Architectural drawing terminology: In a coordinated set of building plans, the exterior views that show the front, back, and sides of a house are collectively referred to as “elevations.” Confirm this naming convention used in architecture and construction documentation.

Introduction / Context:
Architectural drawing sets use consistent names for different types of views so that designers, builders, and inspectors can communicate precisely. One common question for students is the correct term for exterior orthographic views that depict the outside faces of a building. This item verifies recognition of the word “elevations.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• An architectural sheet set typically includes plans, elevations, sections, and details.
• The views in question show the exterior of the building from orthographic viewpoints such as front, back, and sides.
• No perspective distortion is implied; these are orthographic views intended for scaled measurement.

Concept / Approach:
The term “elevation” in architecture refers to a principal, orthographic view of the exterior façade. Plans show horizontal cuts or overhead views, sections show interior cut-throughs, and details zoom in on specific junctions. Elevations display vertical information about openings, finishes, roof lines, and height relationships. Because they are orthographic, dimensions such as heights and feature spacing are read directly without perspective scaling.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Check a typical drawing index or title block in an architectural set; sheets marked A2.xx are often elevations in many office standards, while A1.xx are plans and A3.xx are sections. The naming convention is widely used across codes and textbooks.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Sections are interior cut-throughs, not exterior faces.
• Plans are overhead views (floors, roofs), not façades.
• Isometrics and perspectives are pictorial, not standard orthographic elevations for contract documents.
• “Perspectives only” ignores the formal role of elevations for dimensioned documentation.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing 3D perspective renderings with working drawings; assuming “front view” is a unique category rather than one type of elevation; mixing elevations with sections because both are vertical views.

Final Answer:
Correct: these exterior views are called elevations