BOU 121 | CONTACT SESSION 1

BUILDING DRAWINGS 111

CONTACT SESSION 1
Section 1 of 4

INTRODUCTION
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 1

Communicating design intent:

From concept to completed project

The Menil Collection, Houston, U.S.A, 1982/1987 Renzo

Piano Building Workshop https://www.archdaily.com/319499/the-menil-collection-
awarded-aia-twenty-five-year-award
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 1

Drawings are prepared so that designers can communicate their

requirements to all concerned in a clear, concise, and unambiguous
manner. (SANS 10143)
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 1

In the construction industry,

a working drawing is an instruction from the designer to the builder,
who needs to know, not only what the building is to look like, but also
the parts of which it will consist and how they will fit together. (SANS 10143)

It is thus crucial that this instruction can be read and interpreted in a

clear an unambiguous manner to avoid costly errors and delays.
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 1

Drawings are a form of visual language.

Just as with words in a written language, the graphical elements of

the drawings have meaning that are read and interpreted by the
viewer.

Drawing conventions and standards are used to ensure that

drawings are produced and interpreted in a consistent manner.
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 1

The Purpose of this Building Drawings course is to enable you to

read, understand and interpret construction drawings (graphical
communication),
as well as produce drawings should the circumstances ask for it.

The objective is to emphasize understanding rather than memorizing, in

order to stimulate creative thinking and the development of innovative
skills in the field of building science.
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 12

As discussed, designs invariably go from concept/idea, to

documentation to fabrication/construction.

In South African construction projects this process is divided

into 6 distinct WORK STAGES.
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 12

In South Africa construction projects are divided into 6 distinct WORK STAGES:

1. Inception:
• Define client requirements and project constraints.
2. Concept design:
• Rough initial design to define how client requirements and project constraints will
be addressed.
3. Design development:
• Confirm the scope and technical aspects of the design and coordinate and confirm
requirements of other consultants & local authority.
4. Documentation and Procurement
4.1 Local authority approval:
• Documents are prepared for and submitted to the local authority.
4.2 Construction documentation & tender:
• Construction documents are completed and work is set out for tender.
5. Construction:
• Contractor takes possession of the site and constructs the project as per the
construction documents.
6. Close out:
• Documents and administrative duties required to complete the construction project
are completed.
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 12

In South Africa construction projects are divided into 6 distinct WORK STAGES:

1. Inception:
2. Concept design:
3. Design development: Design &
Documentation
4. Documentation and Procurement
4.1 Local authority approval:
4.2 Construction documentation & tender:

5. Construction: Construction

6. Close out:

Work Stages 1-4 follow the design process from initial project
inception to the documentation of the design.
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 12

Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

Concept Design Design Development Documentation
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 12
TYPICAL DOCUMENT FLOW ON
A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
CONSULTANT
Work in progress
drawings
circulated
internally in
office.

Design drawings Issuing of construction CONTRACTOR

circulated between documents / CLIENT
consultants

CONSULTANT
Work in progress
drawings
circulated
internally in
office.
BOU 111 | CONTACT SESSION 1

The Construction Drawings prepared for a project may include:

• Locality Plans
• Site Plans
• Layout drawings such as:
• Plans,
• Sections,
• & Elevations.
• Component Drawings such as:
• Component Range Drawings,
• Detail Drawings,
• & Assembly Drawings.