Which term describes a drawing that shows the building's exterior faces and their heights?

• A. Elevations
• B. Plans
• C. Sections
• D. Details

Answer: (A)

Elevations show the building's exterior faces as seen from the outside, including the height of each façade and the placement of doors, windows, and architectural features on each wall. This directly matches the description in the question, making it the best term. Plans depict the overhead layout of rooms and spaces from above, not the exterior elevations. Sections provide a vertical slice through the building to reveal interior heights and relationships along a cut, not the exterior facade. Details are close-up drawings of specific construction elements. In plan review for fire and life safety, elevations help verify exterior dimensions, parapets, exterior openings, and how they relate to access and egress.