Architectural Floor Plan Abbreviations: A Complete Guide

July 30, 2023 Post a Comment

A partial list of acronyms used in architectural drawings. Architect from www.pinterest.com

Introduction

When it comes to reading architectural floor plans, understanding the various abbreviations used can be overwhelming. From the abbreviations for rooms to the symbols used for doors and windows, it can seem like a foreign language. However, with a little bit of knowledge, anyone can decipher these abbreviations and understand the layout of a building. In this article, we will cover the most common architectural floor plan abbreviations and what they mean.

Room Abbreviations

The first set of abbreviations we will cover are those used for rooms. These abbreviations are used to label different areas of a building, and they often appear next to a symbol representing the room's shape on a floor plan. Here are some of the most common room abbreviations: • BR - Bedroom • BA - Bathroom • LR - Living Room • DR - Dining Room • KIT - Kitchen • FAM - Family Room • OFC - Office • STG - Storage

Doors and Windows

Another important set of abbreviations to understand are those used for doors and windows. These abbreviations are used to indicate the location and type of doors and windows in a building. Here are some of the most common door and window abbreviations: • W - Window • D - Door • SLD - Sliding Door • F - French Door • BIF - Bifold Door • A - Awning Window • C - Casement Window • F - Fixed Window

Other Abbreviations

In addition to room and door/window abbreviations, there are many other abbreviations that may appear on an architectural floor plan. Here are some of the most common: • HVAC - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning • ELEC - Electrical • PLBG - Plumbing • FND - Foundation • RO - Roof • FL - Floor • CLG - Ceiling • DIM - Dimension

Tips for Reading Floor Plans

Now that you understand some of the most common architectural floor plan abbreviations, here are a few tips to help you read a floor plan like a pro: 1. Start by looking at the legend or key. This will tell you what each symbol and abbreviation means. 2. Pay attention to the scale of the floor plan. This will tell you how big each room and area is relative to the other spaces. 3. Take note of the flow of the floor plan. Look for how rooms are connected and where the main entrances and exits are located. 4. Don't forget to look at the elevations and sections. These drawings will give you a better understanding of the building's three-dimensional form.

Conclusion

Understanding architectural floor plan abbreviations is an important skill for anyone involved in the building or design industry. By knowing what each abbreviation means, you can easily read and interpret floor plans, making it easier to visualize the final product. By following the tips we've outlined, you'll be able to read floor plans like a pro in no time.