When designing a wall with moldings and reveals, what type of detail should be drawn to convey the depth and profile of the reveals?

A vertical section is a drawing that shows a view of an object as if it were cut vertically. When detailing a wall with moldings or reveals, a vertical section cut perpendicular to the wall's face is essential. This view clearly illustrates the cross-sectional shape (profile) and the depth (projection or recession) of these horizontal elements. It provides the critical dimensional information required for fabrication and installation, which cannot be accurately conveyed in plan or elevation views.

A. Plan detail: This shows a top-down view, which is ineffective for illustrating the vertical profile of moldings on a wall face.

C. Elevation detail: This shows the wall face-on, indicating the location and overall length of moldings but not their depth or cross-sectional profile.

D. Horizontal section: This shows a cut parallel to the floor, which would be appropriate for detailing vertical reveals but not for common horizontal moldings like baseboards or crown molding.

1. Ching

F. D. K. (2020). Building Construction Illustrated (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. In Chapter 1

Section 1.08

"Architectural Drawings

" it is explained that "Sections are orthographic projections of a building as if cut vertically to show...the construction of...walls." This confirms that a vertical cut is used to reveal the internal composition and profile of wall assemblies.

2. Piotrowski

C. M. (2016). Professional Practice for Interior Designers (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 16

"Construction Documents and Specifications

" clarifies that section drawings are used to show "how several materials are to be assembled or the vertical relationship between floor and wall" (p. 431)

which is precisely the function needed to detail a molding's profile against a wall.

3. Kilmer

R.

& Kilmer

W. O. (2015). Construction Drawings and Details for Interiors (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 3

"Architectural Drafting Basics

" describes section drawings as necessary "to clarify the hidden configuration of an object" (p. 68). A molding's profile is a hidden configuration when viewed in elevation

thus requiring a section view for clarification.