Aufriss

Aufriss is a term used primarily in architecture and technical drawing to denote an elevation: a drawing that represents a building’s exterior as viewed from one side or from the front. The Aufriss is drawn on a vertical plane and is used to show the façade, its proportions, openings (doors, windows), roof form, cornices, materials, and vertical relationships such as floor levels. It is typically prepared at a standard scale (for example 1:50 or 1:100) and is part of a complete set of construction drawings, together with the floor plan (Grundriss), the section (Schnitt), and the site plan (Lageplan).

Variants include Fassadenaufriß (facade elevation), Seitenaufriß (side elevation), and multi-facade presentations when several elevations are shown. In planning and permitting processes, an Aufriss provides a clear representation of the building’s external appearance and massing, aiding stakeholders in judging design, scale, and integration with the surroundings.

Beyond its architectural use, the term Aufriss can also denote a sketch or outline of a plan or concept in a broader German context. In such usage, it refers to an initial, often rough, visualization of an idea prior to detailed development.

Origin and usage notes: the word combines Auf- (up, on) with Riss (cut, outline). In English-language architectural texts, Aufriss is typically translated as elevation or facade elevation.