Elevation

What is Elevation?

An elevation drawing presents a building's exterior facade as a flat, two-dimensional representation without perspective distortion. Named for the cardinal direction they face (north elevation, south elevation, etc.), these drawings document the architectural character, material composition, and proportional relationships of a building's exterior surfaces.

Elevations communicate design intent for facades, showing window and door placements, material transitions, decorative elements, and the overall composition of architectural features. They establish the visual rhythm created by solid walls and openings, the hierarchy of building elements, and the relationship between base, middle, and top of a structure.

From a technical standpoint, elevations indicate finish floor levels, roof heights, chimney locations, and the positions of exterior lighting and signage. They show how different materials meet at corners and transitions, and they document the locations of expansion joints, control joints, and other technical requirements.

Interior elevations serve a similar purpose for indoor spaces, showing cabinet configurations, tile layouts, built-in furniture, and the arrangement of fixtures and equipment on walls. Kitchen and bathroom designs rely heavily on interior elevations to coordinate the work of multiple trades.