TCFP Plans Examiner Practice Test

A two-dimensional view of a building as seen from the exterior is known as what?

1. Plan

2. Elevation

3. Section

4. Perspective

The correct answer is: Elevation

A two-dimensional view of a building as seen from the exterior is referred to as an elevation. Elevations provide a vertical representation of a structure's design, illustrating the façade and other elements such as windows, doors, and rooflines. This view is essential for understanding how a building will appear from the outside, highlighting details that are not visible in a floor plan or section. In architectural drawings, an elevation is crucial for demonstrating the overall height, symmetry, and alignment of various components, as well as how they fit into the surrounding environment. This information is particularly valuable in contexts like planning and zoning to ensure that a proposed building adheres to design guidelines and aesthetics of the area. The elevation is often used alongside plans and sections to give a comprehensive understanding of the building’s design. Each of the other options serves a different purpose that does not align with the definition provided. A plan represents a horizontal section of a building as viewed from above, illustrating the layout of spaces within. A section provides a vertical cut-through of a building, showing internal spaces and structural elements. A perspective view offers a three-dimensional depiction that captures depth and spatial relationships, emphasizing visual realism rather than strict dimensions. Understanding the distinction among these different types of architectural representations is essential for a