4 - PPD Flashcards
name 3 site considerations in regards to architectural design
- design requires an appropriate relationship btw. the structure and its site
- should respond to natural characteristics of the site (form, climate, solar orientation, vegatation)
- place in landscape to be seen, views of surrounding landscape visible from building
describe 5 concerns regarding site functionality that an architect should address
- serve purpose it is intended to serve, function properly
- express purpose it serves
- use an economy of means to achieve its purpose
- utilize technologies ingeniously
- utilize materials properly
during programming, what aspects of spatial design should be taken into consideration?
- human scale at interior and exterior
- utilize familiar and commonplace building techniques of its locale
- graceful in shape/massing
- expression/assertive
- priority/hierarchy of parts
- offer human eye visually rich/interesting views
- establish relationship between interior & exterior
architects are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the moral code established in the architect’s practice act. name at least 3 moral values essential to well thought-out design.
- integrity, honesty, wholeness in design
- expressive of human spirit
- demonstrate basic principles of architecture
- encompassing physical design concept
- encourage human contact
- activity, interaction, accomplishment
- do not prescribe or limit range of human activity
describe how a site can influence the form of a building
site: relationship w/ its buildings, blend into landscape, forms inspired by site
landscape: draw inspiration from surrounding trees & vegetation
climate: will affect overall form, window locations, thickness of walls, how to shed rain/snow
describe how ground slope can affect the design of your project site
- flat sites require less grading/excavation
- slope determines amount of rainwater that can be absorbed by soil, areas for driveways/parking, access to natural light & views
name at least 3 site features that may need to be preserved on a site
- landforms
- vegetation
- circulation systems
- water features
- furnishings & fixtures
- decorative elements
- subsurface archaeology
what are 5 methods for preserving features on the site?
- stabilizing, protecting, & preserving existing features
- minimize disturbance of terrain
- surveying/conducting field investigations
- evaluating condition of existing features
- repairing and/or replacing site features
describe the neighborhood concept
- the largest use of land is for residential needs
- designing a well-balanced and useful neighborhood benefits the community as a whole
- live, work, education, and recreation should all be located within close proximity to one another
according to clarence perry, what 6 elements must exist for a neighborhood to function properly?
- no major traffic routes pass through the neighborhood
- interior streets use a cul-de-sac and curvilinear layout
- population of neighborhood determined by number of people req’d to support one elementary school
- elementary school becomes focal point of neighborhood
- neigborhood occupies approximately 160 acres at a density of 10 families per acre
- neighborhood is served by shopping centers, churches, etc. and does not req. more than 1/2 mi. to walk to school
how does the neighborhood unit differ from the neighborhood theory?
3 neighborhoods group together to serve one high school
max. walking distance is 1 mile
many neighborhoods can be grouped together to form larger communities
describe 3 land patterns that have developed due to urban growth
- concentric: series of rings around central business district
- sector: land usage arranged in pie wedges radiating from city center
- multiple nuclei: city composed of several distinct central points
what 3 main forms are most modern cities based on?
- finger plan = development along each side of a public transit corridor
- cluster plan = development contains clusters of activity, major roads connect each cluster
- satellite plan = variant of cluster plan but has a dominant center, often the original city
what are 4 site conditions that can affect the microclimate of a site?
- site latitude
- site elevation
- prevailing winds
- proximity to water
- proximity to mountains
- topography
what site elements can be studied to determine the effect of the microclimate on the site?
- location of plants & bodies of water
- amount & location of sun exposure
- prevailing wind patterns
- ground surface coverage
why is solar orientation important when laying out site design?
the more perpendicular the sun’s rays are to the site, the greater amount of solar radiation received
what factors of sun radiation should be taken into consideration when designing a site?
- time of day
- azimuth
- duration of sun exposure
- slope of site
what climatic considerations should be evaluated during site design?
- temperature
- humidity
- solar radiation
- air movement
- air pollution
how does the level of the water table on the site affect the design of the foundation?
if water table less than 6’ below surface, considered “high” and will limit foundation design
mat slab or pile foundation may be necessary
what is the best way to provide internal comfort in a building during a hot summer day?
- use large overhangs to shade from south/west sun for most of the day
- use thick concrete wall inside to absorb heat
how is a space heated at night during the winter if it contains thick concrete walls and floors and has large windows facing south?
- low winter sun warms south side during the day, stone or concrete floor stores heat, hot air builds up by ceiling
- stored heat in floor and walls released during the night
describe the 5 basic fundamentals of physics that affect internal building comfort?
- hot air rises
- high summer sun
- low winter sun
- thermal mass
- insulation
what is fenestration and how should this element be considered in regards to building design?
openings in building such as windows or doors
- glass is a poor insulator, heat escapes 20x more than insulated wall
- natural daylight reduces needs for artificial lighting (saves electricity and heat gain)
how does proper building siting affect the views for a project?
- create axis to draw eye toward view & enclose outdoor space
- locate service/utility at undesirable views
describe how maintaining a well-organized building design will help the project run more smoothly
- certain activities want to be centrally located (elevators, bathrooms)
- spaces used by majority o the people may be placed up front (lobby, reception)
- specialized purposes may be put further back (conf. rm.)
what considerations should be given for interior building materials?
low or no VOCs will help maintain air quality
paint, carpet, adhesives in cabinetry/woodwork & upholstery
formula for ground slope
g = V(rise) / H(run)
how does R-value differ from U-value
insulating value of windows measured in U-value = 1/R-value
the lower the U-value, the more insulation value it has
describe thermal mass & its importance to building design
the ability of a material to store temperature
- if insulation is how a material is able to hold in temperature, thermal mass is the ability to absorb and store temperature
- take a long time to heat up and cool down, helps keep bldgs at consistent temp
name 2 methods to incorporate passive cooling into a building
- arrange windows to encourage wind flow through spaces, allow ample ventilation
- use a “thermal chimney” (tall, vented space that directs rising heat up and out of a space w/ cool air entering below) - also called the stack effect
what is the difference between recycled and reclaimed materials?
- recycle = use less energy than producing new materials
- reclaim = avoid need for recycle, salvage & reuse
what site issues will be affected by the zoning code?
- building type (residential, commercial, industrial)
- allowable building height
- req. setbacks from property lines, r.o.w., streets, sidewalks
when and why was the zoning code introduced?
- NYC 1916
- growth of cities
- light & air
- property value
identify 4 purposes for the development of the zoning code
- protect local residents from undesirable types of business
- protect access to direct sunlight & fresh air
- protect the amount of open space for local residents
- ensure incompatible types of buildings do not disturb residents
what is non-conforming use and when would this term apply?
“grandfathered in” no longer allowed in current zoning code
describe a conditional use permit
if you wish to build for a purpose not granted in zoning code
how does a variance affect the zoning code applicable to a particular site?
- request to break from some of requirements of zoning because create financial hardship (e.g. height limitation on steep slope site)
what is the main intent and purpose of building codes?
health, safety, and welfare of building occupants
e.g. fire protection & egress requirements
name 5 items the building department will review for during the plan check process
- construction standards of care
- structural & seismic
- hurricane requirements
- accessibility guidelines
- sanitation req’s
- electrical
- fireplace req’s
- energy efficiency & water efficiency
- egress/exiting
- fire protection
what US city has adopted and uses its own building code?
city of chicago
what are 4 standardized national codes used to create the building codes adopted by municipalities?
- uniform building code (UBC)
- building officials code administrators (BOCA)
- international conference of building officials (ICBO)
- southern building code congress international (SBCCI)
IBC first produced in 2000 by ICC, combines 3 model codes published by BOCA, ICBO, SBCCI
how can the concept of non-conforming use either benefit or hinder the design of a site?
building could continue operations even if out of date with current zoning
in zoning terms, what is the purpose of building setbacks?
access to light & air
describe how to calculate the FAR of your site
ratio of allowable floor area in relation to the size of the property
what building spaces are sometimes allowed to fall outside of zoning height restrictions?
- penthouses
- fan rooms
- skylights
describe prescriptive code
specifies specific techniques, materials, and methods allowed for use
simple, but doesnt allow for innovation
what is a performance code and how does it differ from a prescriptive code?
describes functional requirements that meet a certain standard, allowing architect to find ways to meet those standards
promotes innovation, whereas a prescriptive code does not
name the 10 occupancy groups found in most buildings
- assembly
- business
- educational
- factory/industrial
- high hazard
- institutional
- mercantile
- residential
- storage
- utility & miscellaneous
how does construction type constrict the design of a building/site?
- classified according to degree of fire resistance
- determined by the fire zone it is located in and its intended use
- influences height, floor area, materials
how is type of construction classified?
- classified according to the degree of fire resistance
- determined by fire zone it is located in and its intended use
what are the occupancy group classifications for:
- assembly
- educational
- high hazard
- mercantile
- storage
- assembly = A
- educational = B
- high hazard = H
- mercantile = M
- storage = S
what are the occupancy group classifications for:
- business
- factory & industrial
- institutional
- residential
- utility & misc.
- business = B
- factory & industrial = F
- institutional = I
- residential = R
- utility & misc. = U
what are the 5 types of construction?
Type I - FIRE RESISTIVE
concrete or protected steel, typ. in high-rise buildings
Type II - NON-COMBUSTIBLE
reinforced masonry w/ metal framing at roof, typ. in mid-rise office buildings
Type III - COMBUSTIBLE
“ordinary” using brick, block, or light gauge steel framed walls w/ wood framing at roof, typ. in low-rise schools, hotels, offices
Type IV - HEAVY TIMBER
“mill” construction, wood nominally 8” or larger, typ. in warehouse buildings
Type V - WOOD FRAME
used on apartment buildings & single family homes
what are the 5 steps for building code analysis?
- determine occupancy group & load
- identify the fire areas & separation requirements
- identify type of construction
- determine means of egress
- determine system requirements
in regards to life safety, what are high-rise buildings required to have?
- automatic sprinkler system
- smoke detectors and alarms
- communication systems in the areas of refuge
- central control stations for fire department use
- smoke control for exit stair enclosures
- standby power systems
what is the building line or buildable area?
the imaginary line beyond which a structure is not allowed to extend
what causes the greatest damage to buildings during an earthquake?
ground shaking
what is the ADA?
set of prescriptive guidelines developed in 1990 for the construction or alteration of buildings to accommodate the needs of “persons with disabilities”
is the ADA part of the building code?
no because it doesn’t address life safety, it is a civil rights law
who ultimately enforces the ADA?
department of justice
what is universal design?
- wide array of concepts surrounding making buildings accessible for everyone
- covers much more than designing for disabled people
basic philosophy of seismic codes
- building foundation situated on top of an earthquake fault is not expected to withstand the effects of a large earthquake
- all other structures near a fault are expected to resist
- should remain intact reasonably long enough for the occupants to exit quickly and safely
- some components of the structure may fail, but the structure as a whole must not collapse
what are the 4 broad fire safety issues to consider in building design?
- occupancy group & loads
- fire zones
- type of construction
- floor area & height
what are 3 basic performance requirements of a building during a fire?
- permit safe egress
- maintain its structural integrity and limit the spread of fire to allow time to extinguish
- limit damage & avoid collapse
what is the maximum slope allowed for an accessible ramp?
1:12 max. = 8.3%
what are 3 requirements for accessible parking?
- accessible stalls must be located near building entrances & designed to allow unimpeded movement by handicapped persons
- accessible stalls generally require at least a 5’ clear aisle for a standard stall and a 9’ clear aisle for van accessible parking
- quantity of stalls is defined by the building code as a ratio of the overall parking provided
name 4 different types of land owners
- joint tenancy: two or more people, each holds undivided trust (meaning land is not divided into pieces)
- partnership: land is owned by group of people; upon death of one partner, may be dissolved and assets distributed among partners & deceased estate
- corporation: legal entity with rights and liability independent of those of its shareholders; if a shareholder dies, his shares pass onto heirs
- trustee: holds property in the trustees own name for the benefit of another person or group he represents
what are 5 types of land/property ownership and how do they differ?
- fee simple or fee absolute: owner has absolute title or ownership, which they can transfer by sale (e.g. private home)
- condominium: buyer obtains fee simple ownership for a portion of the structure
- coopertaive: differs significantly from condo; owner does not legally own a specific portion of the physical property, owns share in a corporation which in turn owns the land and structures
- leasehold: the lessee has the right to use a piece of the property under certain conditions for a certain time limit
- sale-and-leaseback: one party sells a property to a buyer and the buyer immediately leases the property back to the seller
what is a deed of trust?
transfers legal title to a trustee, who holds it as a security for a loan between a borrower & and lender
if borrower defaults on loan, trustee has power to foreclose on behalf of the beneficiary
what form of loan is most common for land purchases?
mortgage
contract in which a buyer of a property borrows money from a bank to purchase property
define covenant and describe how it could impact site design
- written agreement or promise under seal between two or more parties for the performance of some specific action or restriction
- came into use in large scale residential land development prior to the advent of zoning
- purpose to protect the aesthetics of amenities of the property for the life of the deed
name 4 different types of site easements
joint easement: used when two private owners use a strip of land between them
party wall easement: row housing, common wall shared between two owners
condemnation: for public good, streets, highways, telephone or electric power line
historic facade: est. by municipality to protect valuable facade where redevelopment is happening
describe difference btw. meridians & parallels
meridians = longitudinal running N-S (lines between called range lines)
parallels = latitudinal running E-W (some called base lines, lines between called township lines)
define:
- check
- township
- section
- quarter
check: refers to each 24 mile square created by meridians & parallels
township: each check divided into 4x4 squares, creating 16 townships (each is 6 mi. square)
sections: townships divided into 6x6 squares, creating 36 square sections (each is 1 mi. square)
quarters: sections divided into 4 quarters (each 1/4 sq. mi.)
name 5 typical design considerations for accessible parking
- stalls must have a 5’ access asile between every two spaces
- for van stalls, an 8’ wide access aisle is req. btw. spaces
- parking stalls to be 9’ x 18’ minimum
- number of req. stalls depends on total no. of parking spaces & type of building
- stalls to be located near building entrance w/ minimal need to cross vehicular path of travel.
what site circulation requirements should you consider when addressing accessible design?
- minimum req. for 2 wheelchairs to pass is 60”, so public walks should be min. 5’ wide
- walks should have a max. gradient of 5% (1:20), and max. cross gradient of 2% (1:50)
- ramps should be a minimum of 3’ wide, and not exceed 30’ in length; landings need 5’ length
- all accessible paths of travel which cross into vehicular aisles are required to have detectable warning strips (i.e. truncated domes)
- handrails should be located at each side of ramp if its ride is greater than 6’; a protective curb should be installed on the side where a ramp is above grade
name at least 4 questions that should be asked regarding building materials during a life cycle analysis?
- where did this material come from?
- what are the by-products of its manufacturer?
- how is the material maintained & operated?
- how healthy are the materials?
- what do we do with the materials once we are done with them?
what are 4 material characteristics that should be considered when selecting exterior finishes for a building?
- make sure it is appropriately used
- can withstand the elements
- how often does it require maintenance?
- how well does the material perform for its intended use and longevity?
how should the performance of materials be considered during the design phase?
materials should be tested to assure they will perform as expected and designed
the life span of the material should be evaluated to make sure it will withstand normal wear and tear
if a building extends underground below the level of the ___, there is a need for an active drainage system, including a sump pump
water table
what are 2 things that should be done in a plumbing system design to prevent contamination of the water supply?
provide for secondary drain access at all fixtures to prevent any used or supplied water coming into contact with a supply spigot
faucets need to be above the level where a basin (such as a kitchen sink) would overflow
ADA showers must be equipped with:
- fold down seat
- showerhead attached to a flexible supply hose
- grab bars
- no front curb (wheelchair access)
a valve that operates by placing a barrier or gate in the path of water flow
gate valve
one advantage of a gate valve is that when the valve is open, there is nothing restricting the water flow
a valve that pushes water from one chamber into the next, thus losing some water pressure
globe valve
an electronically controlled valve that can go from open to closed rapidly is called a:
solenoid valve
every vent needs to connect to the stack vent or otherwise be part of a ____ that exhausts at least a foot above the roof surface
vent stack
waste (sewage) is conveyed from the building’s waste system to a public sewer system through a portion of the pipe referred to as the building:
sewer
in systems where waste water may be collected below the level of the sewer (e.g. house w/ washing machine in basement), waste water would need to be pumped back up high enough so that it could be fed by gravity into the building sewer; typically, this requires some sort of a catchment area and pump mechanism… this is known as a:
sump pump
in cases where there is a commercial kitchen (e.g. restaurant), a place to collect grease is required. this is called a:
grease trap
the main vent for a building is called the:
stack vent
what does DWV stand for?
drain, waste, and vent
what is a trap and where is it in a plumbing system?
each fixture is required to have a trap… from there, the waste connects to a sloped drain pipe and that in turn is connected to a vent
depending on the building code, there may be a requirement for an additional trap that would trap gasses from the sewer traveling to the building
what are drains?
pipes that eventually lead to the lowest level of drain pipe which is called the building drain
water suitable for drinking is called:
potable water
a fire sprinkler system that has water in the lines is called?
a wet-pipe system
a fire sprinkler system that has pressurized air in the pipes is called?
a dry-pipe system
necessary if there is a concern about water freezing in the pipes, otherwise a wet-pipe is simpler solution
at an absolute minimum a roof will need a slope of ____ down to drain pipes
1/4” per 10 ft.
in the context of architectural design, the delivery of water and the elimination of waste via water handling systems is part of which type of architectural service?
the architect’s scope of basic services
generally speaking, water will be delivered to where it is needed either from below, via pumping systems, or from above using a combination of gravity and pumping. these two methods may also be called:
upfeed or downfeed systems
why should the plumbing system designer strive to have as few bends and turns in the supply piping as possible?
to avoid having significant friction losses in the supply pipes
in the discipline of HVAC, what are the primary means for delivering heat?
air & water
what does HVAC stand for?
heating, ventilation, & air conditioning
define humidity
a measure of how much water vapor is in the atmosphere
what is conduction?
the transfer of heat between two parts of a stationary system caused by a temperature difference between the parts
what is the unit of measure that corresponds to the insulating value of clothing needed to maintain a person in comfort sitting at rest in a room at 70 degrees (typically a business suit)?
1 CLO
term used to describe the concept of heat transfer by mass motion of a fluid such as air or water when heated molecules are caused to move away from the source of heat, carrying energy with it
convection
the process in which energy is emitted as particles of waves by one body, transmitted through a medium or space and absorbed by another body
radiation
a temperature change that we can feel is called:
sensible heat
when water changes into water vapor we call this process:
evaporation
the reverse of vaporization, the change in physical state from gas to liquid is called:
condensation
which climates are the most difficult to cool passively or without mechanical means?
hot-humid climates
the typical degree day temperature used when calculating the number of heating or cooling degree days is:
65 degrees F
heat gain or loss when air moves through cracks or gaps in a building assembly is called:
infiltration
relative to the current temperature, the measure of humidity expressed as a percentage is called:
relative humidity
what are VOC’s?
Volatile Organic Compounds
a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short or long-term adverse health effects
a naturally occurring fungus that grows when it has building materials to eat and moisture in the air
mold
what is a BTU?
british thermal unit
this is a measure of heating capacity; if you could apply one BTU of heat to a pound of water, the water would rise in temperature by 1 degree
what are CFC’s?
chlorofluorocarbons (no longer used), can destroy ozone
how many BTUs per hour are equivalent to one ton of HVAC capacity?
12,000 BTU’s
a _____ is what is placed at the delivery end of a duct when the supply air is ducted through a wall or from under the floor
register
if a register doesn’t have operable fins but just a grate or wire weave, it is simply known as a:
grill
what are used to distribute air from above and can take on a variety of shapes?
diffusers
an active air-return system without the ducts that collects return air in a sealed-off area where air can be distributed is known as a:
plenum
the single best way to reduce reliance on the HVAC systems, and thus reduce energy consumption and operating costs is:
providing appropriate building assemblies
what is R-value
a building material’s resistance to heat transmission; based on the time it takes for 1 BTU of heat to transfer through a material
conventional wisdom says to place a vapor barrier on the side of the insulation where it tends to be the _____
warmest
a temperature at which water vapor is not condensing into water any faster than water would be vaporizing into air is known as the:
dew point
give a simple definition of electricity
a fundamental form of energy observable in positive and negative forms that occurs naturally (as in lighting) or is produced (as in a generator) and is expressed in the flow of electrons
what is hertz?
a unit of frequency measured in cycles per second; one Hz is = to one cycle per second
electricity flowing in a conductor is called _____ and is measured in _____
current; amperes (amps)
the conduit that is most commonly used in construction and is most easy to bend is called:
EMT (electrical metallic tubing)
what are 2 basic electrical circuit arrangements and what is the difference between the two?
series circuit: devices wired one after another in a series
parallel circuit: two or more loads in a circuit are connected between the same two points
a flow of electrical current that takes place at a constant time rate and in the same direction through a circuit is called:
direct current (DC)
when the flow of electrical current moves in sine waves, it is called:
alternating current (AC)
what is “power” as it relates to energy? what is the unit used to describe it?
rate at which energy is used or the rate at which work is done
watt (W)
what are some of these common electrical abbreviations?
- C/B
- A
- GND
- AFF
- NIC
- SD
- WP
- HID
- C/B: circuit breaker
- A: amps
- GND: ground
- AFF: above finish floor
- NIC: not in contract
- SD: smoke detector
- WP: weatherproof
- HID: high-intensity discharge lamp
a device that either steps up or steps down alternating current of one voltage to another voltage is called:
transformer
a typical service meter measures power in what unit?
kWh: kilowatt hours
what is sub-metering?
refers to meters that separate different types of usage from one another, such as a meter for lighting and another for HVAC
the ratio of the average power used and the maximum power demand is called:
the load factor
when several busbars are assembled in a special metal housing it is called:
busway or busduct
define the term grounding
a safe path of travel for electricity to discharge to (typically the earth itself)
an overflow of electricity is called a _____; when 2 hot wires are unintentionally connected it is called a ____
surge
short circuit
T or F? typically the neutral wire is directly connected to the grounding wire at the breaker box
true
what is a circuit breaker?
a switch that trips itself if there is too much current in a specific circuit; it breaks the connection between the power deliver wires and stops the flow of electricity
what is romex?
brand name of non-metallic (NM) building wire that is sheathed in a plastic coating and is very commonly used, especially in residential construction
electrical lines are called “cables” when the cross section is ____ AWG or larger
6
define resistance as it relates to electricity
(R) expressed in ohms
mathematically defined as the amount of resistance in a conductor that would allow one amp of current if there is one volt of force
the largest likely impacts on electric lighting requirements and design for a building are derived from:
- architectural orientation
- ceiling height
- massing
- section profiles that determine daylight availability in the building
the calculated amount of illumination on a surface is called a:
footcandle (FC)
what is a lumen (l)?
SI unit of luminous flux, a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a source
1 lumen of luminous flux uniformly cast on 1 square foot of area creates an illuminate of 1 footcandle
there are two kinds of lighting to consider when planning the lighting of a space:
natural light & artificial light
the variables to be considered when designing for varying levels of illumination for different tasks include:
- nature of the task
- age of occupants
- reflectance levels in the room
- need for speed & accuracy with tasks being performed
2 types of glare that a lighting designer should be aware of
direct glare: a light source in the field of vision that causes interference/distraction with a visual task
reflective glare: when a light source is reflected from a viewing surface into the eye
critical zone for direct glare is in the area above a 45 degree angle from the light source
when direct lighting is used to produce clearly defined lighting levels in accordance with the light required to complete detailed work such as reading, writing, paperwork, or scientific experiments, it is called:
task lighting
this type of lighting is generally used for circulation and general lighting to offer a sense of space throughout the structure; similar to outdoor light experienced on an overcast day, no sharp shadows since coming from all directions
ambient lighting
this type of lighting is used to provide illumination to pathways for exiting a space should an emergency arise
emergency or egress lighting
this type of light output points all the light in the direction of the task
direct
this type of light output throws all the light towards a reflective ceiling to illuminate a room
indirect
name some of the general types of luminaires
- surface mounted
- recessed
- suspended
- freestanding
- wall mounted
- accessory
define sound transmission class (STC)
a number that signifies how well a building material will reduce the force of an airborne sound
higher STC ratings mean a product will help insulate a space from noise intrusion
what could be potential side effects of a space that has a high level of reverberation?
- too much reverberation in a space can cause normal speech to be difficult to hear and understand
- too much absorption won’t allow a voice to carry across a space
what happens when you double the distance between a source noise and the receiver?
lowers sound intensity by 6 dB
where should you place a wall or row of trees if you want to reduce noise levels on a site?
place close to noise source
what is the most commonly used type of communication system within a building?
telephones; can be linked to server systems or accessed remotely or online
which portion of an alarm system is important in order to receive assistance in the event of an intrusion?
the notification system must be in tact in order for police to be alerted of an alarm and to respond; can also alert building owner
what is typically required for building wiring in order to reduce the risk of fire?
conduits used to protect cables/wiring; also limits the exposure of harmful gases which may be emitted from the cables
what are three design options that must be considered when designing an elevator system within a building?
- size of elevator based on building size and occupant load
- number of floors within the building / overall height
- elevator cab capacity & speed
how do you calculate the elevator speed required based on the building height?
multiply 1.6 x the building height and add 350
e.g. if a building is 50 ft. high… 1.6 x 50ft + 350 = 430 feet/min (fpm)
what safety features are included in elevator design?
- main break
- governor to regulate speed
- bumpers in the pit to slow car at ground level
- sensors at doors to reopen if needed
can an elevator be included as part of the egress exiting system within a building?
no
elevators return to lowest level and automatically open doors
can an escalator be included as part of the egress exiting system within a building?
no
generally move in one direction, difficult to fire-proof, auto-emergency shut-off so can be used as conventional stair in an emergency
what type of fire alarm will detect the presence of smoke?
photoelectric detectors
sensor light on device obstructed by smoke, smoke inhalation is usually more lethal than the fire itself
what are the requirements for fire detectors according to the building code?
- place in all sleeping rooms
- all places of public assembly
- fire dampers located within mechanical system so smoke can’t circulate throughout the building
describe a dry standpipe system
- not directly connected to a water supply until the fire department connects a hose to the connection point on the outside of the building
- water will then be supplied to the inside of the building to help combat the fire
what is a wet standpipe system?
- constantly primed with water and available at a moment’s notice
- most common type
- required in buildings over 3 stories
roofs and floors generally act as _____ and carry lateral load
diaphragms
when plywood is used in wood construction to create diaphragms, special attention should be paid to what?
nailing patterns
space nails closer at the edges; patterns prescribed by building codes
why is steel a commonly chosen structural material?
- versatile, high strength, durable
- availability, rapid fabrication
- more economic than concrete
- ability to span long spaces (25’-40’ girders, 8’-10’ beams)
- most typical for multi-level construction
what is one disadvantage of using a steel structural system?
fireproofing requirements
name some of the benefits of using a wood structure in a building
- environmentally friendly
- low impact on air & water quality
what is a critical element to consider when laying out the ductwork design for the mechanical system?
- ceiling clearance must be provided, consider in early design phases
- main ducts branching directly from the centralized system measure considerably large
what are some elements required for consideration in the electrical system design?
- service voltage supplied to a wall receptacle = 120 volts
- considerations in selecting a distribution system include:
- initial cost
- maintained cost
- initial cost for flexible configurations
what is a sustainably harvested material?
a material that is gathered without killing or destroying the original source
rapidly renewable materials, grow back within 5-7 years (cork, bamboo, palm wood)
what are 4 things you should consider when selecting resource efficient materials?
- recycled content
- renewable
- resource efficient
- locally sourced
hazardous materials can be mitigated in what two ways?
- removing hazardous material from the site, properly dispose per federal, state, and local guidelines
- encapsulating and permanently sealing the material on the site per federal, state, and local guidelines
what sites typically must be studied and tested for the presence of hazardous materials?
- chemical plants
- power plants
- gas stations
- landfills
what agencies may be involved in the process of reviewing projects containing hazardous materials?
- EPA (u.s. environmental protection agency)
- state EPA (such as CAL-EPA)
- state air resources board (typ. mobile sources of pollution)
- regional air quality management district (stationary sources)
- state water resources control board (access to safe drinking water)
- OSHA (occupational safety and health administration), focus on protecting workers who are exposed
how does building orientation affect natural daylighting?
- windows facing north won’t get direct sunlight
- windows facing south receive fair amount year round
what are 5 essential questions in the process of design?
- how can functional requirements be satisfied?
- how can envisioned aesthetics be realized?
- what legal restraints exist?
- what cost-efficient solutions can be provided?
- how can sustainable choices be implemented?
what items is an architect responsible for evaluating during schematic design?
- owner’s program
- schedule
- budget (cost of work, project site, proposed delivery method)
regarding structural foundation for building - what must be completed during schematic design?
- req’s established for the foundations based on subsurface investigations
- consider unique conditions of the site in light of building needs
- concept basement plans, foundation refinement, systems
during schematic design, what is typically not required to be defined in the interior of the building?
- door schedules/details
- room finish schedules
- partition types
(need to set requirements for finishes, partitions, interior layouts, built-in furniture)
describe design considerations that should be discussed with the client during schematic design
- environmentally sound material choices
- building orientations
- equipment and optimal building systems
what sustainable design elements should be considered during SD?
- daylighting
- water conservation & treatment
- minimal site intrusion
- reduced energy usage & similar sustainable ideals
which elements are required on the site plan during design development?
- placement of building in relation to site & surrounding elements incl. street, property lines, easements, setbacks, parking lots, etc.
- surveys req’d to obtain accurate locations
- civil engineer reviews grades & provides recommendations
what should be included on the building floor plans during design development?
- scaled plans w/ critical dimensions/elements
- structural grids
- major building systems reflected incl. shafts, equip/service rooms, etc.
- perimeter laid out w/ door & window locations
(detailed numbering of spaces, doors, windows not included in DD)
how should the mechanical and electrical systems in a building be defined and developed during design development?
- mechanical systems: reflected on plans, outline specs w/ preliminary equipment lists; distribution & riser diagrams provided
- electrical systems: selection further detailed and reflected on DD docs & outline specs; distribution diagrams included, room lighting layouts & ceiling plans as necessary
which form of spatial organization allows for future expansion and growth?
- clustered organization (flexible nature, spaces change with ease & accept future growth)
- proximity accommodates various forms & functions
- compactness & geometrical order are not primary features, if at all
how can you control noise pollution through design?
- buffer of trees, divert wind to carry sound away
- construct barrier, several noises blend together to create white noise, only piercing sounds will be able to be heard above it
how can an architect integrate daylight into a building?
- capture light, provide adequate fenestration to stream it in
- reflected light, shading devices, glare prevention
- active participation in managing the building envelope as needed per task
- artificial light control should supplement spaces as natural light varies, provide evening light as required
in a basic sense, what must be considered when designing the structural system of a building?
- vast range of physical loads shape elements of structure
- anticipated & unanticipated loads
- codes direct structural choices as well
describe the benefits of various building orientations
- north: ideal for uniform, continuous light through the day
- south: optimum orientation, but depends on particular needs of regions
- east: orienting east 15 degrees from south provides more equal temperature through the day, better performance
- west: perform much more poorly due to spikes in heat distribution
how can an architect use conservation in the design of a building?
- compact buildings w/ multipurpose areas
- functionality magnified as footprint on environment is minimized
- clustering building systems (duct work, piping, wiring runs), conservation of space & material
- minimal finishes, less waste, exposed structure serves in more functional ways
- rhythm of standard material sizes, use as building blocks
how can an architect conserve energy when designing a building?
- when building elements work harmoniously as a team
- consultants & designers work together
- energy efficient lighting & equipment
- reduction of heat accumulated through glazing
- building design & higher insulation values
- air-tightness
what are some techniques an architect can use to ensure the longevity of a building?
- detail components to minimize premature deterioration of materials (also easy maintenance)
- budgeting for this will contribute to probability of its implementation
- designing for future changes can keep building valid for a long time
what approach should an architect use to create a “healthy building”?
- enforce comfort & productivity through good air quality, environmental control, connection w/ nature
- avoid pollutants, incl. VOC off-gassing materials
- avoid unmanageable moisture, incl. mold/mildew
- continuous, proper ventilation & mech. systems
- don’t allow gasses or other pollution through intakes
- occupants design own environment through operable windows, lighting & temp. controls… building serves user
- proper maintenance & ease of cleaning
what are 5 strategies to reduce water use?
- use drip irrigation for landscaping
- use low-flow or waterless toilets
- use native species & drought tolerant plants
- collect graywater from showers & laundry, reuse to water yard or flush toilets
- collect rainwater for reuse
what is building commissioning?
Cx
an engineering process of testing, auditing, and verifying mech. systems in a building to make sure they are operating at peak efficiency
how does building orientation affect natural daylighting?
windows facing north will not get any direct sunlight, south-facing will receive a fair amount year round
what is a grid circulation pattern?
- consistently spaced streets & roads that area perpendicular
- regularity, simplicity
- simplifies subdivision of land for agricultural and urban use
- provides sense of orientation, so long as it isnt used too extensively & contains enough landmarks to help you find your way around
describe the following circulation patterns: radial, linear, curvilinear
radial - directs flow in and out of common center, w/ straight channels of circulation
linear - connects flow between 2 points, either along single line or series of parallel lines
curvilinear - responds to topography of land, follows natural contours
what are the 4 primary categories of traffic circulation?
freeways: large volumes
what are the 4 primary categories of traffic circulation?
freeways: large volumes of traffic move quickly between/around/through
arterial streets: aka “highways” - continuous channels that connect w/ freeways at their exits)
collector/distributor streets: serve as transitional channels between local access to a neighborhood & arterial channels
local streets: provide access to low intensity uses in front of them
put the following in order in terms of low to high intensity: freeways, local streets, arterial streets, collector/distributor streets
- local
- collector/distributor
- arterial
- freeway
name 4 typical criterea items for street design
- paved vehicular right of way (property line to property line) slopes from high point at center (crown) at 1/8” to 1/2” per foot for positive drainage
- street widths determined by number of traffic lanes (typ. 11-12 ft. wide); typ. 2-lane hwy or arterial st. allowing 9’ shoulders = 40’ wide
- road paving consists of: concrete, asphaltic concrete, gravel, decomposed granite, stabilized soil, graded/compacted earth shaped for drainage
- planting strip to divide lanes must be at least 4’ wide if ground cover material only and 7’ wide if trees are to be planted
what are 3 factors that should be considered when designing roads through a site?
- road alignment must be designed to conform to the natural topography
- parking lanes are 8’ wide for parallel parking and 16’-20’ for perpendicular or angled parking
- streets w/ heavier traffic are designed w/ 6” curb & gutter
what is FF&E?
furniture, fixtures, & equipment (all loose items within a building)
e.g. chairs, desks, hooks, bookcases, tables, lockers, computers, tvs, projectors/screens
what is the difference between dampproofing & waterproofing?
dampproofing: control of moisture that is not under hydrostatic pressure (for protection of slabs & foundation walls below grade that are subject to continuous moisture)
waterproofing: control of moisture & water that is subject to hydrostatic pressure (may incl. protecting structure below water table) - more difficult than dampproofing due to pressure & need to create continuous seal over walls, slabs, & joints
what is glare and why is it an undesirable element within a building?
- not caused by having too much light, but by having too much contrast
- e.g. harder to see when looking at bright computer screen in dark room
- squinting, tearing, loss of productivity… control by planning ahead
give examples of cities that follow these patterns:
linear, rectilinear, ratiocentric, star, sheet, satellite, constellation, & super block
- linear: portland, me & richmond, va
- rectilinear: small cities & towns usually near an original main street
- radiocentric: washington, DC & boston, MA (cities that grew over time)
- star: metro chicago (radiocentric but w/ open spaces btw. development)
- sheet: midwest, wide/flat
- satellite: detroit, mi (series of individual urban developments)
- constellation: southern ca (group of urban developments w/ its own central core)
- super block: parts of NYC (large development that reduces dependence on car)
how does nature play a role in the development of site & building design?
- provides forms that respond perfectly to their function & surroundings
- symmetry & asymmetry
- embracing features helps to limit site disruptance
how can a site design control the impact on cost of the project?
- by increasing unit density, lower individual construction cost for each unit (shared walls, utilities, sewer, parking, & roads)
- by taking advantage of site features, can greatly reduce cost of heating & cooling while improving occupant comfort
- passive solar orientation, passive cooling, water catchment
what percentage of construction costs are usually dedicated to the foundation system?
5-10% of total cost for flat sites
10-25% for hillsides or steep slopes
name the 5 items included in a project development budget
- site acquisition (land fees & insurance)
- construction costs (site grading, building construction)
- professional services (architects, engineers)
- inspection & testing (before and during construction)
- contingencies (before & during construction)
name 3 items NOT included in a construction budget
- financing (lender to owner)
- cost of land
- professional services
what types of cost estimation occur at each major project phase?
- pre-planning & proposal: unit costs (e.g. cost per student, per hospital bed, per sq.ft.)
- programming: unit cost based on similar building types or function of space
- schematic design: based on major elements of each building system (structure/MEP)
- design development: detailed components & unit cost for component (e.g. sq.ft. of curtain wall)
- contract documents: unit rates for construction components, assemblies, & systems (unit rates req. for pre-bid estimates, cost checks, & breakdown)
which phase tends to require the largest percentage of the project budget?
contract documents
what is value engineering and why is it an important feature to implement into a project?
VE: method to improve the value of products & services by either improving function or reducing cost
how should the architect analyze the cost of the project for the owner during schematic design?
preliminary analysis of owner’s budget should include contingencies for unknowns through design development; presented by major trades or broken down by system
what is the quantity survey method of construction cost estimating?
- detailed method of measuring benefits contractors understanding of construction cost
- elements of fixtures separate (mesuring lengths of pieces, trims, fittings)
- very accurate
describe initial vs. future costs
initial costs: as a building is developed, typically include funding land & consequent reallocation costs, construction, & related fees
future costs: either periodic or one-time costs of equipment, systems, or building elements (replacement, maintenance, modification, renovation)
for the programming phase, what are 3 ways cost estimates can be performed?
- unit cost system
- historical data of similar projects
- cost per sq.ft.
what cost estimating method is used during the schematic design phase?
preliminary, but still rough, estimates are based on pricing major elements (structural system, MEP systems)
what cost estimating method is used during the design development phase?
detailed pricing based on the actual components being considered (e.g. windows, curtain walls, finishes, equipment)
what considerations should an architect give a program for a project that will be separated into several phases?
- programming may uncover clear opportunities to construct building in phases
- budget or schedule may require phasing; finding logical portions to build in phases is an important skill in the design process
- staging refers to providing areas to store building materials, supplies, tools, vehicles, & construction equipment
- depending on program req’s, might require staging areas to keep materials cool and dry or require access for special equipment (cranes/trucks)
what cost estimating method is used during the construction documents phase?
complete & final pricing, based on direct quotes from suppliers, installers, sub-contractors, & manufacturers
involves a lot of effort, can only be done once nearly everything in building has been specified
final check before construction begins, allows for revision to design as needed to meet budget
cost estimating with parameter costs can be adapted to a city by using _____ or adding an inflation factor
ENR 20 Cities Building Cost Index
what is a pro-forma, who does it, and during what phase of a project is it typically done?
financial analysis of the building project showing costs and return on investment
typically done by client at beginning of project to determine if it will be profitable
define value engineering
process of reviewing the entire design, exploring opportunities to reduce cost, waste, or time spent without greatly affecting the design
can be done by project team or special consultants to look for more affordable material, method, or technique
when is the best time to institute value engineering for a specific project?
easier to perform earlier in the design process when changes are easier to make
if it occurs too late into the CD phase, benefit is much lower
what is lifecycle costing (LCC)?
involves figuring out what the actual cost a specific materiel or piece of equipment will be over the entire life of its use (helps client make informed decision in choosing the right product)
how are preliminary costs of a project estimated?
cost per square foot estimates based on occupancy & type of construction
what are detail costs of a project?
itemized breakdown of all material & construction costs
what is meant by project scope?
description of the work that needs to be done to complete a building with the specified features & functions
