Last revised: July 2009
Architecture Resources Gateway - Drawing and Modeling
Concepts: Evolution of architectural drafting and rendering; drawing techniques; movement to computer-aided design and building information modeling.
The field of architecture has a strong tradition of draftsmanship and artistic drawing, as well as model-making and other forms of presentation through visual representation. Techniques are moving toward three-dimensional computer modeling, but hand-drawing remains a valuable skill for conceptualizing.
This guide functions as an independent entity in a series designed for the new and returning architecture researcher. Consult the entire series at Architecture Resources Gateway.
Table of Contents
Useful Reference Books
- AIA. Architectural graphic standards (11th edition). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2007.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Reference
CALL NUMBER: TH2031 .A84 2007 - Kemper, Alfred. Presentation drawings by American architects. New York: Wiley, 1977.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Folio
CALL NUMBER: NA2700 .P73 - Laseau, Paul. Architectural representation handbook: traditional and digital techniques for graphic communication. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Stacks
CALL NUMBER: NA2714 .L37 2000 - Smith, Kendra Schank. Architects' sketches: dialogue and design. Boston: Architectural Press/Elsevier, 2008.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Folio
CALL NUMBER: NA2700 .S65 2008 - Wakita, Osamu A. Professional practice of architectural working drawings (3rd edition). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2003.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Reference
CALL NUMBER: NA2713 .W34 2003 - Yee, Rendow. Architectural drawing: a visual compendium of types and methods (2nd edition). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2007.
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Reference
CALL NUMBER: NA2708 .Y439 2003
Subject Headings (catalog keywords)
Use these when browsing in the catalog; pick "subject beginning with" as the type of search. You will get a list with further subject breakdowns and can see what might be useful to you. An example of what results you get with a search like this is pictured below the list; alphabetical breakdowns will follow the numerical ones.
- Architectural drawing
- Architectural drawing - computer-aided design
- Architectural models
- Architectural rendering
- Building information modeling
- Landscape architectural drawing
Some Relevant Databases
- Art Index Retrospective (1929-1984) and Art Abstracts (1984-present)
Citations to articles addressing architectural drawings from a sales and collections point of view. - ARTstor
Includes digital images of architectural drawings. - Avery Index
You can search for articles that include drawings - use the advanced search and scroll down to "More search options". Pick what you want out of the "physical description" list (options include computer drawings, elevations, models, and sketches).
Journals to Browse
- Computer Aided Design
LOCATION: UMCP Engineering and Physical Sciences Library Current periodicals and Periodical stacks
Call number: T351 .J56
Electronic version available - Engineering Design Graphics Journal
LOCATION: UMCP Engineering and Physical Sciences Library Current periodicals and Periodical stacks
Call number: T351 .J56 - Journal of Building Information Modeling
Recent issues available online. - Progressive Architecture (formerly Pencil Points; stopped publication in 1995)
LOCATION: UMCP Architecture Library Periodical stacks
Call number: NA1 .P7
Websites and Collections to Consider
- Architectural Archives of the University of Pennsylvania
- Art Institute of Chicago, Department of Architecture and Design
- Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record/Historic American Landscape Survey
- MIT Museum, Architecture and Design Collection
- National Building Information Modeling (BIM) Standard
Strategic Research
Good research is complicated, especially in the digital and academic environments. No guide can begin to cover all the sources available, so Ask a Librarian when you need more information. Contact the subject area specialists for more information or to design a strategic and specific research plan: lotis@umd.edu, 301-405-9260 or pcossard@umd.edu, 301-405-6316.
This guide was authored by Kim Detterbeck and Lara Otis.
