil point at one end of the house,
Answer: Line 2 touches the lower end of line 1 with
place your thumb on the pencil, marking the other
about a 90° angle between the lines.
end of the house. Transfer this measurement to
Carrying this concept a step further, a third line can your sketch in the same orientation taken from the
relate to the first line or the second line, and additional house. Repeat this technique for all of the house fea-
lines can continue to relate in the same manner. Again, tures until the sketch is complete. If you keep your
the first line drawn is the measurement line, which sets pencil at arm’s length and your arm straight, each
the scale for the entire sketch. measurement has the same accuracy and proper
This idea of relationship can also apply to spaces. proportions.
In Figure 5-14, the location of a table in a room can be

Block Technique for Sketching

MEASUREMENT
Any illustration of an object can be surrounded overall
LINE with a rectangle or any other geometric shapes as shown
in Figure 5-15. Before starting a sketch, visualize the
FIGURE 513 Study the relationship between the two lines. object inside a rectangle. Then use the measurement-line
70 Architectural Drafting and Design

FIGURE 517 Step 2: Block technique. Cut out the sections and
lightly sketch the shapes.

lines you learned previously. An elevation is an exterior

view of a structure, which is the house in this case. To
FIGURE 515 Block technique. use the measurement-line and block techniques, follow
these steps:

technique with the rectangle, or block, to help deter- STEP 1 When you start to sketch an object, try to
mine the shape and proportions of your sketch. visualize the object surrounded with an overall
rectangle. Sketch this rectangle first with very
light lines. Sketch the rectangle in the proper pro-
Sketching Procedures Using portion with the measurement-line technique, as
the Measurement-Line and Block shown in Figure 5-16.
Techniques
STEP 2 Cut sections out or away using proper propor-
You can sketch any object, such as an elevation, as you tions as measured by eye or using your pencil to
look at an actual house or a floor plan and think about establish measurements. Use light lines, as shown in
how the features of the house relate to the measurement Figure 5-17.

WIDTH

HEIGHT

WIDTH THIS RECTANGLE IS IMPORTANT, ESTABLISHED

AS OVERALL WIDTH AND HEIGHT OF VIEW.
THIS IS THE ELEVATION TO BE SKETCHED.
USE CONSTRUCTION LINES.

FIGURE 516 Step 1: Sketch the block.

Chapter 5: Sketching Applications 71

FIGURE 521 Step 2: Evenly FIGURE 522 Steps 3 and 4:

spaced grid sketched over Proportioned box with a
the swimming pool. regular grid.

FIGURE 518 Step 3: Darken the view.

STEP 3 Complete the sketch by darkening the out-

lines desired for the finished sketch as shown in
Figure 5-18.

Sketching Irregular Shapes

FIGURE 523 Step 5: Sketching FIGURE 524 Step 6: Darkening
By using a frame of reference or an extension of the the shape using a regular grid. the object completely.
block method, irregular shapes can be sketched easily to
their correct proportions. Follow these steps to sketch
the free-form swimming pool shown in Figure 5-19: STEP 3 On your sketch, correctly locate a proportioned
STEP 1 Enclose the object in a lightly constructed box box similar to the one established on the original
(see Figure 5-20). drawing or object, as shown in Figure 5-22.
STEP 2 Sketch several evenly spaced horizontal STEP 4 Use the drawn box as a frame of reference, and
and vertical lines, forming a grid, as shown in include the grid lines in correct proportion as shown
Figure 5-21. If you are sketching an object already in Figure 5-22.
drawn, draw your reference lines on top of the STEP 5 Using the grid, sketch small, irregular arcs and
object lines to establish a frame of reference. lines that match the lines of the original object, as in
Make a photocopy, and sketch on the photocopy Figure 5-23.
if the original cannot be used. If you are sketch- STEP 6 Darken the outline for a complete proportioned
ing an object directly, you have to visualize these sketch, as shown in Figure 5-24.
reference lines on the object you sketch.

INTRODUCTION TO MULTIVIEW
SKETCHES
A multiview, or multiview projection, is also known
as orthographic projection. Multiview projection
is the views of an object as projected upon two
or more picture planes in orthographic projection.
Orthographic projection is any projection of the
features of an object onto an imaginary plane called
a plane of projection, where the projection of the
FIGURE 519 Free-form FIGURE 520 Step 1: object’s features is made by lines of sight that are
swimming pool. Imaginary box. perpendicular to the plane of projection. These terms
72 Architectural Drafting and Design

TOP

TOP

RIGHT
SIDE
FRONT

FRONT RIGHT SIDE

FIGURE 526 Pictorial view.

FIGURE 525 Multiviews.

are traditionally used in drafting, but they are more

commonly used in mechanical drafting for manufac-
turing. In architectural drafting such drawings are
referred to as elevation views. Elevation views are
45°
two-dimensional views of an object, such as a house,
that are established by a line of sight perpendicular to
the surface of the object. When you make multiview
sketches, follow a methodical order. Learning to make
these sketches can help you later as you begin to pre-
pare elevation drawings.

Multiview Alignment
FIGURE 527 Step 1: Block out views and establish a 45° line.
To keep your drawing in a standard form, sketch the
front view in the lower left portion of the paper, the
top view directly above the front view, and the right-
side view to the right of the front view as shown in
Figure 5-25. The views needed may differ depending
on the object.

Multiview Sketching Technique

The following describes how to sketch three basic views
of a house:
STEP 1 Sketch and align the proportional rectangles for
the front, top, and right side of the house given in
Figure 5-26. Sketch a 45° line to help transfer width
dimensions. The 45° line is established by project-
ing the width from the proposed top view location FIGURE 528 Step 2: Block out shapes.
across and the width from the proposed right-side
view location up until the lines intersect, as shown
in Figure 5-27. STEP 3 Darken the lines of the object, as in Figure 5-29.
STEP 2 Complete the shapes within the blocks, as shown Remember to keep the views aligned for ease of
in Figure 5-28. sketching and understanding by others.
Chapter 5: Sketching Applications 73

STEP 1 Sketch a horizontal reference line. You can con-

sider this as the ground-level line.
STEP 2 Sketch a vertical line perpendicular to the
ground line somewhere near its center. This vertical
line is used to measure height.
STEP 3 Sketch two 30° angular lines, each starting at
the intersection of the first two lines, as shown in
Figure 5-30.

Making an Isometric Sketch

The steps in making an isometric sketch from a multi-
view drawing or from a real object are as follows:
STEP 1 Select an appropriate view of the object to use as
FIGURE 529 Step 3: Darken all lines.
a front view, or study the front view of the multiview
drawing.
STEP 2 Determine the best position in which to show
ISOMETRIC SKETCHES the object.
Isometric sketches provide a three-dimensional (3D) STEP 3 Begin your sketch by setting up the isometric
pictorial representation of an object, such as the shape axes as previously described (see Figure 5-30).
of a building. Isometric sketches are easy to draw and STEP 4 Using the measurement-line technique, sketch
provide a fairly realistic 3D view of an object. An iso- a rectangular box to the correct proportion, which
metric sketch tends to represent objects as they appear surrounds the object to be sketched. Use the object
to the eye. Such a sketch can help you visualize an shown in Figure 5-31 as an example. Imagine that
object because three sides of the object are shown in a the rectangular box represents a glass box that
single three-dimensional view. surrounds the object to be sketched inside. Begin
to sketch the box by marking off the width at any
convenient length. This is the width measurement
Establishing Isometric Axes
line shown in Figure 5-32. Next, estimate and mark
To establish isometric axes, you need four beginning the length and height relative to the measurement
lines: a horizontal reference line, two 30° angular line (see Figure 5-33). Sketch the three-dimensional
lines, and one vertical line. Draw these lines as very box by using lines parallel to the original axis lines
light construction lines as shown in Figure 5-30. Use (see Figure 5-33). The box must be sketched cor-
the following steps to establish the isometric axes: rectly; otherwise the rest of your sketch will be out
of proportion. All lines drawn in the same direction
must be parallel.
Measure height of object along this line
2nd LINE

Me
asu ne
re his li
len n gt E
3rd gth alo LIN
LIN of
ob ject 4th
E jec ob
ta of
lon
gt epth
his r ed
30° APPROXIMATELY lin asu 30° APPROXIMATELY
e Me

1st LINE — GROUND LINE

FIGURE 530 Isometric axes. FIGURE 531 Given structure.

74 Architectural Drafting and Design

About 1 1/2 as long as width

Ab
ou
t1
1/4
as
lon
ga dth
sw
idt Wi
h

FIGURE 532 Step 4: Lay out length, width, and height.

FIGURE 534 Step 5: Sketch the features of the structure.

NONISOMETRIC LINES

FIGURE 533 Step 4: Sketch the three-dimensional box.

ISOMETRIC LINES

STEP 5 Lightly sketch the features that define the details FIGURE 535 Step 6: Darken the structure.
of the object. When you estimate distances on the
rectangular box, you will find that the features of the To locate where nonisometric lines should be placed,
object are easier to sketch in correct proportion than you have to relate to an isometric line.
they would be if you tried to draw them without the
box (see Figure 5-34).
Sketching Isometric Circles and Arcs
STEP 6 Darken all the outlines to finish the sketch, as
shown in Figure 5-35. Circles and arcs appear as ellipses in isometric views.
To sketch isometric circles and arcs correctly, you need
to know the relationship between circles and the faces,
Sketching Nonisometric Lines or planes, of an isometric cube. Depending on which
isometric plane the circle appears, isometric circles look
Isometric lines are lines on or parallel to one of the three like one of the ellipses shown in Figure 5-36. The angle
original isometric axes. All other lines are nonisometric at which the isometric circle slants is determined by the
lines. Isometric lines can be measured in true length. surface on which the circle is to be sketched.
Nonisometric lines appear either longer or shorter than
their actual length (see Figure 5-35). Using the Four-Center Method to Sketch
You can measure and draw nonisometric lines by Isometric Circles
connecting their endpoints. Find the endpoints of the The four-center method of sketching an isometric circle
nonisometric lines by measuring along isometric lines. is fairly easy, but care must be taken to form the ellipse
Chapter 5: Sketching Applications 75

2
22
LEFT PLANE HORIZONTAL PLANE RIGHT PLANE
1 1
FIGURE 536 Isometric circles.

FIGURE 539 Step 3: Sketch arcs from points 1 and 2.

arcs properly so the ellipse does not look distorted. Use
the following steps to sketch isometric circles using the
four-center method:
STEP 1 Sketch an isometric cube or box similar to HORIZONTAL
Figure 5-37. (TOP) PLANE

STEP 2 On each surface of the box sketch line segments

connecting the 120° corners to the centers of the 3
opposite sides as shown in Figure 5-38.
STEP 3 With points 1 and 2 as the centers, sketch 3 3
arcs beginning and ending at the centers of the
opposite sides on each isometric surface (see 4 4
LEFT RIGHT
Figure 5-39). PLANE PLANE
STEP 4 On each isometric surface, with points 3 and
4 as the centers, complete the isometric circles by FIGURE 540 Step 4: Sketch arcs from points 3 and 4.
sketching arcs that meet the arcs sketched in Step 3
(see Figure 5-40).
ORTHOGRAPHIC PROJECTION
Sketching Isometric Arcs Orthographic projection is any projection of features
Sketching isometric arcs is similar to sketching iso- of an object onto an imaginary plane called a plane of
metric circles. First, block out the overall shape of the projection. The projection of the features of the object
object. Next, establish the centers of the arcs. Finally, is made by lines of sight that are perpendicular to the
sketch the arc shapes. Remember that isometric arcs, plane of projection. When a surface of the object is
just like isometric circles, must lie in the proper plane parallel to the plane of projection, the surface appears
and have the correct shape. in its true size and shape on that plane. In Figure 5-41,
the plane of projection is parallel to the surface of the
object. The line of sight from the object is perpendicular
to the plane of projection. Notice also that the object
120°
CORNER appears three-dimensional, which means the object has
6 PLACES
width, depth, and height. The view on the plane of pro-
jection is two-dimensional, which means the view has
only width and height. In situations where the plane of
2 projection is not parallel to the surface of the object, the
resulting orthographic view is foreshortened, or shorter
than the true length, as shown in Figure 5-42.
1 3

MULTIVIEW PROJECTION
FIGURE 538 Step 2: Four- As a review, multiview projection establishes two or
FIGURE 537 Step 1: Isometric center construction of an more views of an object as projected on two or more
cube. isometric ellipse. planes by using orthographic projection techniques.
76 Architectural Drafting and Design

OBJECT
5

PLANE OF PROJECTION
2 2
3 1 6

1 3 5
1 4 4 2

2 3
6
1
5 LINES OF SIGHT 3
PROJECTORS
LINES OF SIGHT 1 4 PERPENDICULAR
PROJECTORS TO PLANE OF 4
PERPENDICULAR PROJECTION
TO PLANE OF
PROJECTION 5 PLANE OF PROJECTION
ORTHOGRAPHIC VIEW

ORTHOGRAPHIC VIEW
FORESHORTENED
ORTHOGRAPHIC VIEW
OF SURFACE 1, 2, 3, 4

2
PLANE OF PROJECTION 1 2 5
TRUE SHAPE OF THE
ORTHOGRAPHIC VIEW 1 3 4 6
3

5 4
TRUE SHAPE ORTHOGRAPHIC
VIEW OF SURFACE 2, 3, 5, 6

PLANE OF PROJECTION
FIGURE 542 Projection of a foreshortened orthographic surface.

FIGURE 541 Orthographic projection to form orthographic view.

as you rotate the object looking at each side. Holding

The result of multiview projection is a multiview draw- an object and rotating to see the sides works well if you
ing. Multiview drawings represent the shape of an can pick up and hold the object. To see the views of
object using two or more views. The six possible views your home, for example, go outside and stand so you
include: the front, top, right side, left side, bottom, can see the front of the house with your line of sight as
and rear. All six views are seldom used. Consideration perpendicular as possible to the front. This is the front
should be given to the choice and number of views so, view. You can do the same thing by walking around
when possible, the surfaces of the object are shown in your home and stopping to look at each side in the same
their true size and shape. If you can hold an object in manner. Take a sketch pad and sketch what you see at
your hands, you can visualize the views by turning the each location, just like you do when holding an object.
object until you are looking directly at a side. Continue
turning the object, stopping to look at each view as your Elevations as Multiviews
line of sight becomes perpendicular to the object sur-
face. Figure 5-43 is a graphic representation of a person It is often easier to visualize a three-dimensional drawing
holding and rotating an object in this manner. As the of a structure than it is to visualize a two-dimensional
object is rotated to each position, the person stops to drawing of the same structure. In architectural draft-
look directly at the object surface. What the person sees ing, however, it is common to prepare construction
at each of these positions is related to the specific multi- drawings showing two-dimensional exterior views of a
view seen in proper positions within a set of multiviews structure that provide representations of exterior mate-
in Figure 5-43. Some people can visualize multiviews rials or interior views of features such as kitchen and
better than others. If you have difficulty visualizing bath cabinets. These drawings are called elevations. The
views, pick up any object and try to sketch what you see method used to draw elevations is multiview projection.
Chapter 5: Sketching Applications 77

TOP VIEW

REAR VIEW LEFT-SIDE VIEW FRONT VIEW RIGHT-SIDE VIEW

BOTTOM VIEW

FIGURE 543 A graphic representation of a person holding and rotating an object. As the
object is rotated to each position, the person stops to look directly at the object surface. What
the person sees at each of these positions is related to the specific multiview seen in proper
positions shown.

A more detailed discussion of elevation drawing is person is holding in Figure 5-43. Look at the object
found in Chapter 24 and Chapter 25. Figure 5-44 represented in Figure 5-43 and compare it to the picto-
shows an object represented by a three-dimensional rial and multiview drawing shown in Figure 5-44.
drawing, called a pictorial drawing, and three two-
dimensional views. This is the same object that the
Using the Glass Box Viewing Method
If you place the object in Figure 5-44 in a glass box
so the sides of the glass box are parallel to the major
TOP OR
surfaces of the object, you can project the surfaces of
PLAN VIEW the object onto the sides of the glass box and create
the multiviews shown in Figure 5-45. Imagine the
sides of the glass box are the planes of projection
TOP (PLAN VIEW)
previously described. Look at Figure 5-45 again to
see if you can visualize this idea. If you look at all
sides of the glass box, you see the six views: front,
FRONT SIDE
FRONT VIEW SIDE VIEW top, right side, left side, bottom, and rear. Now,
unfold the glass box as if the corners were hinged
FIGURE 544 Comparison of a pictorial and a multiview about the front view as demonstrated in Figure 5-46.
presentation. These hinge lines are commonly called fold lines.
78 Architectural Drafting and Design

TOP

TOP

REAR LEFT FRONT RIGHT

BOTTOM

FIGURE 547 Glass box unfolded.

front, top, right, left, bottom, and rear. Views are

always found in this arrangement when using mul-
FRONT SIDE tiview projection. Now, analyze Figure 5-48 in detail
so you see the features that are common among the
views. Knowing how to identify the features of an
object that are common among views can aid you
FIGURE 545 Glass box.
later in the visualization of elevations.
Notice again how the views are aligned in
Completely unfold the glass box onto a flat sur- Figure 5-48. The top view is directly above and the
face, and you have the six views of an object repre- bottom view is directly below the front view. The left
sented in a multiview. Figure 5-47 shows the glass side is directly to the left and the right side is directly
box unfolded. Notice also that the views are labeled: to the right of the front view. This alignment allows
the drafter to project features from one view to the
next to help establish each view.
Now, look closely at the relationship of the front,
top, and right-side views. A similar relationship
exists using the left-side view. Figure 5-49 shows
a 45° projection line established by projecting the
fold or reference line (hinge) between the front and
TOP side view up, and the fold line between the front
and top view over. All of the features established
on the top view can be projected to the 45° line
and then down onto the side view. This is possible
because the depth dimension is the same in both
the top and the side views. The reverse is also true.

WIDTH

FRONT
SIDE TOP

HEIGHT
REAR LEFT FRONT RIGHT
DEPTH

BOTTOM

FIGURE 546 Unfolding the glass box at hinge lines, also

called fold lines. FIGURE 548 View alignment.
Chapter 5: Sketching Applications 79

FOLD LINE

Y
45°
X

FOLD LINE

FOLD LINE X
FOLD LINE
Y
FIGURE 549 Establishing a 45° projection line.
FIGURE 551 Using dividers to transfer view projections.

Features from the side view can be projected to the

45° line and then over to the top view.
The transfer of features in Figure 5-49 using the
45° line can also be accomplished by using a compass
with one leg at the intersection of the horizontal and TOP
vertical fold lines. The compass establishes the rela-
tionship between the top and side views, as shown in
Figure 5-50.
Another method for transferring the size of fea- REAR LEFT FRONT RIGHT

tures from one view to the next is the use of divid-

ers to transfer distances from the fold line at the top
view to the fold line at the side view. The relationship BOTTOM
between the fold lines and the two views is shown in
Figure 5-51. FIGURE 552 Multiview orientation.
The front view is usually most important because it
is the one from which the other views are established.
There is always one common dimension between adja- Proper View Selection
cent views. For example, the width is common between
the front and top views and the height is common There are six primary views that you can use to describe
between the front and side views. This knowledge a structure completely. In architectural drafting, the
allows you to relate information from one view to front, left-side, right-side, and rear views are used as
another. Take one more look at the relationship of the elevations to describe the exterior appearance of a
six views, as shown in Figure 5-52. structure completely. Elevation drawings are discussed
in more detail in Chapter 24 and Chapter 25. The top
view is called the roof plan view. This view shows the
roof of the structure and provides construction informa-
RADIUS tion and dimensions. Roof plans are discussed in detail
in Chapter 22 and Chapter 23. The bottom view is not
FOLD LINE
used in architectural drafting.

PROJECTION OF FEATURES
FROM AN INCLINED PLANE
When you use multiview projection, features of
objects that are parallel to projection planes appear
FOLD LINE true size and shape, but features that are not parallel
to projection planes are foreshortened, and are not in
FIGURE 550 Projection with a compass. true size and shape.
80 Architectural Drafting and Design

LINE OF INTERSECTION ROUND WINDOW

ROUND WINDOW
FORESHORTENED

SKYLIGHT TRUE WIDTH

ROOF

PROJECTION LINES
FIGURE 554 Round window is a circle when the line of sight
FIGURE 553 Rectangular features on an inclined plane. is perpendicular.

FORESHORTENED DIAMETER
Rectangular Features on an Inclined MINOR DIAMETER
Plane
SKYLIGHT DIAMETER
When a rectangular feature such as a skylight proj- MAJOR DIAMETER

ects out of a sloped roof, the intersection of the

skylight with the roof appears as a line when the
roof also appears as a line. This intersection can
then be projected onto adjacent views, as shown in FORESHORTENED
DIAMETER
Figure 5-53. TOP MINOR DIAMETER
(ROOF PLAN) SKYLIGHT DIAMETER
MAJOR DIAMETER

Circles on an Inclined Plane ROUND

SKYLIGHT
When the line of sight in a view is perpendicular
to a circle, such as a round window, the window
appears round, as shown in Figure 5-54. When a
circle is projected onto an inclined surface, such as FRONT SIDE
a round skylight projected onto a sloped roof, the
view of the inclined circle is elliptical, as shown in FIGURE 555 Circle projected onto an inclined surface appears
Figure 5-55. as an ellipse.

CADD APPLICATIONS
Using CADD for Conceptual Design and Presentation Sketches

Google SketchUp is a CADD program that can be used Tools such as Line, Arc, Rectangle, and Circle are
to create, share, and present three-dimensional models used to sketch two-dimensional (2D) closed boundaries,
with an easy-to-use interface. Interface, also called user known as faces. Then, tools such as the Push/Pull,
interface, is the term describing the tools and techniques Follow-Me, and Move are used to “pull” faces and edges
used to provide and receive information to and from a into three-dimensional (3D) objects (see Figure 5-57).
computer application. Google SketchUp is often used in CADD graphic and image files can be imported into
the conceptual design phase of a project and to create Google SketchUp, and then traced over with sketch
presentation drawings that look hand-sketched, as tools to create quick 3D models for design studies (see
shown in Figure 5-56. Figure 5-58).
Chapter 5: Sketching Applications 81

CADD APPLICATIONS

FIGURE 556 Google SketchUp can be used in the conceptual design phase to sketch new ideas and designs.
Courtesy Ron Palma, 3D-DZYN.

FIGURE 557 In Google SketchUp, use sketch lines to create faces, then push/pull the faces into 3D geometry.
Courtesy Ron Palma, 3D-DZYN.
82 Architectural Drafting and Design

CADD APPLICATIONS
“hand-sketched” styles, and shadows to create
presentation drawings as shown in Figure 5-59.
Custom appearances can be used to create a sampling
of different presentation styles.
When Google SketchUp is combined with Google
Earth, a location from Google Earth can be found and
imported into Google SketchUp. A new design idea
is sketched relative to the Google Earth location. The
Google SketchUp file is then imported back into Google
Earth to create a 3D presentation file of the design within
Google Earth as shown in Figure 5-60.
Google SketchUp is available for download from the
Google Web site and comes in two formats. Google
SketchUp is a free download and allows you to create 3D
FIGURE 558 Google SketchUp lines are traced over an models very quickly. Google SketchUp Pro is a premium
imported image to create a 3D model. Courtesy Ron Palma, 3D-DZYN. version and includes all of the tools from the free
version plus advanced settings for commercial use and
interaction with other CADD programs. ■
In addition to sketching and modeling tools,
Google SketchUp can be used to add finish materials,

FIGURE 559a Apply different materials and sketch styles to 3D model geometry to create unique presentation drawings.
Courtesy Ron Palma, 3D-DZYN.
Chapter 5: Sketching Applications 83

CADD APPLICATIONS

FIGURE 559 b Continued

FIGURE 560 Use Google Earth to import a site into Google SketchUp, design the 3D model, then send the model back to Google
SketchUp for design review. Courtesy Ron Palma, 3D-DZYN.
84 Architectural Drafting and Design

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES See CD for more information

The following Web sites can be used as a resource to help
you find information related to sketching applications.
Address Company, Product,
or Service
www.sketchup.google.com Google Sketch Up
www.drawsketch.about.com Sketching lessons and
tutorials

See CD
for more
Sketching Applications Test information

QUESTIONS
DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions with short, com- Question 5–13 When is a surface foreshortened in an
plete statements or drawings as needed on an 8 1/2" × 11" sheet orthographic view?
of notebook paper, or complete the electronic chapter test on Question 5–14 How many principal multiviews of an
the Student CD. object are possible?
1. Letter your name, Chapter 5 Test, and the date at the top of Question 5–15 Give at least two reasons why the multi-
the sheet. views of an object are aligned in a specific format.
2. Letter the question number and provide the answer.
Question 5–16 In architectural drafting, what are the
You do not need to write the question. Answers can be
exterior front, right-side, left-side, and rear views
prepared on a word processor if approved by your course
also called?
guidelines.
Question 5–17 If a round window appears as a line in
Question 5–1 Define sketching. the front view and the line of sight is perpendicular
Question 5–2 How are sketches useful in CADD? to the window in the side view, what shape is the
Question 5–3 Describe the proper sketching tools. window in the side view?
Question 5–4 Should paper for sketching be taped to Question 5–18 If a round skylight is positioned on a
the drafting board or table? Why or why not? 5/12 roof slope and appears as a line in the front view,
what shape is the skylight in the side view?
Question 5–5 What kind of problem can occur if a long,
straight line is drawn without moving the hand? Question 5–19 Briefly describe the trammel method for
sketching a circle.
Question 5–6 What type of paper should be used for
sketching? Question 5–20 Why must the paper be free to rotate
when you are using the hand-compass method for
Question 5–7 Briefly describe a method that can be used
sketching a circle?
to sketch irregular shapes.
Question 5–21 What is the distance from the center of a
Question 5–8 Define isometric sketch.
circle to the circumference called?
Question 5–9 What is the difference between an Question 5–22 Name the distance that goes all the way
isometric line and a nonisometric line? across a circle and passes through the center.
Question 5–10 What do proportions have to do with Question 5–23 Describe an easy way to sketch a 15"
sketching techniques? circle on paper and a 6'–6" circle at a construction
Question 5–11 Define orthographic projection. site.
Question 5–12 What is the relationship between the Question 5–24 In a short but complete paragraph,
orthographic plane of projection and the projection discuss the importance and use of measurement lines
lines from the object or structure? and proportions in sketching objects.
Chapter 5: Sketching Applications 85

Question 5–25 Briefly describe how the block technique elements large enough to fill most of an 8 1/2 × 11"
works for making sketches of objects. sheet of paper.
Question 5–26 Name two basic applications for
multiviews in architectural drafting.
Question 5–27 In multiview projection, what is the top
view commonly called? PATIO
Question 5–28 Name the four views that are commonly
used as elevations to describe the exterior appearance
of a structure.
Question 5–29 Why should a soft lead and
slightly rounded pencil point be used when
sketching? SWIMMING
Question 5–30 Briefly describe how you would use POOL
your pencil to establish measurements if you were
sketching a house across the street.

PROBLEMS
SPA
DIRECTIONS: On 8 1/2" × 11" bond paper or newsprint, use
proper sketching materials and techniques to solve the follow-
ing sketching problems. Use very lightly sketched construction
lines for all layout work. Darken the lines of the object, but do
not erase the layout lines.
Additional problems are available on the Student CD. Problem 5–8 Given the top and side views shown in the
sketch for this problem, redraw these views and draw
Problem 5–1 Sketch the front view of your home or the missing front view, filling most of an 8 1/2 × 11"
any local single-family residence using the block sheet of paper.
technique. Use the measurement-line method to
approximate proper proportions.
Problem 5–2 Use the box method to sketch a circle
with a diameter of approximately 4". Sketch the
same circle using the trammel and hand-compass
methods.
Problem 5–3 Find an object with an irregular shape,
such as a French (irregular) curve, and sketch
a two-dimensional view using the grid method.
Sketch the object to correct proportions without
measuring.
Problem 5–4 Use the same structure you used for
Problem 5–1, or a different structure, to prepare an
isometric sketch.
Problem 5–5 Use the same structure you used for
Problem 5–1 to sketch a front view and right-side view.
Problem 5–6 Use a scale of 1/4" = 1'–0" to draw a 38°
acute angle with one side horizontal and both sides
8'–6" long.
Problem 5–7 Given the sketch for this problem of START VIEW HERE
a swimming pool, spa, and patio, resketch these
86 Architectural Drafting and Design

Problem 5–9 Given the pictorial sketch for this Problem 5–10 Given the three views of the house shown
problem, draw the front, top, and right-side views, in the sketches for this problem, sketch an isometric
filling most of an 8 1/2 × 11" sheet of paper. view, filling most of an 8 1/2 × 11" sheet of paper.

FRO
NT