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Architecture vocabulary · Drawings and Representation

Detail

Meaning in architecture, with examples

/ˈdiːteɪl/nounCore term

In architecture, detail means: A large-scale drawing that shows exactly how parts of a building are put together, such as a window frame, roof edge or wall junction, with materials and dimensions.

In Turkish: detay, nokta detayı

How it is used

Details are drawn at 1:20, 1:10, 1:5 or even 1:1 and are part of the working drawings. Architects develop, draw and resolve details. 'Detail' is also a verb: 'detail the roof edge' means to work out how it will be built.

Example sentences

  1. We need a 1:5 detail of the junction between the glass and the roof.

  2. The contractor asked for a detail showing how the balcony is waterproofed.

Common collocations

  • construction detail
  • 1:5 detail
  • wall section detail
  • resolve a detail
  • typical detail
  • working drawingsThe detailed, fully dimensioned set of drawings that a contractor uses to build a project, including plans, sections, elevations, details and schedules.
  • sectionA drawing of a building cut vertically from top to bottom, showing the floors, ceiling heights, roof, stairs and how the inside spaces relate to each other.
  • scaleThe ratio between the size of a drawing or model and the real size of the building; at 1:100, one centimetre on paper equals one metre in reality.
  • specificationA written document that describes the materials, products, quality standards and workmanship required for a project, used together with the drawings.

More terms: Drawings and Representation

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