SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE
FIRST SEMESTER, SCHOOL YEAR: 2021-2022

ARCH 113
GRAPHICS 2
Architectural Visual Communications 1
RESEARCH NO. 1
“ARCHITECTURAL LETTERING”

SUBMITTED BY:

Buhalog, Ann Dale E.

B.S. ARCHITECTURE – 1C

SUBMITTED TO:

AR. EVAN JONE G. NABAUNAG, uap, GreenAP, AESA

Instructor, Bachelor of Science in Architecture

November 02, 2021

INTRODUCTION

All written work done by an architect, whether it is blueprint, designs or drawings, is

expected to have architectural lettering. The easy to read uniform block letters are

commonly used by designers and architects.

I. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Architects use drawings to pass or convey written information. Everybody involved in

building the structure can follow the clearly written letters and work according to the

specifications mentioned. Architects were hence taught to write in a specific manner

using certain guidelines and functions of their commonly used tools. these

typographic style letters are extremely even, with accurate vertical lines and a little

bubbly characteristic to the curved letters.

This style soon became very popular and got attached to any architectural work.

Adobe in 1989 created a font based on Ching’s work and named it Tekton. They

then started using it in all of their design software suites. Lettering was once a

tedious task for architecture students who had to spend hours to learn the correct

lettering technique. They would use a parallel rule or a T-square apart from a triangle

or lettering guide to help them draw light horizontal guidelines.

II. TYPES OF ARCHITECTURAL LETTERING

Lettering, when used in drafting, is a difficult art to master. For this reason,

computer word-processing programs, which ensure neat and uniform letters, are
more widely used today than hand-lettering. Even so, many cartoonists, architects,

engineers and others prefer to use traditional hand-lettering in their crafts.

Basic Block

The basic block style is the most common style for architecture and scenic drafting,

and the first style that should be attempted before trying fancier variations.

Oval

The oval lettering style is a variation of basic block, in which curved letters such as

C, D, and O are drawn in a slightly slanted manner, up and to the right. The other

rules of basic block lettering apply to this style.

Slanted Horizontals

In slanted horizontals lettering, another variation of basic block, the horizontal lines

in letters such as F and E, excepting Z, are slightly slanted upwards. The slanted

horizontal style is often combined with the oval style.

Outline

Outline refers to a type of line which separates shapes and colors from other

elements in a visual composition. Outlines are generally thick and do not vary in

width--thus they have a flattening effect.

Contour line

Contour line follows the three-dimensional curves of a form: it gets darker where

there is shadow and lighter where there is less shadow.

Geometric Curves

Evenly rendered curved lines (like arcs and sections of perfect circles) are

geometric. Many consider balanced and geometric shapes to represent rationality

and the intellectual mind.

Organic Curves in Abstract Painting

Many artists of the 20th century used organic curved lines to create ambiguous and

abstract shapes. Joan Miró, for example, made paintings using circles, curved lines

and flat planes of color.

Implied Lines and Curves

Artists do not always explicitly draw or paint a curved line. Instead, artists imply

lines, between arrangements of shapes or using figures to point toward other parts

of the composition.

III. PROPER USE AND TECHNIQUES 

Rough Draft

Rough Draft is a type of architectural style font used by architects when

transmitting a more urban and avant-garde design in their works.

Architect Bold

The Architect Bold style as a typographic font is widely used by architects because

of its natural look. It looks like it has been handwritten. This type of calligraphy is

useful to draw attention to advertising design purposes and also for basic

architectural designs.

Frank the Architect

The name of this source is due to Frank Ching, a renowned author of design and

architecture books. This style is characterized by simplicity, neatness, and an

inclined upwards stroke.

Helvetica
Even without having advanced knowledge of graphic design, there are many

architects who use Sans Serif typographies such as Helvetica. Due to their

minimalism and straight lines, they are considered a great option in the

professional world.

Roboto

This is one of the most used fonts by Google, and you can see it in practically all its

webs. This font is also used by many architects to show their designs with  its

geometric and soft shapes.

Conclusion
Architectural lettering is still an integral part of designing as it allows accurate and

clear communication. It plays a critical role in passing on the vision of the architect to

the builder. It will and always will be said that if you want to communicate your ideas

clearly and precisely, you must write like an architect!