Finding Architectural Plans and Drawings
Plans and drawings are essential references for architectural research. You can usually find them in periodicals (e.g., magazines and journals) and books.
Continue reading to learn more about where to look, as well as tips for finding and accessing materials.
Databases
Databases contain citations, and sometimes electronic access to full-text articles. Citations can direct you to the articles within the print periodicals at the library.
- Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals This link opens in a new windowA comprehensive guide to the current literature of architecture and design, covering 2,500+ international journals and periodical literature.
- Building Types Online This link opens in a new window"The database Building Types Online is a resource for the study and practice of architectural design... All content was written and selected by internationally renowned authors in architectural design."
- DETAIL Inspiration This link opens in a new windowWith 3,400+ projects from 30+ years of issues, The image and reference database uses visual inspirations to support architects in their search for construction solutions.
- El Croquis Digital Library This link opens in a new windowThe El Croquis Digital Library provides electronic access to issues of the outstanding international architecture magazine since 2001.
- Great Buildings Collection This link opens in a new windowThe site features over 1,200 architecturally and historically significant buildings from all points of human history and on (nearly) all continents.
- Artstor This link opens in a new windowARTstor is a digital library that features approximately 300 collections composed of over 2 million images (and growing) that allows scholars to examine wide-ranging materials from institutions around the world.
**The Artstor website will be retired on August 1, 2024. Artstor's high-quality collections and key functionality are now on JSTOR.
Álvaro Siza's "Art Pavilion" (left) and "Fundación Nadir Afonso" (right) from El Croquis 215/216.
From the Collection: Print Journals
Architecture magazines are great sources for finding plans. But, a lot of them are only available in print formats with no electronic or digital counterpart.
Databases like Avery (mentioned above) can help you locate citations for articles, including any plans they feature. Using these citations, you can find the articles in full within print periodicals at the library.
If you find the citation for an article you would like, try using our Scan a PDF service. Our library staff can send you a scan of the print version as a PDF. You may want to specify if you are looking for the plans or drawings contained in the articles. The scanners at the library are also free to use.
Architecture Print Journals with Plans
From the Collection: Print Books
You can find architectural drawings in books about a specific architect or building. Consult the index of a book to locate these more easily.
There are also books that compile different projects related to a certain topic or theme. Check to see if the architect or building you are researching is listed in the index or table of contents.
Here are some books from our print collection that focus on architectural plans:
