Essential Stationery for Architect Students: Building Blocks for Success
Are you an Architect student or planning to study in architecture? The most important part of studying in architecture is having the right set of stationery for both your creative process and academic success. The right tools can enhance your sketching, drafting, and organizing abilities, allowing you to bring your architectural visions to life. In this article, we will explore the essential stationery items every architecture student should have in their toolkit.
Undoubtedly, architecture word is aligned with drafting pens or technical pens. These pens allow architects to create accurate technical drawings with clear and controlled lines. The high-quality ink used in drafting pens ensures the longevity and legibility of the drawings. Overall, drafting pens are an indispensable tool for architects, enabling them to produce precise and visually appealing designs. There are different brands and sizes for drafting pens.
The most common sizes are- 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm and 1.0mm.
The most common and renowned brands are- Sakura Pigma Micron, Staedtler Pigment Liner, Copic Multiliner, Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen, Uni Pin Fine Line, Rotring Rapidograph, and Pilot Hi-Tec-C.
Drafting pencils are the backbone of any architect’s toolkit. They provide the versatility required for sketching, drafting, and shading. Students must choose the option for a set of high-quality pencils with different lead grades (eg. ranging from 2H to 8B) to achieve a variety of line weights and textures in their drawings.
To get more option, see our collection of drafting pencils.
Mechanical pencils offer precision and convenience when working on technical drawings and detailed plans. Mechanical pencils with a comfortable grip and a variety of lead thicknesses (such as 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm and 0.9mm) to suit different line requirements are important to consider when we look for buying.
Architects often make multiple adjustments and errors during the design process. Therefore, it is essential to have reliable and high-quality erasers. So it is always a good idea to invest in a kneaded eraser for lifting graphite or charcoal marks gently, and a high-quality eraser for more precise erasing on delicate surfaces.
Another very good single investment is having electronic erasers as it is very powerful and easy to use. It is used for ridding of not only pencil marks but also coloured pencils and other tough pigments.
Markers, Fineliners and Coloured pencils:
Markers and fineliners add depth, contrast, and vibrancy to architectural drawings. They are ideal for rendering, highlighting, and emphasising important elements. Select a set of high-quality markers and fineliners in various thicknesses to achieve different line weights and textures. To give a vivid form in your drawing, you must need some good alcohol ink markers and coloured pencils.
To get more option, see our collection of markers, pencils and fineliners.
A drafting compass is mandatory for creating accurate circles and arcs. It allows you to draw precise curves, arcs, and circles with ease. Look for a compass with sturdy construction and adjustable legs to accommodate various radii.
Set Square Scale or Drafting Triangles:
Set Squares or drafting triangles are essential tools for drawing precise and accurate angles in architectural drafting. They come in various sizes and angles, including 30-60-90 degrees and 45-45-90 degrees, which are commonly used in architectural drawings. These tools allow architects to create straight lines, measure angles, and draw vertical or parallel lines with precision. Set squares provide a reliable reference for maintaining consistent angles and ensuring accuracy in technical drawings, floor plans, elevations, and other architectural design elements.
See the collection of scale, ruler and bars.
A triangular scale is a triangular-shaped ruler with different scale markings on each edge. It is ideal for drawing straight lines, measuring angles, and scaling drawings. Invest in a high-quality triangular scale with durable markings for precise measurements.
Parallel Bar:
Another vital tool for an architect’s drafting process is the parallel bar. It allows the architects to draw straight lines, parallel lines, and maintain consistent angles with ease. Working with other instruments like T-square, the parallel bar ensures vertical or parallel alignment, resulting in precise and uniform lines. Its efficiency, accuracy, and time-saving capabilities make the parallel bar an essential tool for architects.
See the collection of scale, ruler and bars.
Most of the time architects need to perform precise calculations for tasks such as determining structural loads, calculating dimensions, estimating material quantities, and solving intricate equations. With features like trigonometric functions, logarithms, matrix operations, and statistical analysis, scientific calculators empower architects to efficiently perform complex mathematical operations, saving time and enhancing accuracy in their design processes. Overall, scientific calculators play a crucial role for architects, providing them with powerful computational capabilities and advanced mathematical functions necessary for their work.
A sketchbook is an architect’s creative sanctuary. It allows them to capture ideas, make quick sketches, and develop concepts. Try to collect good sketchbooks with acid-free paper, a durable cover, and an appropriate size for easy portability.
Drafting Paper, sheets and boards:
Drafting paper is essential for creating clean, precise technical drawings. As an architect, you must need to choose right paper with smooth surface. Also different type of sheets and boards are required while doing any projects.
Storage and Organization:
Staying organized is crucial for an architecture student. Invest in storage solutions such as portfolios, project binders, drawing holder tubes and storage boxes to keep your drawings, sketches, and supplies neatly organized and easily accessible.
Other Drafting Stationery items:
Different types of accessories and tools are required for architecture students from time to time. Glue, double sided tapes, masking tapes, glue guns are needed for different projects of model making. Other stationery like cutters and scissors are also required for doing the projects.
Browse our more collection of gule & adhesives here.
Having the right stationery is essential for architecture students to excel in their studies and unleash their creativity. The items mentioned in this blog post, including graphite pencils, mechanical pencils, erasers, drafting compasses, scales, sketchbooks, drafting paper, markers, and organization tools, will serve as the building blocks for your success as an architect. Remember, the quality of your tools can significantly impact the quality of your work, so choose wisely and invest in reliable and durable stationery that will support your artistic journey.