Creating 3D models is the fun part of Vectorworks, but contract documentation is the longest part. In most countries contract documentation accounts for 45-50% of the architectural fee. This makes it the single biggest part of the project. You can can use the BIM principles to speed up the creation…
If you get my newsletter you would have seen this sketch (all images copyright Jonathan Pickup 2016). This sketch is from my trip to Chicago for the design summit and it was drawn on my iPad. I have been using my iPad, Apple Pencil and sketching software (Procreate).
A section is a drawing that shows a cut through an object. Many CAD programs will do this for you, but you also nee to know how to draw one of these for yourself so that you can understand the technique behind it. Start with the plan view and protect…
Third angle projection is a common way of presenting information to others. In simple terms, a third angle projection has a plan at the top left of the page, directly below this the front elevation based on the plan above, and to the right of the front elevation a side…
In a previous post we talked about how important it was to have line weights to to help communicate information on your drawings. This also applies to your elevations. When I was taught to draw I was taught to use different line weights on elevations to help people to read…
Line weights are extremely important. A drawing that has all of its lines with the same weight (same line thickness) is difficult to read. It’s a very common practice to use different line weights to represent different parts of your drawing. To start with, all the background information should have…
A cold Bridge refers to a break in the insulation in the building that allows the transfer of heat. Usually this is a break in the insulation that allows the heat to escape – which can also be thought of as the cold coming into the building. This often occurs…
Detailing Basics – Pressure Differential. Pressure Differential is the difference in pressure between the inside and outside. If the pressure difference is great, water can be drawn up vertical faces, through gaps, and into the building. The solution is to have air seals at all joints.
Kinetic energy is where the water is moving. Generally, this is where the water is being blown by strong winds. I have used the roof example, which is common where I live. The wind often blows water up the roof slope, and under flashings. The flashings will stop a lot…
The surface tension in water makes it stick to the surface of objects. A classic situation is where the water runs under a soffit or under a stone or concrete windowsill, the water will run into the building along the horizontal surface. The situation is very easy to fix, all…