Orthographic View

Orthographic View is a standardized method of technical drawing that depicts three-dimensional objects in two dimensions through precise, mathematically accurate projections. This fundamental visualization technique represents objects from multiple angles - typically front, top, and side views - where all lines of sight are perpendicular to the projection plane, resulting in a drawing where parallel lines remain parallel and measurements maintain their true proportions without perspective distortion. The development of orthographic projection traces back to the principles of descriptive geometry established in the late 18th century, though its practical applications in design and engineering have evolved significantly with technological advancement. In contemporary design practice, orthographic views serve as essential communication tools, enabling designers, architects, and engineers to convey exact dimensional information and structural details necessary for manufacturing and construction. These views, also known as multiview projections, adhere to strict geometric principles where each view is rotated into a plane parallel to the viewer's line of sight, effectively unfolding the object to display its various faces. The technique has become particularly crucial in industrial design and architecture, where precise measurements and spatial relationships must be communicated unambiguously. Digital design tools have enhanced the creation and manipulation of orthographic views, though the fundamental principles remain unchanged. The A' Design Award competition often features outstanding examples of technical documentation where orthographic views play a vital role in communicating design intent, particularly in categories such as industrial design, architecture, and engineering projects.

Author: Lucas Reed

Keywords: technical drawing, multiview projection, descriptive geometry, engineering graphics, spatial visualization, design documentation

Help us improve the Design+Encyclopedia, contribute your alternative definition for Orthographic View today!

About the Design+Encyclopedia
The Design+Encyclopedia is a crowd-sourced reference of information on design. Unlike other crowd-sourced publications on design, the Design Encyclopedia is edited and actively monitored and publishing is only possible after review of submitted texts. Furthermore, editors of the Design Encyclopedia are mostly consisting of award winning designers who have proven their expertise in their design respective fields. Information posted at design encyclopedia is copyrighted, you are not granted a right to use the text for any commercial reasons, attribution is required. If you wish to contribute to the design encyclopedia, please first register or login to A' Design Award and then start a new design encyclopedia entry.