As a new school year begins, so does the search for the essential items that will help architecture students succeed. It can be tough to know where to start, but with this handy guide, you’ll be ready for anything! Here are some of the most important things every architecture student should have in their arsenal.
Tracing paper and pads
Tracing paper and tracing pads are essential tools for any student of architecture. Tracing paper allows students to transfer the lines of a drawing onto another piece of paper while tracing pads provide a sturdy surface for drawing and tracing. Both products are available in a variety of sizes and weights, so students can choose the options that best suit their needs.
In addition, tracing paper and tracing pads are relatively inexpensive, making them a great value for students on a budget. Whether students are just starting out or are already experienced professionals, tracing paper and tracing pads are essential tools for anyone who wants to achieve precise results in their drawings.
Layout and graph pads
As an architecture student, you know that precision is key. From scaled drawings to furniture layouts, everything must be to-scale and accurate. This is where layout pads and graph pads come in handy.
Layout paper is specially designed for drawing floor plans, site plans, and elevations. The gridlines are spaced precisely, so you can easily measure and draw accurate to-scale diagrams.
Graph paper is also useful for drawing scaled diagrams, but it can also be helpful for brainstorming and freehand sketching. The gridlines provide a helpful structure that can help you to organize your thoughts and ideas.
So whether you’re refining a design or coming up with a new one, layout pads and graph pads will help you to achieve precision and accuracy.
T square and set square
If you’re an architecture student, then you know that having a T square and set square is essential for drawing precise lines and angles. A T square is a T-shaped ruler that helps you to draw perfectly horizontal or vertical lines, while a set square is a triangular ruler that can be used to create any angle. Together, these tools are essential for creating accurate drawings of buildings and other structures.
In addition to being used for drawing, T squares and set squares can also be used to measure lines and angles. This can be helpful when you’re trying to figure out the dimensions of a space or when you’re trying to determine whether two lines are parallel.
So whether you’re drawing a floor plan or measuring a window, make sure you have a T square and set square to hand.
High quality pens and pencils
As an architecture student, you know that precision is key. Whether you’re drawing up plans for a new building or drafting a detailed elevation, every line must be perfect. That’s why it’s essential to use quality pens and pencils. Cheap ballpoints can skip and blob, making it difficult to produce clean lines. And if your pencils are too soft, they’ll leave behind smudges and smears.
Instead, invest in pens and pencils that are specifically designed for architectural drawing. These tools will help you achieve the crisp, clean lines that are essential for success in the field of architecture.
At SBS we carry a wide range of equipment and supplies for architects and students as well as providing printing services, including large format prints. Visit our website for further information or contact us. We’re happy to help.