Production or Working Drawing

This is the last stage of architectural drawing. They are drawings used to give information for the manufacture or construction of a machine or erection of a structure. They may be on a sheet or a set of many sheets, conveying all the facts fully and explicitly for the erection of a structure such that further instructions are not required. They must include: 

-          Orthographic projections i.e. the true shape of the features described.

-          Proper dimensioning: The true shape of the features described.

-          Call-outs: Complete notes regarding items not fully described by size and shape.

-          Construction details and sections: Enlarged drawings of construction features not completely shown in small scale drawings or of features which are hidden.

These drawings are meant for the purpose of conveying precise constructional information. They are drawn in final form on good quality paper, sometimes only in ink for reproduction and photo-printing process. The negatives are valuable documents to be handled and stored in care.

They could also be drawn in freehand.

They are generally orthographic (two dimensional) projections drawn to scale 1:100 or 1:50 and details to larger scales from 1:20 to full size. Arrangement of each sheet should be well organized to be economical of space and pleasing to the eye.

Basic drawings to make up a set of working drawings include

-          Floor plans

-          Elevations

-          Sections and necessary details

For each job, drawings should be standard in size and uniform in technique, annotation, dimensioning, references etc.

In case of conflict among drawings, large scale details take precedence over other drawings because of obvious increase in accuracy achieved by drawing at a large scale.

No shadows or shadings are required other than the indication of materials. Details that are not relevant to construction should not be shown. Lettering must be clear and tidy since it may constitute half of the drawing.

Since these drawings are read by many people of varying degrees of experience and intelligence, legibility (readability) is the most important requirement.

These drawings, in combination with other documents are used for the following

-          For obtaining planning and building regulation approval.

-          For obtaining tenders or negotiating contracts.

-          For instructing contractors and other members of the building team.

It is important in this type of drawing for the information panel to include a standard note that all dimensions should be read and not scaled, even where the greatest care is used to ensure that drawings are accurate. This is because paper expands and contracts to some extent which makes it unwise to take dimensions off drawings by scaling.