Which elevation faces west?

The correct answer signifies that the west elevation is the side of the building that directly faces west. In architectural terminology, elevations refer to the different views or perspectives of a building from each of its cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west.

When describing elevations in relation to cardinal directions, the west elevation will have windows, doors, or other architectural features that are oriented towards the west side of the structure. This means that if you were standing facing the building from the west, you would be looking at the west elevation directly. Understanding this concept is crucial for site planning, natural light considerations, and energy efficiency in design, as the way a building faces can significantly influence factors such as solar gain and wind exposure.

In this context, recognizing which side of a building corresponds to each cardinal direction lays the foundation for effective architectural communication and understanding site orientation, hence making the identification of the west elevation straightforward and clear.