Page Layout

How to layout a landscape plan

What makes a good page layout?

The industry has standards and commonly followed layouts. When followed industry people instinctively know where to look to find out common information. Some of the items have common placement due to their logical use, for example page numbers and names are usually in the bottom right-hand corner is that is the easiest place to turn large pieces of paper from.

A good page layout also creates a logical hierarchy between the different elements on the page. Plans visuals should pop out, while annotations should seem visually separate allowing you to seek them out when you want more information.

What to think about when starting your page layout

When on the computer we can simply draft what needs to be included then choose a page size at the end and arrange. When hand drafting, we need to think a little more about where things go before we start.

NEGATIVE SPACE

Make sure you give your drawings space to breathe. Having so white space around them helps give definition and makes their reading more relaxing.

WHAT ELSE IS TO BE INCLUDED

Do you have elevations or sections to include? Do you need a detail or specifications note? How big will the legend be? How much of the real-estate is your titleblock going to take up?

HOW BIG WILL YOUR MAIN DRAWING BE

You can estimate the space that your drawing will take up by looking at the longest measurements (probably the perimeter of your site) and using a scale ruler move this around your page until you have it in a position you like.

PAGE SIZE

After taking into consideration all the information that needs to be included on the page you should now be able to choose a paper size that will accommodate it. It is best if you stay on the same size paper throughout the process, so if you can think forward to the future outputs at this point it is a good idea.

What is commonly included on a plan page?

Other common items

  • Specification notes

  • Construction details

  • Schedules

  • Audits

Most Pages

  • Legend

  • Title block

  • Plan

  • Annotations

  • Headings

Placement

Common placement of elements:

  • Legend - Often top right corner

  • Title block - Bottom or right-hand side with essential information concentrated in the bottom right-hand corner

  • Plan - Central

  • Annotations - Around the plan

  • Headings - Top or bottom

  • Specification notes - Right hand side

Margins and Borders

Drawing border allows you to avoid areas around the outside of your page not being printed on by some printers

Left side: 10mm for smaller page sizes or 20mm for larger page sizes if you wish to bind the plans

All other sides: 10mm

When part of the drawing border is missing or too closer or far from the edge it illuminates that there has been a printing issue and possibly a scale issue.

Session Outline

  • What makes a good page layout?

  • What is included on a plan page?

  • Placement

  • Borders and Margins


Activity

Sketch out a page layout for an imaginary project.