What is the purpose of section and elevation symbols in architectural drawings?

Section and elevation symbols in architectural drawings serve the primary purpose of connecting different parts of a drawing, guiding the viewer to understand the relationship between various elements of the design. These symbols are crucial as they help to clarify which specific sections of a building or structure are being referred to in the drawings.

When an architect uses section symbols, for example, they indicate where a cut has been made through the building, allowing viewers to see the internal details of a wall, floor, or other structural component. Elevation symbols denote different views of the building's facade from various angles. This system of notation assists in organizing and coordinating the information presented in the drawings, ensuring that anyone interpreting the plans can easily navigate between the different sections and understand how they fit together in the overall design.

The choices concerning material specifications, scale, and structural integrity relate to other crucial aspects of architectural design and drawing interpretation but do not capture the primary function of section and elevation symbols. These elements enhance understanding but are not their intended purpose.