The History of Blueprints
The term “blueprint” has its origins in a 19th-century photographic process. In 1842, the British scientist Sir John Herschel developed a method known as cyanotype, which produced a white image on a blue background. This process was adopted for copying architectural and engineering drawings because it was an efficient and accurate way to reproduce detailed plans.
The Cyanotype Process
The cyanotype process involved placing a drawing on a translucent material over a sheet coated with a mixture of potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate. When exposed to light, the areas of the coating not covered by the drawing would turn blue, while the covered areas remained white. The result was a sharp, clear reproduction of the original drawing, known as a “blueprint.”
Transition to Modern Reproduction Techniques
By the mid-20th century, more advanced and efficient reproduction techniques, such as diazo prints and photocopying, began to replace the cyanotype process. These new methods produced black lines on white paper, which were easier to read and more practical for everyday use. Despite the shift to these modern techniques, the term “blueprint” remained ingrained in the industry.
Why the Term “Blueprint” Persists
- Historical Significance: The term “blueprint” is deeply rooted in the history of architecture and engineering. It symbolizes the foundational process of design and the creation of detailed plans.
- Simplicity and Familiarity: The term is simple and universally understood. Professionals and laypeople alike recognize “blueprint” as referring to technical drawings, making communication easier and more efficient.
- Cultural Impact: Blueprints have become a cultural icon, representing planning, precision, and construction. The imagery of blueprints is often used in media, education, and popular culture to symbolize the design and building process.
- Linguistic Economy: “Blueprint” is a concise term that is more convenient to use in conversation and writing compared to alternatives like “technical drawing” or “construction plan.”
Modern Usage of Blueprints
While the actual blue-blueprints are rarely used today, the term continues to be employed to refer to any detailed technical drawing or plan. Modern blueprints are typically produced using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and printed on standard white paper. However, the legacy of the original blueprints lives on through the continued use of the term.
So, My Conclusion Is
The term “blueprint” endures due to its historical roots, simplicity, cultural impact, and convenience. It remains a powerful symbol of the design and construction process, even as modern technology has transformed how we create and reproduce technical drawings. Understanding the history and significance of blueprints helps us appreciate the evolution of architectural and engineering practices and the language we use to describe them.
My Name Is Tim Davis
I’m the one writing and compiling these articles for you. I am a fully trained Home Designer. My training has stretched over the past 48 years since 1976, where I practiced as a fully trained general draftsman. That includes Survey Drafting, Mechanical Drafting, Industrial layout to name a few of the disciplines I’ve mastered. Since 1990, I’ve owned my own drafting service where I’ve completed over 700+ new home, and business architectural drawings. I also trained under a licensed architect for 6 1/2 years.