Sections in building design
In terms of design, the term ‘section’ typically refers to a view of a structure as though it has been sliced in half or cut along another imaginary plane, which is generally, but not always a vertical plane. This is represented as a ‘section drawing’ or ‘sectional drawing’. This can be useful when designing or representing structures such as buildings as it gives a view that passes through spaces such as rooms and also through the building fabric, and this can reveal relationships between the parts of the building that might not be apparent on plans or elevations.
For more information, see Section drawing.
In a wider sense, 'section' can also refer to a specific part of a document, regulation, standard or agreement. For example, Section 50 agreement, Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, a planning obligation (section 106), and so on.
It can also be used in relation to a section engineer, the role of which is to lead a team of site engineers, usually on civil engineering and infrastructure projects. They are responsible for all engineering matters related to a project or specific part of a project, such as a road or tunnel. For more information, see Section engineer.
It may also refer to work sections, that is, parts of construction works. For example, NRM2 lists work sections for work section breakdown structures, used to prepare some types of bills of quantities. For more information, see Work section bill of quantities.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Comments