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Architecture vocabulary · Drawings and Representation

Working drawings

Meaning in architecture, with examples

nounCommon term

In architecture, working drawings means: The detailed, fully dimensioned set of drawings that a contractor uses to build a project, including plans, sections, elevations, details and schedules.

In Turkish: uygulama projesi, uygulama çizimleri

How it is used

A British term; American offices usually say construction documents (CDs) or construction drawings. Architects prepare, issue and revise working drawings, and each sheet carries a revision letter or number.

Example sentences

  1. We're issuing the working drawings to the contractor next Monday.

  2. The working drawings show every door with its number and size.

Common collocations

  • prepare working drawings
  • issue working drawings
  • working drawing set
  • construction documents
  • detailA 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.
  • specificationA written document that describes the materials, products, quality standards and workmanship required for a project, used together with the drawings.
  • schematic designThe early design stage in which the architect develops the main layout, massing and character of a building from the brief, before detailed design begins.
  • dimensionTo add measurements to a drawing, showing the lengths, widths and heights of walls, openings and spaces with dimension lines and numbers.
  • contractorThe company or person hired to build a project according to the drawings, specifications and contract, managing workers, materials and subcontractors on site.

More terms: Drawings and Representation

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