esquisse
Page approvedn. f. · sketch (the drawing) · concept design (the phase)
Definition
Premier dessin d'un projet, qui fixe l'idée générale : implantation, volumes, organisation des espaces. C'est aussi le nom de la première phase de la mission de maîtrise d'œuvre, avant l'avant-projet sommaire (APS).
The first drawing of a project, setting out the general idea: siting, volumes, organization of spaces. Esquisse is also the name of the first phase of the design team's mission, before the avant-projet sommaire (APS).
Example sentences
Written (email, official document)
FRL'esquisse présente trois partis d'implantation et une première estimation des surfaces, avant tout développement.
ENThe sketch presents three siting options and a first estimate of areas, before any development.
Spoken (standard)
FRJe te fais une esquisse rapide pour la réunion de demain, rien de précis.
ENI'll do you a quick sketch for tomorrow's meeting, nothing precise.
Spoken (informal)
FRSon esquisse tient sur un coin de nappe, mais l'idée est bonne.
ENHis sketch fits on the corner of a tablecloth, but the idea is good.
Nuances and pitfalls
Esquisse (n. f.) or croquis (n. m.)? A croquis is a quick drawing of any kind; the esquisse is the first, more considered state of the project, shown to the owner.
A phase of the mission. In France, the esquisse (ESQ) is the first step of the design team's mission, before the APS and the APD. It is sometimes submitted in a concours (design competition).
Related terms
APSmaître d'ouvrageconcourscalqueValidation
- French term, register, FR sentences : ✓ validated
- US/UK equivalents and EN sentences : ✓ validated
Reviewed by Raphaël B. · 8 Oct 2026
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