Design and Specification L1

Question 1

Outline the stages of the RIBA ?

Answer 1

0. Strategic Definition
1. Perperation and Brief
2. Conceptual Design
3. Spatial Co-ordination
4. Technical Design
5. Manufacturing and Construction
6. Handover
7. Use

Question 2

What is the difference between a specification and a schedule of works?

Answer 2

Specification = Materials and Workmanship
Schedule of Works = Activities

Question 3

What design information would typically be captured in the Project Brief?

Answer 3

The project brief typically captures the client’s requirements, project objectives, desired outcomes, and constraints. It includes details about the project’s scope, budget, timeline, quality standards, and specific design requirements

Question 4

What is the difference between Concept Design and Developed Design?

Answer 4

Concept design is the initial response to the client’s requirements - typically after feasibility studies - Early designs

It is the process of taking on and developing an approved concept design. The end of detailed design should be dimensionally correct and coordinated, describing all the main components of the building and how they fit together.

https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/w/Concept_design https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Detailed_design_stage_in_building_design

Question 5

What is a Design Study?

Answer 5

Detailed studies that develop aspects of the building further during RIBA 3 (Spatial Coordination). The Design Study does not change the concept but focus on developing greater detail to inform cost plan enable a more comprehensive coordination exercise.

https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Design_studies

Question 6

How does a Cost Plan assist in the financial control of projects during the development stage?

Answer 6

A cost plan assists in the financial control of projects during the development stage by ensuring that a project stays within its allocated budget. It involves accurately estimating costs, tracking expenses, and implementing cost-saving measures

https://www.aiqs.com.au/sites/default/files/uploaded-content/website-content/Events/aiqs_cost_management_ramesh_palikila_jan_2021_email.pdf

Question 7

Outline the principles of Life Cycle Costing and describe how it might affect the design process?

Question 8

How might you use the RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide in design development?

Answer 8

The RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide can be used in design development to align the project with key UN Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a set of eight sustainable outcomes that can be delivered on building projects of all scales

https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/sustainable-outcomes-guide

Question 9

Outline the principles of Whole Life Carbon Assessment and describe how it might affect the design process?

Answer 9

Whole Life Carbon Assessment involves calculating the total carbon emissions resulting from the construction and use of a building over its entire life, including its demolition and disposal. It affects the design process by influencing decisions about materials, construction methods, and other factors that impact the total carbon emissions over the asset’s life.

https://www.rics.org/profession-standards/rics-standards-and-guidance/sector-standards/construction-standards/whole-life-carbon-assessment

Question 10

How might Soft Landings feature in the design development process?

Answer 10

The term ‘soft landings’ refers to a strategy adopted to ensure the transition from construction to occupation is ‘bump-free’ and that operational performance is optimised.

https://www.arm-environments.com/resources/the-6-phases-of-soft-landingshttps://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Soft_landings

Question 11

What are the duties of a designer under the CDM Regulations?

Answer 11

Under the CDM Regulations, a designer’s duties include making sure the client is aware of their duties under CDM 2015 before starting any design work, taking account of any pre-construction information provided by the client, eliminating foreseeable health and safety risks to anyone affected by the project (if possible), and taking steps to reduce or control any risks that cannot be eliminated.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/designers.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/summary.htm

Question 12

How would a designer identify, mitigate, and manage health & safety risks in the design development process?

Answer 12

This involves conducting risk assessments to identify potential hazards, implementing measures to reduce these risks, and regularly reviewing and updating these measures. It may include using safer materials, improving site conditions, providing safety training, and using protective equipment.

Question 13

What is Pre-construction Information as defined in the CDM Regulations? What needs to be included within a PCI?

Answer 13

Pre-construction information is one of the first health and safety documents needed on a construction project. It gives health and safety information on the hazards and risks on the existing site or project design.

1. DESCRIPTION/OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT
2. CLIENTS’ CONDITIONS AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
3. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE HEALTH & SAFETY OF CLIENTS’ EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS OR THOSE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT
4. ENVIRONMENTAL RESTRICTIONS AND EXISTING ON-SITE RISKS
5. SIGNIFICANT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION HAZARDS
6. CONSTRUCTION PHASE PLAN
7. HEALTH & SAFETY FILE

https://www.marpal.co.uk/pre-construction-information-pack/

Question 14

What are the main requirements of Part B of the Building Regulations?

Answer 14

Part B of the Building Regulations in England covers fire safety matters within and around buildings. It includes requirements for fire alarms, fire doors, emergency escape routes, and fire resistance of building materials.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/approved-document-b-fire-safety-frequently-asked-questions
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b

Question 15

What is FENSA and why is it required?

Answer 15

ENSA stands for ‘The Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme’. It is a government initiated scheme that covers and monitors Building Regulations compliance for the replacement of windows and doors in England and Wales. A FENSA certificate is a document that says the installer of your windows and doors has carried out the works in order to comply with Building Regulations.

https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/what-is-a-fensa-certificate

Question 16

What are the required U values for walls, floors, and roofs of a domestic dwelling?

Answer 16

The required U values for walls, floors, and roofs of a domestic dwelling according to the Building Regulations are as follows:
Walls: 0.18 W/m²K
Floors: 0.13 W/m²K
Roofs: 0.11 W/m²K

https://www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk/a-quick-and-easy-guide-to-u-values/

Question 17

What is the difference between a Building Notice and a Full Plans Application?

Answer 17

A Building Notice is a simplified submission process where you submit a basic notice to the local building control authority. A Full Plans application requires you to submit detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and relevant documents to the local building control authority.

https://www.bga-architects.com/fullplansubmission

Question 18

What do TP&N and RCD stand for in relation to electrical installations?

Answer 18

TP&N stands for Three Phase and Neutral, a type of electrical distribution board. RCD stands for Residual Current Device, a protective device in electrical installations that quickly breaks an electrical circuit to prevent severe harm from an ongoing electric shock.

https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/your-questions-answered/questions/what-s-an-rcd/

Question 19

Give two examples each of an active and a passive fire protection system?

Answer 19

Active fire protection systems require some action to stop a fire. Examples include fire alarms and automatic sprinkler systems. Passive fire protection systems are always protecting a building against fire and do not require any action to operate. Examples include fire-resistant walls and fire doors.

Question 20

Outline the differences between Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas?

Answer 20

Listed buildings are buildings of ‘special architectural or historic interest’ designated. Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, and are designated by Local Planning Authorities.

https://planningguide.co.uk/planning-information/planning-controls-conservation-areas-listed-buildings/

Question 21

Detail the application for planning approval process, including approximate timescales?

Answer 21

The planning approval process involves several steps including pre-application advice, application submission, public consultation, planning officers’ review, decision-making, and possible appeals or further consultation. The process typically takes 8 weeks for small projects or 13 weeks for larger ones.

https://www.freedomhomesarchitects.co.uk/what-do-i-need-to-get-planning-approval-a-guide-to-the-planning-process-requirements-and-timescales/

Question 22

What is a Section 106 Agreement?

Answer 22

A Section 106 Agreement is a legal agreement between an applicant seeking planning permission and the local planning authority, which is used to mitigate the impact of your new home on the local community and infrastructure.

Question 23

What is a Section 278 Agreement?

Answer 23

A Section 278 Agreement is a section of the Highways Act 1980 that allows developers to enter into a legal agreement with the local highway authority to make alterations or improvements to a public highway as part of a planning application.

Question 24

What are development plans and how is development controlled by local authorities?

Answer 24

Development plans are policy documents that provide a framework for decision-making within local authorities. They set out the local authority’s policies and proposals for the development and use of land in their area.

Question 25

What is a PPG?

Answer 25

PPG stands for Planning Policy Guidance. These are government-issued guidelines to local authorities on various aspects of planning policy.

Question 26

How would a neighbouring owner obtain a Right to Light?

Answer 26

A neighbouring owner can obtain a Right to Light if they have had uninterrupted use of the light coming in through a window for 20 years or more. This is a type of easement and can be registered with the Land Registry.

Question 27

What do you understand by the term Change Control and how does it affect you as a designer during the pre and post contract stages of a project?

Answer 27

Change control is a systematic approach to managing all changes made to a product or system. In the context of a design project, it involves recording and managing changes to the project scope, design, or other aspects during both the pre and post-contract stages. It ensures that no unnecessary changes are made, all changes are documented, services are not unnecessarily disrupted, and resources are used efficiently.