alaprajz

Alaprajz, Hungarian for floor plan, is a two-dimensional architectural drawing that presents a building or part of it as seen from above. It shows the arrangement of interior spaces, walls, doors, windows, stairs, and fixed installations on a single level, typically drawn to scale.

Content and conventions: An alaprajz usually includes walls and openings, room labels, and may indicate fixed equipment such as sinks, toilets, and cabinetry depending on its purpose. It uses standard symbols and line weights; dimensions are given with leaders or dimension lines. A north arrow and a consistent scale are commonly included. Elements that are not visible on the floor as drawn can be shown with dashed lines, and plans are often organized per floor, with separate sheets for each level.

Types and usage: Plans can depict ground floor, upper floors, or basements. They are part of a complete set of architectural drawings used for design, planning permission, construction, and interior design. The alaprajz is distinct from elevations, which show vertical faces, and sections, which depict a cut-through view of the building.

In practice: In Hungarian architectural practice, alaprajz is a standard document in project documentation. Common scales include 1:50 for detailed layouts and 1:100 for general plans. The drawings may include furniture layouts to illustrate space planning, circulation, and accessibility considerations.

History and significance: Floor plans have long been used to organize space efficiently and communicate design intent. The alaprajz remains a core element in design documentation, coordinating between architects, engineers, builders, and clients.