Architecture Research

CHM holds various types of architectural drawings. Just because a job is listed in the inventory does not mean that CHM holds the original, complete set of construction drawings. Most often the inventory notes what type of drawings are included in the roll. Some examples of the types of drawings that CHM holds include: 

• Design Drawings - Schematic and presentation drawings
  • This includes sketches of various kinds as well as more formal presentation drawings, often in full color. Also included are things like non-commission drawings (often labeled NC), where the project was not completed according to the designs, or design folders (DF), which include designs for projects that were completed. 
• Construction  Drawings - Complete and partial drawing sets
  • This includes the formal working documents used in construction.
  • Often it is indicated in the inventory what type of drawings exist. These codes and how they are presented are dictated by the American Institute of Architects.
    •  The main types you will find in a complete set are Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Suppression) (MEPF)
  • Also included in this category is construction administration documentation. This includes:
    • Punch lists - Document listing final work items remaining before a project can be completed
    • Specification or spec books - Detailed documents outlining precise requirements of a project like materials or products used
• Post - construction - These are often referred to as "as-builts" - They are often stamped drawing sets that include all final changes to a project (post WWII these were required to be sealed and signed)

Note that there is often variation in the terminology used for technical drawings

• For example, an architectural "plan" is often used for general architectural drawings of all types but technically refers to a horizontal slice of a structural drawing. 

Even when excluding digital formats, there are several different material types you will encounter, often different materials are interleaved in one architectural roll. 

Some commons materials include:  Paper, linen, vellum (often not true vellum, but plasticized paper or linen),  mylar, foam-core as a support, drafting film, tracing paper, "sticky-back" overlays, and photostats. You may encounter different techniques for original drawings, such as pencil or pastels, or for reproductions, such as Diazo or pen plotter (which can look like an original drawing). We've noted below which materials to look out for that may require special handling. 

• Ask Abakanowicz Research Center staff if you need assistance or weights to help with the curling of rolled drawings
• As with all research materials, please make sure you have clean hands. Hand sanitizer is not recommended. 
• Make sure you have have plenty of room when working with large architectural drawing. When moving between drawings, always slide don't flip. 
• If you come across a photostat (can be either positive or negative, but will be somewhat shiny like a photograph), please ask for gloves and alert staff.
• Pastel, charcoal and other types of original drawings can be highly friable. Try to only handle the edges of these types of drawings, never place anything on top of the material, and alert staff if you are concerned about information loss to the drawing.
• Rerolling material
  • Ask staff for assistance if needed.
  • Try to keep the drawings in order, unless there is a preservation concern. Some common rules of thumb for storing architecture include: 
    • Trace paper should not go on the outside of a roll
    • In general, the largest drawing should go on the outside
    • Material types should be grouped together and separated with interleaving paper when possible