GRAPHIC SYMBOLS
Graphicsymbols help the viewer identify the various
aspects and features of adrawing or presentation.
• North arrows indicate the major compass points on
architectural plans so that the viewer is able to grasp
the orientation of a building and its site.
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• Graphic scales are graduated lines or bars representing
proportionate size. T scales are especially useful
hese
because they remain proportional when adrawing is
enlarged or reduced.
,-------··- • Section arrows indicate the location of section cuts on
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plan drawings.
Graphic symbols rely on conventions to convey
information. To be easily recognizable and readable, keep
them simple and clean-free of extraneous detail and
stylistic flourishes. In enhancing the clarity and
readability of apresentation, these devices also become
important elements in the overall composition of a
drawingor presentation. Theimpact of graphic symbols
and letteringdepends on their size, visual weight, and
placem
ent.
Size
The size of a graphic symbol should be in proportion to the
scale of the drawing and readable from the anticipated
viewingdistance.
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I ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHICS
Visual Weight
The size and tonal value of a graphic symbol determines its
visual weight. If alarge symbol or typeface is required for
readability but a low value is mandatory for a balanced
composition, then use anoutline symbol or letter style.
Placement
Place graphic symbolsas close as possible to the drawing
to which they refer. Whenever possible, use spacing and
alignment instead of boxes or frames to form visual sets
of information.