A(n) _______ is a representation of what a building looks like from the outside.

An elevation is a specific type of drawing that provides a two-dimensional representation of a building's façade, showcasing its exterior features and design elements. This drawing illustrates how the building will appear from a particular viewpoint, typically from the front, back, or sides. Elevations detail aspects such as windows, doors, materials, and architectural styles, allowing viewers to understand the aesthetics and scale of the structure from an external perspective.

In architectural design, elevations are crucial for both the visualization of the project and for obtaining necessary permissions from regulatory bodies. They play a significant role in conveying the design intent to clients and stakeholders, as they capture the vertical planes of the structure without the complexity of perspective or three-dimensional views.

The other options, while important in architecture, serve different purposes. Plans refer to the layout of a building as viewed from above, showing the arrangement of spaces and walls. Sections provide a cut-through view of the building, illustrating the relationship between different levels and structural elements, which does not focus on the exterior view. Interior views would depict the inside of a building rather than its outward appearance. Therefore, when referring specifically to the exterior look of a building, elevation is the most accurate term.