Mastering Architectural Poche: A Comprehensive Guide to Common Patterns

Architectural poche, derived from the French word meaning ‘pocket,’ refers to the filled-in areas of a drawing representing solid construction, such as walls, columns, or other structural elements. It’s more than just shading; it’s a crucial technique for conveying depth, materiality, and spatial relationships in architectural plans, sections, and elevations. Accurate and consistent poche enhances readability and professionalism, making your drawings clear and impactful. This comprehensive guide explores common architectural poche patterns, provides detailed instructions on how to draw them effectively, and discusses their applications.

Why is Poche Important in Architectural Drawings?

Before diving into specific patterns, let’s understand the significance of poche:

* **Clarity and Readability:** Poche distinguishes between solid elements and open space, making drawings easier to understand.
* **Material Representation:** Different poche patterns can suggest specific materials like concrete, brick, or wood.
* **Depth and Hierarchy:** Consistent poche creates a sense of depth and helps establish a visual hierarchy within the drawing.
* **Professionalism:** Well-executed poche demonstrates attention to detail and elevates the overall quality of your presentation.
* **Understanding Spatial Relationships:** Poche clarifies how different architectural elements interact and define spaces.

Tools and Materials for Drawing Poche

Whether you’re drawing by hand or using CAD software, having the right tools is essential.

**For Hand Drafting:**

* **Drafting Pencils:** A range of hardnesses (e.g., 2H, HB, 2B) for different line weights and shading.
* **Technical Pens:** Fine-tipped pens (e.g., 0.1mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm) for precise lines and consistent ink density.
* **Erasers:** Kneaded erasers for lifting graphite without damaging the paper and regular erasers for removing lines.
* **Rulers and Triangles:** For accurate lines and angles.
* **Drafting Compass:** For drawing circles and arcs.
* **Tracing Paper:** For practicing and experimenting with different patterns.
* **Bristol Board or Drawing Paper:** A smooth surface for clean lines and even shading.

**For CAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp):**

* **Software with Hatching Capabilities:** Most CAD programs have built-in tools for creating and customizing hatch patterns.
* **Computer and Mouse (or Graphics Tablet):** For precise control and efficient drawing.
* **Printer:** For producing hard copies of your drawings.

Common Architectural Poche Patterns and How to Draw Them

Here are some of the most commonly used architectural poche patterns, along with step-by-step instructions for drawing them by hand and using CAD software:

1. Solid Poche (Concrete)

Solid poche represents a solid material, often concrete. It’s the simplest and most fundamental poche pattern.

**Hand Drafting:**

1. **Outline the Area:** Accurately draw the outline of the element you want to poche.
2. **Fill with Even Shading:** Using a soft pencil (e.g., 2B) or a technical pen, carefully fill the entire area with a consistent tone. Avoid leaving any white spaces or noticeable variations in shading.
3. **Maintain Consistent Density:** Ensure the shading is even throughout the poche area. Rotate your pencil to prevent uneven wear and maintain a consistent line weight with your pen.

**CAD Software:**

1. **Create a Closed Polyline:** Draw a closed polyline around the area you want to poche.
2. **Use the Hatch Command:** Activate the hatch command (usually ‘H’ or ‘BH’).
3. **Select ‘Solid’ Pattern:** Choose the ‘Solid’ pattern from the hatch pattern library.
4. **Pick Internal Point:** Click inside the closed polyline to define the area to be hatched.
5. **Adjust Properties (Optional):** You can adjust the color and layer of the hatch pattern as needed.
6. **Confirm and Apply:** Press Enter to apply the solid poche.

2. Diagonal Lines (Brick or Masonry)

Diagonal lines, often at a 45-degree angle, are commonly used to represent brick or masonry.

**Hand Drafting:**

1. **Outline the Area:** Draw the outline of the element to be poched.
2. **Establish the Angle:** Use a triangle to draw parallel lines at a 45-degree angle.
3. **Maintain Consistent Spacing:** Keep the spacing between the lines consistent. A spacing of 1/8 inch (3mm) is a good starting point. Adjust to suit the scale of your drawing.
4. **Apply Even Line Weight:** Use a technical pen or a fine-tipped pencil to create even, consistent lines.
5. **Consider Direction:** Use same direction throughout the drawing. Using opposite diagonals can be confusing and imply a texture difference.

**CAD Software:**

1. **Create a Closed Polyline:** Draw a closed polyline around the area.
2. **Use the Hatch Command:** Activate the hatch command.
3. **Select ‘ANSI31’ Pattern (or Similar):** Choose a diagonal line pattern. ‘ANSI31’ is a common option, but other patterns with diagonal lines can be used.
4. **Adjust Angle and Scale:** Set the angle to 45 degrees and adjust the scale to control the spacing between the lines. Experiment with different scales until you achieve the desired effect.
5. **Pick Internal Point:** Click inside the closed polyline to define the area.
6. **Confirm and Apply:** Press Enter to apply the diagonal line poche.

3. Double Diagonal Lines (Insulation or Wood Framing)

Double diagonal lines, forming a crosshatch pattern, can represent insulation, wood framing, or other materials.

**Hand Drafting:**

1. **Outline the Area:** Draw the outline of the element.
2. **Draw First Set of Diagonal Lines:** Draw parallel lines at a 45-degree angle, maintaining consistent spacing.
3. **Draw Second Set of Diagonal Lines:** Draw another set of parallel lines at a 45-degree angle, perpendicular to the first set. This creates a crosshatch pattern. Ensure consistent spacing between these lines as well.
4. **Maintain Even Line Weight:** Keep the line weight consistent throughout the pattern.
5. **Consider Alignment:** Ensure the intersections of the diagonal lines are neat and consistent.

**CAD Software:**

1. **Create a Closed Polyline:** Draw a closed polyline around the area.
2. **Use the Hatch Command:** Activate the hatch command.
3. **Select ‘ANSI32’ Pattern (or Similar):** Choose a crosshatch pattern. ‘ANSI32’ is a common option.
4. **Adjust Angle and Scale:** The default angle should be appropriate. Adjust the scale to control the density of the crosshatch pattern.
5. **Pick Internal Point:** Click inside the closed polyline.
6. **Confirm and Apply:** Press Enter to apply the double diagonal line poche.

4. Dashed Lines (Hidden Elements or Cavities)

Dashed lines are used to represent elements that are hidden from view or to indicate cavities or voids within a structure.

**Hand Drafting:**

1. **Outline the Area:** Draw the outline of the element.
2. **Draw Dashed Lines:** Draw a series of short, evenly spaced dashes within the outlined area. Ensure the dashes are of consistent length and spacing.
3. **Maintain Consistent Line Weight:** Use a technical pen or a fine-tipped pencil to create consistent dashes.
4. **Avoid Overlapping:** Make sure the dashes do not overlap or become too dense.

**CAD Software:**

1. **Create a Closed Polyline:** Draw a closed polyline around the area.
2. **Use the Hatch Command:** Activate the hatch command.
3. **Select ‘Dash’ or ‘Hidden’ Pattern (or Similar):** Choose a dashed line pattern. The specific name may vary depending on the software.
4. **Adjust Scale:** Adjust the scale to control the length and spacing of the dashes.
5. **Pick Internal Point:** Click inside the closed polyline.
6. **Confirm and Apply:** Press Enter to apply the dashed line poche.

5. Stippled Poche (Earth or Gravel)

Stippled poche, consisting of small dots or speckles, is often used to represent earth, gravel, or other granular materials.

**Hand Drafting:**

1. **Outline the Area:** Draw the outline of the element.
2. **Apply Dots:** Use a technical pen or a fine-tipped pencil to create a random scattering of dots within the outlined area. Vary the density of the dots to create a more natural effect.
3. **Avoid Uniformity:** The key to a good stippled poche is to avoid a uniform, grid-like pattern. Vary the spacing and size of the dots slightly.
4. **Build Up Density Gradually:** Start with a light scattering of dots and gradually build up the density until you achieve the desired effect.

**CAD Software:**

1. **Create a Closed Polyline:** Draw a closed polyline around the area.
2. **Use the Hatch Command:** Activate the hatch command.
3. **Select ‘AR-SAND’ or ‘GRASS’ Pattern (or Similar):** Choose a stippled or granular pattern. The specific name may vary depending on the software.
4. **Adjust Scale:** Adjust the scale to control the density of the stipples.
5. **Pick Internal Point:** Click inside the closed polyline.
6. **Confirm and Apply:** Press Enter to apply the stippled poche.

6. Wood Grain (Wood)

Wood grain patterns represent the appearance of cut wood, often used in sections of wooden beams, columns, or walls.

**Hand Drafting:**

1. **Outline the Area:** Draw the outline of the wood element.
2. **Draw Arcs and Lines:** Using a fine-tipped pen or pencil, draw a series of irregular arcs and lines that follow the general direction of the wood grain. Vary the thickness and spacing of the lines to create a natural look.
3. **Add Knots (Optional):** Add small, circular or oval shapes to represent knots in the wood. Add a few concentric circles inside for detail.
4. **Vary the Pattern:** Avoid making the pattern too uniform or repetitive. A more organic and varied pattern will look more realistic.

**CAD Software:**

1. **Create a Closed Polyline:** Draw a closed polyline representing the wood element.
2. **Import or Create a Wood Grain Hatch Pattern:** CAD software might not have a built-in wood grain pattern that is suitable. You might need to import a custom hatch pattern file (‘.pat’ file) or create your own using the hatch editor if your CAD program has one.
3. **Apply the Hatch Pattern:** Once you have a wood grain hatch pattern, apply it to the closed polyline.
4. **Adjust Scale and Angle:** Adjust the scale and angle of the hatch pattern to match the desired size and orientation of the wood grain.

7. Contoured Lines (Earth Cut)

This pattern is mostly used in site plans or sections to represent the earth that has been cut through. Usually uses curved lines that follow along the direction of the earth cut.

**Hand Drafting:**

1. **Outline the Area:** Draw the outline of the earth element.
2. **Draw curved Lines:** Using a fine-tipped pen or pencil, draw a series of irregular curved lines inside the earth element. Vary the thickness and spacing of the lines to create a more natural look.
3. **Maintain General Direction:** Make sure the curved lines are following the direction of the earth cut.
4. **Vary the Pattern:** Avoid making the pattern too uniform or repetitive. A more organic and varied pattern will look more realistic.

**CAD Software:**

1. **Create a Closed Polyline:** Draw a closed polyline representing the earth element.
2. **Import or Create a Earth Cut Hatch Pattern:** CAD software might not have a built-in earth cut pattern that is suitable. You might need to import a custom hatch pattern file (‘.pat’ file) or create your own using the hatch editor if your CAD program has one.
3. **Apply the Hatch Pattern:** Once you have a earth cut hatch pattern, apply it to the closed polyline.
4. **Adjust Scale and Angle:** Adjust the scale and angle of the hatch pattern to match the desired size and orientation of the earth cut.

Tips for Effective Poche

* **Consistency is Key:** Use the same poche patterns consistently throughout your drawings to represent the same materials. This helps avoid confusion and ensures clarity.
* **Consider Scale:** The density and spacing of your poche patterns should be appropriate for the scale of your drawing. A pattern that looks good at one scale might be too dense or too sparse at another.
* **Use Line Weights to Your Advantage:** Vary the line weights of the poche patterns and outlines to create visual interest and hierarchy. Heavier outlines can help define the boundaries of poched areas.
* **Avoid Overcrowding:** Don’t over-poche your drawings. Too much poche can make them look cluttered and difficult to read. Use poche strategically to highlight important elements and clarify spatial relationships.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** The more you practice drawing different poche patterns, the better you will become at creating accurate and effective drawings.
* **Reference Real-World Examples:** Look at architectural drawings from professional architects and designers to see how they use poche effectively. Pay attention to the types of patterns they use, the density of the patterns, and the overall effect they create.
* **Consider your audience:** The type of architectural drawing that you are creating will have some impact on the type of patterns to use. A structural drawing might contain different materials from a construction drawing.
* **Software Documentation:** Review the documentation and tutorials for your specific CAD software to learn about advanced hatching techniques and customization options.

Beyond the Basics: Customizing Poche Patterns

Most CAD software allows you to customize existing hatch patterns or create your own from scratch. This can be useful for representing unique materials or creating a distinctive visual style. Here are some possibilities:

* **Modifying Existing Patterns:** Adjust the angle, scale, and line weight of existing patterns to create variations that suit your specific needs.
* **Creating Custom Patterns:** Define your own hatch patterns by specifying the geometry and spacing of the lines or shapes that make up the pattern. This requires some technical knowledge of hatch pattern file syntax.
* **Using Image-Based Hatches:** Some CAD software allows you to use images as hatch patterns. This can be useful for representing complex textures or materials.

Conclusion

Mastering architectural poche is a fundamental skill for architects and designers. By understanding the common poche patterns, practicing the techniques for drawing them, and applying them consistently and effectively, you can create clear, informative, and visually appealing architectural drawings. Remember to consider the scale of your drawing, the materials you are representing, and the overall design intent when choosing and applying poche patterns. Whether you’re drawing by hand or using CAD software, consistent practice will help you develop your skills and create professional-quality drawings that effectively communicate your design ideas.