Graphic Style
The base map and base sheet are best drawn in a simplified graphic style for efficiency of time and to maximize flexibility in their use for subsequent drawings. There should be a hierarchy of lettering sizes used in the title block. Letters about 1/2-inch high are typical for this. Notes on the base sheet should be few or completely eliminated for adaptability for subsequent design proposals that use it as a beginning point. A graphic scale is recommended because its represented distances remain the same even if the drawing is enlarged or reduced (Figure 6-41). Vellum may be obtained as individual sheets or on rolls that are 24", 30", or 36" wide. Vellum and Mylar Sizes There are two general size standards for vellum and Mylar. The other standard sheet size is based on common bond paper. Wide-format copiers typically use 36 wide paper that can be printed to any desired length. Keep in mind that it takes considerably longer to draw a larger plan than a smaller one, and it costs more to reproduce it. The clients’ names are the most important element and should be the largest and boldest letters of all. The drawing information can be located either inside
or outside the title block because it relates more to the drawing itself than to
the clients or the designer. This may cause the north arrow to point in an atypical direction. The 1/8" scale is also better to use if distances must be measured to less than 1 foot. More space is required on the left side of a sheet if the drawing is going to be combined and stapled with others in a package. Both notes and legends should be neatly lettered (1/8-inch high is ideal) and well-organized (Figure 6-45). Lines (called leader lines) that extend from the note to a specific point on the plan should be kept as short as possible. A written scale, on the other hand, is only valid for the original drawing and becomes false if the drawing is reproduced at a different size. This scale is also advantageous when measurements are obtained from surveyors because they almost always work in an engineer’s scale. The ideal sheet size is one that requires no trimming of extra paper after a drawing has been reproduced. they refer to on the plan. When areas of the design need to be enlarged to study in more detail, a scale of1/4" = 1 ‘-0" is suggested. Sheet Size
The selection of sheet size for the base sheet and base map depends on a number of factors including size of the lot, the scale at which it is drawn, available sizes of vellum and Mylar, and standard copy paper sizes. Plan The plan should be placed on the sheet so it can be easily viewed. Designer’s or firm’s name
4. Sheet Layout
Every base sheet and base map, regardless of the scale or sheet size, should have a well — organized layout. Both steps should be undertaken with the utmost care in organization and accuracy because later steps of the design process use these drawings as their starting point. All of these variables need to be coordinated so that there is as little waste of time and paper as possible. Textures should be kept to a minimum and plant symbols should be simple circles or similar basic outlines. Two scales are suggested for residential site design. 1. Drawing
Notes
Figure 6-43
White space is useful for placement of notes and legends. If the designer typically works with engineering scales, then 1" = 10′ is the recommended scale. The most common placement is the bottom right corner of the sheet. On the other hand, if the designer normally deals with architectural scales, then 1/8" = 1′-0" is the recommended scale. The 11"X 17" sheet size is suitable only when a portion of residential site is being designed at a typical scale like 1" = 10’. Vellum is available in these sizes as either single sheets or in pads. You should now understand the following about this critical step:
• Definition of a lot, plot plan, site plan, base map, and base sheet along with the information shown on each
• Three sources from which to obtain site data
• Visual clues that can suggest where the property lines might be located
• Three site measuring systems to determine distances and locations of site features
• Procedure for locating the property lines in relation to the house
• Procedure for locating the house on the lot
• Recommended process for locating the walls, doors, and windows of the house
• Technique for recording measurements of other site elements such as the gas meter, electric meter, downspout, and so on
• Methods for locating utility lines
• Procedure for locating trees and other plant materials
• Process for drawing the base sheet and base map
• Guidelines for paper type, drawing scale, sheet size, and sheet layout Sheet title
2. Other common sheet sizes are 18" X 24" and 30" X 42". Written scale and graphic scale. The same 75′ X 150′ lot drawn at this scale would produce a plan measuring 9-3/8" X 18-3/4". The following paragraphs provide guidelines for organizing these items on a sheet. Figure 6-42
Possible title block locations on sheet. One is based on a 6" module with the 24" X 36" sheet size being the most routine. North arrow
4. Date
The location and lettering size of this information are two important considerations when drawing the base sheet and base map (Figure 6-42). A 75′ X 150′ lot drawn at this scale would produce a plan measuring 7-1/2" X 15". Generally, the plan is best placed off center to allow for some “white space” or leftover area on one or more sides of the plan. A person turning the pages of a set of several drawings can read this location easily. The normal sheet sizes within this system include 8-1/2" X 11", 11" X 17", and 17" X 22" sheets. When there is more than one sheet, it is common practice to put a binding strip on the left side of a package of drawings (Figure 6-46). The north arrow and scale can be incorporated inside the title block or located elsewhere on the sheet. Drawing information. The designer’s name is less important and should be in smaller print, approximately 1/4-inch high. Figure 6-46
Binding strip is usually lo■ cated on the left side of sheets. 3. Borders are generally placed between 1/2 inch and 1 inch from the edge of the sheet. To accomplish this, consideration should be given to the placement of (1) title block or sheet title information, (2) plan, (3) north arrow, (4) scale, (5) notes and/or legends, and (6) sheet border. A 24" X 36" sheet must be printed on a large format copier or scanned and then printed on a plotter.
