aanzichten

Aanzichten is a Dutch term meaning "views" or "elevations" used principally in architecture, drafting, and civil engineering. In architectural practice, aanzichten refer to elevations—drawings that depict the exterior of a building as viewed from a specified direction. The standard views are vooraanzicht (front view), zijaanzicht (side view), and achteraanzicht (rear view). A top view (bovenaanzicht) and a cross-section (doorsnede) are other related projections included in a set of drawings.

The term is part of orthographic projection, used to convey geometry, proportions, openings, materials, and ornamentation. In planning and construction, designers prepare a set of anzichten to communicate the façade design, with dimensions, materials, and alignment notes. Depending on context, the English equivalent is elevation, and Dutch documents may also use elevatie in some contexts.

In general language, aanzicht can refer to outward appearance, but this sense is less common in technical contexts. See also: elevation (architecture); orthographic projection; vooraanzicht; zijaanzicht; achteraanzicht.