The article proposes a solution to the problem of defining and classifying architectural drawing in the context of defining architecture as the art of shaping space. The function of architectural drawing understood in this way focuses on the systematic and methodical depiction of spatial phenomena relating to existing or planned reality. Regardless of its formal structure, it should serve as a description of the architecture, its analysis or interpretation, or should prepare for its creation. The author therefore classifies as architectural drawing all graphic studies and experiments – ranging from exploratory analyses and realistic interpretations to transformations leading to abstract graphic and painterly analyses. The criteria used to distinguish architectural drawings from other graphic activities are the criteria of purposefulness, the creation of order, planned action and thematic criteria. The author provides examples of drawings that cover various fields of drawing art that meet all the criteria at the same time. These include exploratory and interpretative drawings of existing architecture produced on site, architectural interpretations and fantasies, sketches of design ideas and design process sketches, design drawings, architectural visualisations, and standalone presentations, sometimes produced in parallel with design work, commenting on the design process or highlighting specific design issues and ideas.