The key difference between axonometric and isometric drawings is that the isometric is created from a plan that is redrawn at a 30-degree distortion (as opposed to the 45- degree tilt of a redrawn axonometric plan). Once the plan is redrawn at this angle, an isometric drawing is produced in exactly the same way as an axonometric one (all lines are projected vertically to produce a three-dimensional rendering of the object).
Isometric drawings are not quick to produce, time needs to be taken to draw the plan at the distorted and tricky angle of 30 degrees before the three-dimensional view can be produced. Certain elements, particularly circular shapes, are very difficult to draw in an isometric form.
Isometric drawings can become cut-away or exploded representations to exaggerate aspects of a concept or idea. Variations in colour, texture and shade can also be used to make the image appear more effective.
The advantage with both isometric and axonometric drawings is that they realistically connect with our natural sense of perception and are more immediate interpretations of a building or space. They can be used equally well to describe concepts, buildings or details, and effectively incorporate aspects of exterior, interior, elevation and form in one representation.
Project: Paris docks Location: Paris, France Architects: Jakob + MacFarlane Date: 2005
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This drawing forms part of a series detailing a large redevelopment on the Rive Gauche in Paris. This particular isometric drawing describes the scheme as a riverside journey, overlaid with a series of structures, that are in turn overlaid with a roofscape. |
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Project: Les Docks, Quai Rimbaud Location: Lyons, France Architect: Jakob + MacFarlane Date: 2005 These CAD models describe the concept of a large exposition building. The building is a solid form that has a shape removed from it leaving a complex void which can be seen and experienced as a space within the building form. |
Three-dimensional images can be used both to concentrate the viewer’s eye of a particular aspect of a design, or to describe or deconstruct concepts and ideas. There is an essence of both realism and imagined possibilities about these images, and as such they provide an accessible way to better understand a building. In addition to perspective, axonometric and isometric drawings, other forms of three-dimensional representation are also available to the architect.