Chapter 13 Visual Communication: Drawings, Renderings, and Models 455 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. There are three different types of perspectives—all of which use a vanishing point(s). A vanishing point is the point at which all parallel lines merge on the hori- zon line. The designer can place the vanishing point anywhere along the horizon line, thereby controlling the view, Figure 13-27. ■ One-point perspective. A one-point perspective has one vanishing point that typically sits on the horizon line. The designer places a horizon line at the viewer’s eye level, typically 5'-0" off the floor line. When drawing a one-point perspective, lines appear to converge at the center point of vision—the vanishing point. When drawn accurately, the front of a building or entrance to a hallway appears to directly face the viewer. It is quick and simple to achieve. ■ Two-point perspective. At eye level, there are two vanishing points sitting anywhere on the horizon line in a two-point perspective drawing. The right one is the right vanishing point and the left is the left vanishing point. In an illustration, these vanishing points represent each wall and the designer can place them arbitrarily along the horizon. When you look straight on at the corner of a house, the wall on your right disappears into the distance and the wall on your left disappears into the distance. This is an example of two vanishing points. This is the most common type of perspective an interior designer uses. ■ Three-point perspective. In addition to the two vanishing points—one for each wall, the three- point perspective has a third vanishing point that shows how those walls recede into the ground. This third vanishing point is below the ground or high in space. Designers typically use this perspective when showing the view of buildings or interior spaces from high above. Drawing Perspectives When a client or team member requires clearer commu- nication, the interior designer creates a perspective drawing. The objects or spaces that the client does not already understand determine the type of perspective drawing you create. If manually drawn, the designer can create the perspec- tive by beginning with a floor plan and determining the perspective view he or she wants to illustrate. Beginning with a square, the designer adds a horizon line and then a vanishing point. He or she then draws perspective lines through the vanishing point, creating a grid on the walls. One-point Perspective Two-point Perspective Three-point Perspective Sherilyn (Lixue) Yin, International transfer design student, CSU, ECNU/ Shidong Yin , Senior Photographer Figure 13-27 Perspective drawings show three-dimensional volumes and relationships of space in a two-dimensional realm. Why do you think designers use perspective drawings more often than paraline drawings?