One of the basic steps in the preservation process is the graphic documentation of the object. This documentation requires two steps:

1.) Field notes

2.) Measured Drawings

While not all preservationists will produce these drawings, all of you should be familiar with the way they are produced and with some of the problems involved. Each of you should be able to understand and evaluate measured drawings.

Read over The Manual for the Preparation of "As Found" Drawings to help you understand the measured drawing process.

YOUR PROJECT

1.) In the following project students will complete a small measured drawing of an architectural feature. The easiest choice to select for the project would be a door or a window. Choose the feature from your school or an historic public building. Choose a single main floor detail and try to pick a local 19th century building. Take field notes of this in elevation that will enable you to produce a measured drawing of this object. Make sure you get permission to take measurements, and try to choose a door or window that is easily accessible. Avoid picking a feature that you have to lean on.

You will need a carpenter's tape measure, 8.5 x 11 graph paper, sharp pencils and an eraser.

Complete your drawing on graph paper. Begin by using a pencil. Ink the final drawing.

2.) Take a complete set of photographs of your elevation. Create a photo key plan. Photographs can assist your memory when preparing final drawings. As well they provide an excellent record of details or damage in the building that the drawings do not record. Carefully reference your photos to your drawings. A wide angle lens is best for architectural photography work.

3.) Prepare a measured drawing of a 2-dimensional detail of your choice.

4.) Examine the detail and record existing materials and finishes. Record all distinguishing materials, colours, textures, dimensions, hardware, and tooling alterations.

5.) Examine the detail for evidence of original finishes, changes to the original materials and finishes. Attempt to determine the original finishes of your detail. (Iredale Jennifer."Introduction to Historic Preservation, Assignment #4, Measured Drawings")

Remember that a measured drawing is meant to be an artistic and accurate representation of a building detail. Therefore, it is not a dry, precise architectural survey or rendering nor is it an artist's interpretation. It is both. The dimensions and correct sizes need to be represented, but not to the extent as if they are in an architectural blueprint. Think about the aesthetic quality of the drawing, for example the composition on the page, the design elements and the quality of the line. Try to make your drawing pleasing and interesting to look at.

DRAWING CONVENTION STANDARDS

Provide a 1/4" margin around the entire drawing.

Use a scale of 1/2" -1" for elevations and plans.

Include only overall dimensions on the final drawings.

Use appropriate line weights. (Heavier lines indicate closer or more signifigant parts of the element; lighter lines are further away.)

Label each sheet along the bottom. The label block should measure 3/4" wide. Indicate your name left 1/4" of the label block.

Indicate your building's name and the detail name in the center 2/4 of the label block.

The scale and date 1/4" of the label block.

Leave room for a "sheet number" in this right quarter of the label block.