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Planning 3D Objects on a Flat Surface

Drawing three-dimensional objects on a flat piece of paper can be challenging. Architects and designers plan complex forms by breaking them down into simpler, flat orthographic views, or orthos. These straight-on views help you visualize the object's dimensions and proportions.

Orthographic Views (Orthos): Zero-Point Perspective

Orthos are zero-point perspective drawings, like maps, showing the object from the most direct views possible. They typically include any of six straight-on views:

• Front
• Back
• Left Side
• Right Side
• Top
• Bottom

By combining these views, you gain comprehensive information about the object's shape and size.

From Orthos to One-Point Perspective

When you introduce depth to an ortho by tilting it into space, it becomes an oblique view. In this case, you can use one-point perspective to create the illusion of depth. One-point perspective involves lines converging to a single vanishing point on the horizon line.

Convergence and Diminution

• Convergence: Lines that move away from you converge at the vanishing point, like the rails of a railroad track meeting at the horizon.
• Diminution: Objects appear smaller as they get further away, so heights and widths diminish with distance.

In one-point perspective, lines going left to right or up and down remain parallel, while depth lines converge.

Exploring One-Point Perspective

One-point perspective is powerful yet simple. It allows you to make flat drawings look three-dimensional with just one vanishing point. Experiment with it to create a sense of depth in your drawings. One amazing point is all you need for 3D.

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