What do break lines indicate on architectural drawings?

Break lines on architectural drawings are used to indicate features that are hidden or omitted from the drawing. These lines signify that part of an object or space has been removed or altered so that the viewer can focus on important elements without drawing the entire structure, especially when showing long or continuous elements. This technique allows for clarity and helps to avoid unnecessary repetition in the drawings, ensuring that essential details remain visible to the reader. By emphasizing what is included, break lines help the architect convey the design effectively while communicating the intent without cluttering the drawing with excessive detail or repetition.

In architectural practice, areas of detail, measurement scales, and section cuts are represented using different methods or symbols, which helps to establish their individual roles on a drawing. Each of these serves a distinct function that is crucial for the understanding and execution of construction plans.