The One to Onehundred 1:100 Scale
Architects in New Zealand (NZ), including cities like Auckland and Christchurch, often use a one to one hundred scale (or similar scales like one to fifty or one to two hundred) when drawing architectural plans for several reasons:
Space Efficiency: A one to one hundred scale means that every 1 unit on the drawing represents 100 units in real life. This scale allows architects to fit large buildings or plans onto manageable-sized paper (like A3 or A1) without losing essential details. It offers a balance between showing enough detail and keeping the drawing a practical size, which is especially useful in 3D render and architectural visualization projects.
Standardization: The one to one hundred scale is widely accepted, making it easier for architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to communicate. Using a common scale helps maintain consistency across various disciplines in the construction industry, whether the project is in Auckland, Christchurch, or other parts of New Zealand.
Detail vs. Readability: At a one to one hundred scale, the drawing provides sufficient detail to show key architectural features like room sizes, windows, doors, and circulation paths. Yet, it remains easy to interpret, without overwhelming the viewer with excessive detail. This is particularly useful for creating clear and effective 3D renders and architectural visualizations.
Regulatory Standards: In many areas, including New Zealand, building regulations and planning applications require plans to be submitted at specific scales, with one to one hundred being one of the most common for architectural drawings.
Visual Clarity: This scale offers a clear representation of the overall layout without needing magnification, ensuring that the design is easily understood by those who may not be familiar with architectural drawings. It’s also helpful when creating 3D renders or architectural visualizations, as the scale ensures accurate proportion and spatial relationships.
In short, the one to one hundred scale strikes a practical balance between clarity, detail, and usability, making it a go-to choice for architectural drawings in New Zealand, especially for 3D render and architectural visualization projects.