GK for GATE Exam Basic Concepts of Architectural Drawings

An architectural drawing is a sketch, plan, diagram, or schematic that communicates detailed information about a building. Architects and designers create these types of technical drawings during the planning stages of a construction project.

Basic Concepts of Architectural Drawings

What is the standard scale for architectural floor plans in residential projects?
Answer: 1:100
What does "NTS" stand for in architectural drawings?
Answer: Not to Scale
What is the purpose of a "section" drawing in architecture?
Answer: To show the vertical cut-through view of a building
What is the typical thickness for exterior walls in residential architectural drawings?
Answer: 230 mm (9 inches)
Which symbol on an architectural plan indicates the direction of north?
Answer: A compass rose or north arrow
What are "as-built" drawings?
Answer: Drawings that represent the final construction, reflecting any changes made during the building process
What is the standard unit of measurement used in architectural drawings in India?
Answer: Millimeters (mm)
Which software is most commonly used for creating architectural drawings?
Answer: AutoCAD
What is the primary difference between CAD and BIM?
Answer: CAD (Computer-Aided Design) focuses on 2D/3D drafting, while BIM (Building Information Modeling) involves a data-rich 3D model with project lifecycle management
What does "dimension line" indicate in architectural drawings?
Answer: A line that shows measurements between two points

Types of Architectural Drawings

Name the drawing type that shows the front, side, and back of a building.
Answer: Elevation drawings
What is the purpose of a "site plan"?
Answer: To show the layout of a building and its surroundings on a plot
What is a "detail drawing"?
Answer: A drawing that shows specific construction or design details at a larger scale
What type of drawing shows the interior elements of a building, such as walls and furniture?
Answer: Floor plan
What is a "reflected ceiling plan"?
Answer: A plan that shows the design and layout of the ceiling from below
Which drawing represents the vertical structure of a building?
Answer: Section drawing
What type of architectural drawing shows the structure's relationship with its landscape?
Answer: Site plan
What is a "working drawing"?
Answer: A detailed drawing used for construction on-site
What are "shop drawings" used for?
Answer: Detailed drawings used by fabricators or contractors for manufacturing
What is a "conceptual sketch"?
Answer: A freehand drawing to convey initial design ideas

Drawing Standards and Symbols

What is the purpose of the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) in architectural drawings?
Answer: To set design and construction standards for safety and uniformity
Which line type indicates hidden elements in architectural drawings?
Answer: Dashed lines
What symbol is used for electrical outlets in architectural drawings?
Answer: A circle with two parallel lines
How are door swings represented in floor plans?
Answer: With an arc showing the direction of door movement
What is the conventional symbol for stairs in a plan view?
Answer: Parallel lines with arrows indicating the upward direction
What does a dashed line generally represent in architectural drawings?
Answer: Hidden or overhead elements
What is the meaning of a "hatch" pattern in section drawings?
Answer: Material representation
How are materials differentiated in architectural section drawings?
Answer: By using different hatch patterns
What is the purpose of a grid system in large architectural projects?
Answer: To help locate elements in the drawing
What does a triangle with a number inside typically represent in architectural drawings?
Answer: A section or detail reference

Construction and Materials

How are load-bearing walls typically depicted in architectural drawings?
Answer: With thicker lines compared to non-load-bearing walls
What is the role of "foundation plans" in construction drawings?
Answer: To show the layout and dimensions of the building foundation
What does the term "roof pitch" refer to in roof plans?
Answer: The slope of the roof
How are window types indicated in architectural drawings?
Answer: By using symbols and notations (e.g., "W1" for window type 1)
What information does a "door schedule" provide?
Answer: Details of doors, including dimensions, materials, and hardware
What is the purpose of "cross-sections" in structural drawings?
Answer: To show the internal structure of a building
What does a "fire escape plan" typically show?
Answer: Exit routes and safety measures in case of fire
How is insulation represented in section drawings?
Answer: With a zigzag or patterned hatch
What is the typical notation for brick walls in architectural plans?
Answer: Brick hatch or cross-hatching
What is a "cantilever" in architectural drawings?
Answer: A projecting structure supported only at one end

Design Standards and Best Practices

What is the minimum width for a residential staircase as per Indian building codes?
Answer: 900 mm
How much clearance is typically required in front of kitchen counters?
Answer: 1000-1200 mm
What is the standard ceiling height for residential buildings in India?
Answer: 2700 mm (9 feet)
What does FAR stand for in architectural site planning?
Answer: Floor Area Ratio
What is the purpose of a "building setback"?
Answer: To provide space between the building and the property boundary
What is the minimum headroom required above a staircase as per the National Building Code of India?
Answer: 2100 mm
What is a "green building" in architectural design?
Answer: A building designed to reduce environmental impact
What does the term "universal design" refer to in architecture?
Answer: Design that is accessible and usable by all people, regardless of ability
What is the function of a "massing model" in design?
Answer: To study the overall form and volume of a building
What is the significance of orientation in architectural planning?
Answer: To optimize natural lighting, ventilation, and energy efficiency