Axonometric Drawing

What is Axonometric Drawing?

Axonometric drawing is a method of creating three-dimensional representations that maintains true measurements along all three axes. Unlike perspective drawings where parallel lines converge at vanishing points, axonometric projections keep parallel lines parallel, making them valuable for both design exploration and technical documentation.

The most common types of axonometric drawings in architecture are isometric, dimetric, and trimetric projections. Isometric drawings use equal angles (30 degrees) for both receding axes, creating a balanced view. Plan oblique (or planometric) drawings maintain the true shape of the floor plan while extruding walls vertically, making them particularly useful for showing spatial relationships.

Architects favor axonometric drawings during the design process because they can be constructed directly from orthographic plans and sections without complex perspective calculations. This makes them efficient tools for studying massing options, exploring spatial sequences, and communicating design ideas to clients who may struggle to read traditional architectural drawings.

Exploded axonometric drawings separate building components to reveal construction assemblies, structural systems, or the layering of program elements. These analytical drawings are powerful tools for explaining how buildings are put together and how different systems relate to one another.