Links for good architectural blueprints?

EarthMover

Anyone know of any websites that you can download architectural blueprints or CAD files for study purposes? I'm trying to add some architectural models to my portfolio and would like them to be precise.

Thanks!

Stinkie

Not a site (sorry), but these are really cool: http://www.amazon.com/Key-Houses-Twentieth-Century-Elevations/dp/0393732053

kevin_walker

There are a few here which can be saved pdf. http://www.chiefarchitect.com/products/samples.html#plans

Kevin

linea

Earthmover

I don't think you'll find many plans that are in the public domain, unless they are really old - and so most likely not available as a cad file.

MtnArch

Adam -

Really, the best resource for you to study would be an architect (or VERY knowledgeable drafter) from your area. Certain practices that you may find on-line for (say) California may not be fully compliant with (say) Minnesota. Any of us could send you examples of our areas/regions, but they will be prejudiced for that area only.

The foundation requirements (and really, the room layout) for MN may be VERY different than those of what we'd design for CA, and from what I've seen in my over 30 years of practice is that certain standards are highly specific to certain regions of the US, and are best resolved by those who practice within that region.

That said, this does NOT preclude using someone from outside your region to design the stucture - only that the Design Professional would be wise to utilize someone local to your region to review the drawings and specs for conformance to local conditions and code modifications.

EarthMover

Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep digging.

Edson

have a look at http://www.archdaily.com. most of the projects they publish include plans, sections and detailing.

Gus R

Adam,

Might want to check out the Library of Congress website. They have architectural records including recent architectural surveys of historic structures. These include elevations, plans, and sometimes landscape surveys and site plans.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/habs_haer/

You can search as well as browse by subject.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/habs_haer/subject.html

Or by place.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/habs_haer/place.html

Some of this is almost priceless. They include large format tiff images many with dimensions or graphic scales. Some also include details and sections.