Lecture - 04

Understanding Building Plans, Elevations, and Sections

Building

A building is a human-made structure designed and constructed to provide shelter, support activities, and serve various functional, aesthetic, and cultural purposes. It typically consists of walls, a roof, and floors, and can range from small, simple structures (e.g., houses) to large, complex ones (e.g., skyscrapers, hospitals, or schools). Buildings are created to meet specific needs, such as living, working, education, recreation, or worship, and are influenced by factors like climate, materials, technology, and cultural context.

Plan, Elevation, and Section of Buildings

Plan:

o    A plan is a top view of a building or structure, drawn horizontally to represent the layout.

o    It shows the arrangement of walls, doors, windows, and other structural elements at a specific level.

o    Common types of plans include floor plans, site plans, and foundation plans.

What is Building Planning?

Building planning involves systematically organizing various components of a building to create a cohesive and functional structure that fulfills its intended purpose.

·        It refers to the arrangement of rooms within the building to optimize functionality and space utilization.

·        Building planning also provides a visual representation of the structure post-construction, aiding builders and contractors in the construction process. It is equally valuable for estimating project costs and preparing budgets.

·        The primary goal of building planning is to organize all building units on every floor level based on their specific functional requirements, ensuring efficient use of the available space.

·        Effective planning ensures privacy by thoughtfully considering the arrangement of rooms, placement of doors and windows, door swing directions, entrances, pathways, and driveways. It may also include features like lobbies, corridors, to enhance privacy and flow within the structure.

 

General Fundamentals of Planning

The primary goal of building planning is to organize the necessary units across various floor levels in accordance with their functional needs, while optimizing the use of available space. The design of such a plan is influenced by factors like climate, site location, activity type, accommodation requirements, local regulations, and surrounding environment. Despite these variables, certain universal principles guide the planning theory for all building types. These principles, outlined below, serve as general guidelines rather than definitive rules, aiding in the planning process.

·        Aspect: Position rooms to maximize natural benefits (e.g., sunlight, breeze).

·        Prospect: Enhance views and external aesthetics.

·        Furniture Needs: Ensure enough space for functional furniture layouts.

·        Roominess: Efficient use of space without overcrowding.

·        Grouping: Logical arrangement of rooms based on function.

·        Circulation: Provide convenient movement pathways (horizontal and vertical).

·        Sanitation: Ensure lighting, ventilation, and adequate sanitary facilities.

·        Elegance: Aesthetic appeal through layout and elevation.

·        Privacy: Protect internal and external privacy.

·        Flexibility: Design for multi-functional use.

·        Economy: Balance cost-effectiveness with durability.

·        Practicality: Consider strength, future expansion, and environmental conditions.

 

Aspect

Aspect refers to the positioning of rooms in a building concerning the four cardinal directions to maximize natural comforts like sunlight, ventilation, and scenic views. A room is said to have the aspect of the direction from which it receives light and air. Each room in a dwelling should be oriented to optimize its specific requirements.

 

Figure: Optimal orientation of rooms related to the movement of the sun throughout the day (Northern Hemisphere) (Neufert, 2012)

 

Prospects

Prospect refers to the overall impression a building creates when viewed from the outside. It involves achieving an aesthetically pleasing appearance by incorporating natural beauty, strategically positioning doors and windows, and masking any undesirable views within the surrounding landscape. This concept emphasizes the visual appeal and harmony of the building's exterior design.

Grouping

Grouping in building planning involves organizing different rooms based on their functional relationships, ensuring logical connections and appropriate proximity to one another. This arrangement considers the flow of movement and interaction between spaces.

·         Grouping in Residential Building Plans:

• The dining room should be situated near the kitchen for convenience.
• The kitchen should be positioned away from the main living room to minimize disturbances.
• Main bedrooms should have independent access to sanitary units for privacy and functionality.

·         Grouping in Commercial or Institutional Buildings:

In structures like office buildings or hospitals, the administrative department should be centrally located to ensure efficient service delivery and operational convenience.

 

Building Plan Considerations

Considerations:

·         Functional Requirements:

• Purpose of the building (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.).
• Space allocation for rooms, corridors, and utilities.

·         Site Conditions:

• Topography, soil type, and climate.

·         Orientation:

• Ensure proper orientation for natural lighting, ventilation, and energy efficiency.

·         Regulatory Compliance:

• Adherence to building codes, zoning laws, and safety standards.

·         Accessibility:

• Provision for ramps, elevators, and wide doorways for disabled access.

·         Aesthetics:

• Architectural style and visual appeal.

·         Sustainability:

• Energy efficiency, use of eco-friendly materials, and waste management.

·         Structural Integrity:

• Load-bearing walls, columns, and foundations.

·         Utilities and Services:

• Placement of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

·         Future Expansion:

• Flexibility for modifications or additions.

 

Elevation:

o    An elevation is a vertical view of a structure, showing one side of the building.

o    It provides details about the building's exterior, including doors, windows, roof design, and wall finishes.

o    Types of elevations include front, rear, and side elevations.

 

Section:

o    A section is a vertical cut-through view of a building, displaying the internal details of the structure.

o    It helps in understanding the relationship between different floors, walls, and structural components.

o    Common types include longitudinal and cross-sections.