2.1 Flashcards
What is site evaluation in the context of building projects?
A pre-design service for evaluating existing or potential sites in relation to the building program, budget, construction schedule
When is site analysis of a single site typically performed?
Site analysis of a single site is usually performed in the pre-design phase and may be undertaken as part of the schematic design phase if the fee is adjusted accordingly.
What does site analysis typically include?
Evaluation of existing or potential sites in relation to budget, phasing, scheduling, and test fits to indicate how a site may accommodate a program.
Site analysis considered a basic architectural service, true or false?
False
What should be adjusted if site analysis is undertaken during the schematic design phase?
Scope & fees
What information is included in a property’s legal description?
A boundary survey, easements, rights-of-way, and other legal limitations.
What aspects of the immediate surroundings should be evaluated during site analysis?
Neighbouring structures, shading and solar access, road & transportation access, noise, views, and vistas.
What geotechnical information is relevant for site analysis?
Soil conditions and other subsurface characteristics
What topographical features are important in site analysis?
Site contours, drainage, water courses, visual characteristics, physical features, vegetation, water bodies, and rock outcrops.
One can refer to ———— for information on determining appropriate fees for site analysis services
RAIC’s A Guide to Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect
What factors might be included in the categories of analysis for comparative site studies?
Property size, cost, land use, location, access, utilities, and capacity for growth.
What are comparative site studies?
Parallel analysis of several sites using consistent measures such as constraints, adaptability, and development impacts to rank their suitability
Information to collect for robust site analysis include ..
Physical characteristics, applicable regulations, and highest and best uses
What is meant by the “highest and best use” of land?
The most productive way the land should be (re)developed, considering technical or legal restrictions and current market conditions.
What is the main focus of master planning?
Defining long-term development strategies & layouts for specific sites, including building locations, infrastructure, and circulation.
How does urban design differ from master planning?
Urban design encompasses broader scales, from city layouts to streetscapes
What do Building Condition Assessments (BCA) and Facility Condition Assessments (FCA) help facility managers understand?
They help understand the current deficiencies, deferred maintenance, remaining life cycle, and projected capital requirements of their buildings.
How often are BCAs and FCAs usually performed?
Every 3-5 years
What is the Facility Condition Index (FCI)?
It is the ratio of total maintenance, repair, and replacement costs required for a building to its current replacement value, indicating the building’s condition.
What should be included in the analysis of a BCA or FCA?
Itemization of all building systems and components, estimates of remaining life and replacement costs, prioritization, opportunities for bundling work, investment scenarios, and budgeting strategies.
Which environmental factors should be considered early in the design process of a building? (Select all that apply)
a) Microclimate
b) Color of the building
c) Topography
d) Natural habitat
a, c, d
How does responsive and sustainable design enhance human comfort and conserve resources?
By respecting the indigenous qualities of a place, adapting the building’s form + layout to the landscape, considering the sun path, prevalent wind, the flow of water on a site
What do zoning ordinances regulate?
Existing land-use patterns
Prescribe acceptable uses & activities Limit size and shape of bldg mass
Limit bldg location on the site.
Define ‘microclimate’ in the context of building design.
Refers to the climate of a small, specific place within a site, which can influence design decisions to enhance human comfort and conserve energy and material resources.
Which of the following is NOT a contextual force that should be considered in planning the design and construction of buildings?
a) The site’s microclimate
b) The site’s natural habitat
c) The personal preferences of the architect
d) The site’s topography
c) The personal preferences of the architect
What is the definition of sustainable development according to the 1987 UN report “Our Common Future”?
“A form of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Why has sustainability become a significant issue in the building design industry? (Select all that apply)
a) Increasing awareness of climate change
b) Improved technology
c) Resource depletion
d) Economic benefits
a) Increasing awareness of climate change
Which principle emphasizes the reuse of resources in sustainable development?
a) Reduce resource consumption
b) Recycle resources for reuse
c) Protect nature
d) Eliminate toxics
b) Recycle resources for reuse
List three stakeholders whose full participation is required for a holistic approach to sustainability in building design.
Planners, architects, developers, (building owners, contractors, manufacturers, governmental and non-governmental agencies)
Which of the following is NOT a principle of sustainable development mentioned in the text?
a) Reduce resource consumption
b) Apply life-cycle costing
c) Maximize short-term gains
d) Focus on quality
c) Maximize short-term gains
Define the principle of ‘Apply life-cycle costing’ in sustainable development.
Involves evaluating total cost of building decisions over the entire life span of a building, including initial construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual renovation or demolition.
True or False: Sustainability in building design only concerns the construction phase of a building.
False
What is the difference between “green building” and “sustainable design”?
While both terms describe environmentally sensitive buildings, sustainability calls for a whole-systems approach that encompasses green building and also addresses broader social, ethical, and economic issues, as well as the community context of buildings.
True or False: The terms “green building” and “sustainable design” are completely synonymous.
False
——— ——— is an essential component of sustainability that focuses on providing healthy environments in a resource-efficient manner using ecologically based principles.
Green building
Which of the following best describes the LEED Green Building Rating System?
a) A voluntary guideline for reducing building costs
b) A set of measurable criteria promoting environmentally sustainable construction
c) A mandatory government regulation for all buildings
d) A system for designing aesthetically pleasing buildings
b) A set of measurable criteria promoting environmentally sustainable construction
Who developed the LEED Green Building Rating System?
USGBC
(U.S. Green Building Council)
What does LEED stand for?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
In what year did Canada obtain a license to adapt the LEED rating system to Canadian circumstances?
July 2003
Which of the following are members involved in the consensus process for the LEED rating system?
a) Federal/state/local agencies
b) Suppliers
c) Architects
d) Real estate agents
a) Federal/state/local agencies
Define “green building”
Green building seeks to provide healthy environments in a resource-efficient manner using ecologically based principles.
What broader issues does sustainability address in addition to the concept of green building?
Broader social, ethical, and economic issues, as well as the community context of buildings.
Multiple Choice: What does a whole-systems approach to development include besides green building?
a) Only the environmental impact
b) Broader social, ethical, and economic issues
c) Reducing construction costs
d) Maximizing building height
b) Broader social, ethical, and economic issues
What does the “Sustainable Sites” category in the LEED rating system address?
-Reducing pollution associated with construction
-Selecting appropriate development sites
-Protecting and restoring habitats
-Encouraging alternative transportation
-Respecting natural water hydrology
-Reducing heat island effects
——- ——- is a LEED category that focuses on reducing the demand for potable water and the generation of wastewater.
Water Efficiency
—————- is a LEED category that seeks to maximize the use of locally available, renewable, and recycled materials.
Materials and Resources
Which LEED rating system category aims to enhance the comfort, productivity, and well-being of occupants by improving indoor air quality, maximizing daylighting, enabling user control of lighting and thermal systems, and minimizing exposure to hazardous pollutants?
“Indoor Environmental Quality”
——————— is a LEED category that rewards exceeding the requirements of the LEED Green Building Rating System.
Innovation in Design
What does the “Regional Priority” category in the LEED rating system provide?
Incentives for practices that address geographically-specific environmental priorities.
A term that relates to the LEED “Sustainable Sites” category and refers to the increase in temperature in urban areas compared to their rural surroundings, primarily due to human activities. The “Sustainable Sites” category aims to reduce this effect.
“heat island effect”
Which LEED category promotes the use of water-conserving fixtures and on-site wastewater treatment systems?
Water Efficiency
Which of the following is a focus of the “Energy and Atmosphere” category?
a) Reducing the use of recycled materials
b) Increasing the efficiency of energy use
c) Maximizing the use of virgin materials
d) Improving indoor air quality
b) Increasing the efficiency of energy use
——- are chemical pollutants found in adhesives, coatings, and other materials that can be harmful to health. The “Indoor Environmental Quality” category aims to minimize occupants’ exposure to these substances.
VOCs
(volatile organic compounds)
What are the primary greenhouse gases mentioned that contribute to global warming?
Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide.
Which greenhouse gas accounts for the largest share of U.S. emissions?
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
True or False: The main source of CO2 emissions is industrial processes.
False.
The main source is fossil fuel combustion.
Who is the founder of Architecture 2030, and what is its mission?
Edward Mazria; its mission is to provide information and innovative solutions in architecture and planning to address global climate change.
According to Architecture 2030, what percentage of U.S. energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is attributed to buildings annually?
Almost half
Which process accounts for most of the building sector’s energy consumption?
a) Production of materials
b) Construction process
c) Operational processes (heating, cooling, lighting)
d) Demolition
c) Operational processes (heating, cooling, lighting)
What does the 2030 Challenge call for in terms of new building design?
It calls for all new buildings and developments to use half the fossil fuel energy they would typically consume.
Describe the passive approach to reducing a building’s consumption of GHG-emitting fossil fuels.
Designing, siting, and orienting a building to work with the climate, using passive cooling and heating techniques to reduce energy requirements.
What is the active approach to reducing a building’s consumption of GHG-emitting fossil fuels?
The active approach involves increasing the building’s ability to capture or generate its own energy from renewable sources like solar, wind, geothermal, low-impact hydro, biomass, and bio-gas.
True or False: Minimizing energy use is unnecessary if the energy comes from renewable resources.
False
Architecture 2030 advocate for a ——- reduction in fossil fuel energy consumption by 2025.
90%
What are some renewable energy sources that buildings can use according to the active approach?
Solar - wind - geothermal - low impact hydro - biomass - bio-gas
Which of the following is not an element of the passive approach to energy reduction in buildings?
a) Designing with the climate
b) Installing solar panels
c) Using passive heating techniques
d) Siting and orienting buildings properly
b) Installing solar panels
————- is the process of studying contextual forces to determine how to situate a building, layout and orient its spaces, shape its enclosure, and establish its relationship to the landscape.
Site analysis
What is the first step in any site survey?
Gathering physical site data
What is the purpose of mapping existing drainage patterns in site analysis?
To understand stormwater design and manage potential issues related to water runoff
————- is a LEED credit associated with identifying and preserving existing water features like wetlands and streams.
Protect or Restore Habitat
During site analysis, this aspect is considered to evaluate the impact of landforms and adjacent structures
Solar access
Why is it important to identify areas subject to excessive runoff, flooding, or erosion during site analysis?
To mitigate potential environmental hazards and design effective drainage and water management systems.
What should be done with existing trees and native plants identified during site analysis?
They should be preserved to maintain the natural habitat and integrate with the new development.
True or False: Site analysis does not need to consider the compatibility of adjacent land uses.
False
Which of the following should be evaluated to ensure compatibility with proposed land uses during site analysis?
a) Soil composition
b) Adjacent land uses
c) Color schemes
d) Interior furniture
b) Adjacent land uses
What types of soils are included in coarse-grained soils?
Gravel and sand
———— is a unified classification system that divides gravels, sands, silts, and clays into soil types based on physical composition and characteristics
ASTM
(The American Society for Testing & Materials)
Which of the following best describes a soil profile?
a) A horizontal section of soil
b) A diagram of a vertical section of soil from the ground surface to the underlying material
c) A list of soil types found in a region
d) A collection of soil samples
b) A diagram of a vertical section of soil from the ground surface to the underlying material
What factors are critical in determining the suitability of a soil as a foundation material?
1) stratification, composition, & density of the soil bed
2) variations in particle size
3) the presence or absence of groundwater
Who should undertake a subsurface investigation when designing anything other than a single-family dwelling?
A geotechnical engineer
What does a subsurface investigation (CSI MasterFormat™ 02 32 00) involve?
The analysis and testing of soil disclosed by excavation of a test pit up to 10’ (3 m) deep or by deeper test borings to understand the structure, shear resistance, compressive strength, water content, permeability, and expected consolidation under loading.
Understanding ———-in a subsurface investigation helps determine how well the soil can support the loads imposed by the building foundation.
A soil’s shear resistance and compressive strength
It is important to identify the presence of groundwater in a soil investigation because ———
It can affect the soil’s stability and load-bearing capacity
What depth is typically involved in excavating a test pit for a subsurface investigation?
Up to 10 feet (3 meters) deep
What is the allowable bearing capacity of a soil?
It is the maximum unit pressure a foundation is permitted to impose vertically or laterally on the soil mass.
True or False: Building codes always require geotechnical investigation and testing for determining soil bearing capacity.
False.
In the absence of geotechnical investigation and testing, building codes may permit the use of conservative load-bearing values for various soil classifications.
——- is a critical factor determines the bearing capacity of granular soils
Density
Why are coarse-grained soils more stable as foundation materials than silt or clay?
Because they have a relatively low percentage of void spaces.
Why are clay soils considered unstable for foundation purposes?
Because they shrink and swell considerably with changes in moisture content.
The ———— of a soil measures its ability to resist displacement when an external force is applied.
shearing strength
The level beneath which the soil is saturated with groundwater.
The water table
True or False: Fine-grained soil is more permeable and better at draining
False
Which soil type is less susceptible to frost action?
a) Silt
b) Clay
c) Gravel
d) Peat
c) Gravel
A term that refers to the configuration of surface features of a plot of land, which influences where and how to build and develop a site.
Topography
A term referring to the configuration of surface features of a plot of land, which influences where and how to build and develop a site.
Topography
———- are imaginary lines joining points of equal elevation above a datum or bench mark.
Contour lines
True or False: Contour lines can cross one another on a topographic map.
False.
Contour lines are always continuous and never cross one another
What do equally spaced contour lines denote?
A constant slope
What do closely spaced contour lines disclose?
A relatively steep rise in elevation.
What do contour lines represent when they point toward lower elevations?
A ridge
What do contour lines represent when they point toward higher elevations?
A valley
True or False: Ground slopes over 25% are difficult to build on.
True
Ground slopes —— to —— are suitable for informal outdoor activities and relatively easy to build on.
5% to 10%
What percentage of ground slope is usable for most outdoor activities and relatively easy to build on?
Up to 5%
How do grass and other ground covers affect ground temperatures?
They lower ground temperatures by absorbing solar radiation and encouraging cooling by evaporation.
What is the effect of hard surfaces on ground temperatures?
They tend to elevate ground temperatures.
These natural element of a site acts as heat reservoirs and moderate variations in local temperature.
Large bodies of water
What factors should be considered in the selection and use of plant materials in landscaping?
-Tree structure , shape, seasonal density, texture, color of foliage
-Speed / rate of growth, mature height & spread of foliage
-Soil requirements, water, sunlight & temperature needs
-Depth & extent of the root structure.
How can the root systems of trees planted too close to a building affect its foundation system?
May disturb the foundation system, potentially causing structural issues.
Providing —— reduces solar radiation, moderates temperature, and protects outdoor spaces from glare.
Shade
How can the root systems of trees planted too close to a building affect its foundation system?
May disturb the foundation system, potentially causing structural issues
——— can form effective windbreaks, reducing heat loss from a building during winter and reducing wind-blown dust.
Evergreen trees
Name 3 ways in which trees affect the immediate environment of a building
1-Providing Shade
2-Serving as windbreak
3-Defining spaces
4-Directing or Screening views
5-Attenuating noise
6-Improving air quality
7-Stabilizing soil
——- is the angular elevation of the sun above the horizon,
while ——-is the angle of horizontal deviation measured clockwise from a standard south direction.
Altitude , azimuth
What are the recommendations for forms & orientations for buildings in cool regions?
-Minimizing the surface area to reduce exposure to low temperatures
-Maximizing absorption of solar radiation, reduce radiant, conductive, and evaporative heat loss, and provide wind protection.
What are the recommendations for forms & orientations for buildings in temperate regions?
-Elongating the form of a building along the east-west axis to maximize south-facing walls.
-Minimize east and west exposures
-Balance solar heat gain with shade protection on a seasonal basis
What are the recommended forms and orientations for buildings in hot-arid regions?
-Enclosed courtyard spaces to reduce solar & conductive heat gain
-Promote cooling by evaporation using water features and plantings
-Provide solar shading for windows & outdoor spaces
What are the recommended forms and orientations for buildings in hot-humid regions?
-Elongating the building form along the east-west axis to minimize east & west exposures.
-Reduce solar heat gain
-Utilize wind to promote cooling by evaporation
-Provide solar shading for windows & outdoor spaces.
These two essential elements in every passive solar system.
-South-facing glazed surfaces for solar collection
-A thermal mass for heat collection, storage, and distribution oriented to receive maximum solar exposure.
The area of glazing should be —- to —-of the floor area in cold climates
30% to 50%
The area of glazing should be —- to —-of the floor area in temperate climates
15% to 25%
Glazing material should be resistant to degradation caused by ———-, and ——- and insulation are required to minimize nighttime heat loss.
the sun’s ultraviolet rays,
double-glazing
What materials are commonly used for thermal mass in passive solar systems?
concrete, brick, stone, tile, rammed earth, sand, water
What are the three ways in which passive solar heating can be accomplished?
direct gain
indirect gain
isolated gain
A system to collect heat directly within an interior space.
The surface area of the storage mass, incorporated into the space, 50% to 66% of the total surface area of the space. During the cooling season, operable windows and walls are used for natural or induced ventilation.
Direct Gain systems
What are the components of an Indirect Gain passive solar heating system?
Indirect Gain systems control heat gain at the exterior skin of a building. Solar radiation first strikes the thermal mass, located between the sun and the living space, and then moves through the wall by conduction to the space by radiation and convection.
A form of indirect gain where a liquid mass serves to absorb and store solar energy.
Roof Pond
An ———— is moved over the roof pond at night, allowing the stored heat to radiate downward into the space. In summer, the process is reversed to allow internal heat absorbed during the day to radiate to the sky at night.
insulating panel
True or false: Exterior shading devices are more efficient than interior ones.
True
because they intercept solar rays before they reach the exterior wall or window, reducing glare and excessive solar heat gain more effectively
———- ———- parallel to a wall permit air circulation near the wall and reduce conductive heat gain.
Horizontal louvers
Horizontal overhangs are most effective when they have ——- orientations.
Vertical louvers are most effective for ——— exposures.
southern,
eastern or western
Solar blinds and screens can provide up to a ——- reduction in solar radiation, depending on their reflectivity.
50%
Why should the amount of annual and seasonal precipitation influence the design and construction of a building’s roof structure?
Because it affects the drainage system, choice of building materials, and detailing of exterior wall assemblies to handle rain and melting snow.
What are the drainage requirements for flat roofs?
Either interior roof drains or scuppers along their perimeter for drainage, with secondary emergency overflow drains or scuppers in case the primary drains are blocked.
Where do gutters and downspouts direct storm water?
A storm sewer or a natural outfall on-site
What are the two basic types of site drainage?
Subsurface drainage and surface drainage.
It consists of an underground network of piping for conveying groundwater to a point of disposal, such as a storm sewer system or natural outfall.
subsurface drainage
It involves grading and surfacing of a site to divert rain and other surface water into natural drainage patterns or a municipal storm sewer system.
surface drainage
What are the recommended slopes for grass lawns and fields for effective surface drainage?
1.5% to 10%
What are the recommended slopes for paved parking areas for effective surface drainage?
2% to 3%
Shallow depressions formed by the intersection of two ground slopes, designed to direct or divert the runoff of surface water.
Swales
What are the recommended slopes for grass and paved swales?
Grass swales: 1.5% to 2%
Paved swales: 4% to 6%
———- ——- collect surface water from a basement floor or paved area
Area drains
A drainage pit lined with gravel or rubble to receive surface water and allow it to percolate away to absorbent earth underground.
A dry well
Receptacles for the runoff of surface water, with a basin or sump that retains heavy sediment before it can pass into an underground drainpipe.
Catch basins
drains or channels passing under a road or walkway.
Culverts
What should be the minimum slope for finish grades to ensure proper drainage away from a building?
5% minimum;
2% minimum for impervious surfaces.
What LEED credits relate to stormwater design and innovative wastewater technologies?
- LEED SS Credits 6.1 and 6.2 relate to stormwater design
- LEED WE Credit 2 relates to innovative wastewater technologies.
These 2 considerations are important for evaluating potential ventilation in warm weather, heat loss in cold weather, and the imposition of lateral loads on a building structure.
Direction and velocity of prevailing winds
What generates the movement of air through a building?
Differences in air pressure as well as temperature generate air movement.
What affects patterns of air flow more: air speed or building geometry and orientation?
Building geometry and orientation affect patterns of air flow more than air speed.
What affects patterns of air flow more: air speed or building geometry and orientation?
Building geometry and orientation affect patterns of air flow more than air speed.
How must the structure, components, and cladding of a building be designed to resist wind forces?
They must be anchored to resist wind-induced overturning, uplift, and sliding.
List 3 common sources of undesirable exterior noise
Vehicular traffic, aircraft, and other machinery.
What are some examples of exceptions to normal setback requirements in zoning ordinances?
Exceptions may be made for projections of architectural features like roof overhangs, cornices, bay windows, and balconies, as well as for accessory structures like low-level decks, fences, and detached carports or garages.
What special considerations might be made for sloping sites in zoning ordinances?
Exceptions might include allowing sloping roofs, chimneys, and other roof projections to extend beyond normal height limits, or reducing setback requirements for sloping sites or sites adjacent to public open spaces.
What requirements might zoning ordinances include to enhance the streetscape and pedestrian environment?
Providing open spaces accessible to the public
Additional setbacks for structures rising above a certain height
Modulation of building facades fronting public spaces
Provisions for vehicular access and off-street parking.
Why might additional setbacks be required for structures that rise above a certain height?
to provide adequate light, air, and space, and to enhance the streetscape and pedestrian environment.
What are some regulatory instruments other than zoning ordinances that affect building siting and construction?
The building codes, which determine the fire-resistance rating of a building’s structure, its allowable height and floor area, and its separation from neighboring structures based on occupancy type.
What factors influence the location and orientation of a building on its site?
Access and circulation for pedestrians, automobiles, and service vehicles influence the location and orientation of a building on its site.
Why is it important to provide safe and convenient pedestrian access to building entrances from parking areas or public transit stops?
To ensure minimal crossing of roadways, enhancing safety and convenience for pedestrians.
What should be determined to meet the zoning ordinance requirements for parking spaces?
The number of parking spaces required by the zoning ordinance based on the type of occupancy and the total number of units or floor area of the building.
What considerations should be made for accessible parking spaces?
The number of accessible parking spaces, as well as curb cuts, ramps, and paths to accessible building entrances required by local, state, or federal law.
Why should service and truck loading areas be separated from pedestrian and automobile traffic?
To ensure safety and efficiency, preventing conflicts between service vehicles and pedestrian or automobile traffic.
A document that illustrates the existing natural and built features of a site and describes proposed construction in relation to these existing features.
site plan
