Exam 1 Flashcards
Define ‘Construction Cost’ as defined in the Definitions in RAIC Document Six
The total cost of the work to the client to construct all elements of the project designed by or on behalf of the , or as a result of coordination by, the architect consisting of:
- The construction contract price
- Cost of changes to the work
- Construction Management Fee
- Other Fees related to the coordination or procurement of construction services
** Note Consultant fees not included
Define the five main component of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB’s) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
CHOP1.1.3 Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
NCARB’s model code which had also been adapted for use by the AIBC contains the following
- competence
- conflict of interest
- full disclosure
- professional conduct
- compliance with laws
Describe the three general divisions of bylaws or regulations mandated by provincial or territorial architectural associations
CHOP 1.1.3 Regulations
Ethical Regulation or Codes of Ethics - assist in maintaining the public trust in the integrity of the profession
Regulations regarding competency - ensure the proper provision of architectural services to the public
Administrative Rules and Regulations - assist in the efficient operation of the provincial or territorial association
How is the profession of Architecture regulated in Canada? What is the main document(s) that regulation is based on?
CHOP 1.1.5 Self Regulation
The licensing and regulation of architects is carried out under provincial mandate. Architects Acts enable provincial associations to govern and regulate themselves separate from the provincial or territorial legislatures
How long does a copyright last?
CHOP 2.3.7 , Appendix A - How Long Does a Copyright Last?
Under a general rule, copyright subsists for the life of the author of the work, the remainder of the calendar year in which the author dies, plus an additional 50 years
Identify some of the components of a functional program
CHOP 2.3.4 Functional Programming
A Functional Program describes the requirements which a building must satisfy in order to support and enhance human activity. It can include:
- the clients philosophy, values, goals and desired ‘image’
- how much and what type of space is needed
- the nature of the activity in the space
- environmental criteria
- security requirements
- site requirements (parking, circulation, orientation)
- the functional relationships of the spaces
- financial requirements and preliminary budget
- Scheduling and time frame
In the Design Development phase, which of the following services are considered basic, which
are additional?
1. coordinate services of consultants as applicable,
2. design development documents consisting of:
a. Site plan
b. Plans
c. Elevations
d. Sections
e. Project Brief
3. Promotional Presentations
4. prepare and submit to the client for approval a revised Construction Cost estimate;
5. continue to review applicable statutes, regulations, codes and by laws as the design of the Project is developed;
6. assist the client to obtain approval of authorities having jurisdiction, if applicable;
7. review and obtain client approval before proceeding to next phase.
RAIC Document 6, Schedule of Architect’s Services
Basic Services: 1, 2,,4, 5, 6,7
Additional Services 3
In the Pre-design phase, which of the following services are considered basic, which are additional?
1. Statement of Requirements or Building Program
2.Financial feasibility study
3. Site evaluation study
4. Verifying accuracy of drawings furnished by client
5.Site Photographs
6.Geotechnical or Soil Report
7. Establish a Construction Budget
8. Toxic and Hazardous Materials Report
RAIC Document Six - Schedule of Architects Services
All of pre-design services fall outside the basic services of an architect under the traditional project delivery method using design-bid-build which includes only five phases - SD, DD, CD ,BN, CA
In the Schematic Design phase, which of the following services are considered basic, which are additional?
1. coordinate services of consultants as applicable,
2. review and comment on the client’s Construction Budget in relation to the Client’s program of requirements;
3. Enhanced Building Envelope Services (in British Columbia)
4. Preparation of Presentation Models, Perspectives or Videos
5. review applicable statutes, regulations, codes and by laws and where necessary review the same with the authorities
having jurisdiction;
6. assist the client to obtain approval of authorities having jurisdiction, if applicable;
7. Submissions for zoning changes
8. design documents to illustrate the scale and character of the Project
a. Site plan
b. Spatial relationship diagrams
c. Principal floor plans
d. Building sections
e. Elevations
f. Outline specifications
9. prepare and submit to the client a statement of probable Construction Cost based on current area or volume unit costs
10. Variances
RAIC Document 6, Schedule of Architects Services
Basic: 1,2,5,6,8,9
Additional: 3,4,7,10
In what phase should a project ‘outline specification’ be prepared
CHOP 2.3.6
Design Development
What are three advantages of water heating (hydronic) distribution systems
- Pipes are small , easy to integrate with other building systems
2, Quiet - Individual Room control
- Efficient for cold climates
5.Can be combined with domestic hot water systems
What are 4 advantages of electric heating systems?
- Low Profile / Compact
- Quick Response to temperature changes
- Easily Zoned
- Low Initial Cost
What are 5 examples of Additional Services not covered under RAIC Document 6
- Feasibility Studies
- Business Cases
- Functional Programming
- Submissions to Authorities
- life cycle cost studies
- master programming and planning
- ## post occupancy studies
What are the three E’s in an Architect’s ‘Pathway to the Profession’?
CHOP 1.1.4, Introduction
Education - CACB Accredited Professional Degree, CACB Certification of Education, Grandfathering of Education or RAIC Syllabus Program
Experience - Complete IAP
Examination - Pass EXAC
What are the 4 soil classification systems according to the ASTM Unified Soil Classification System
CHING 1.04
Gravels, Sans, Silts and Clays
* Organic material is a soil type but is problematic for building
What are the 5 phases of an architectural project
- Schematic Design
- Design Development
- Construction Documents
- Bidding and Negotiation (construction procurement)
- Contract Admin (construction phase)
What are the six areas of development addressed in the LEED Green Building Rating System
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy & Atmosphere
- Material and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Air Quality
5 Innovation in Design
What are the different classes of construction cost estimates?
CHOP 2.3.5
Class A (+/- 5-10%) Done at the end of construction documents
Class B (+/-10-15%) Design Development Phase
Class C (+/-15-20%) Schematic Design,
Class D (+/- 20-30%) Functional Program
What are three advantages of forced air heating ?
- Can allow for integrated cooling
- Quick response
- Distribution system hidden in walls and ceilings - no equipment in room
- Integrated Ventilation
What Does LEED stand for. Who is it developed by?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Developed by the US green building council
What factors influence construction cost
- Method of Construction (wood frame, CIP concrete etc)
- Building Form (more compact = cheaper_
- Building height and number of storeys
- Method of project delivery
- planned life of the structure
- choice of structural mechanical and electrical systems
- Economic and Political Factors ( inflation, Market conditions, economic climate
- Sustainable Design Requirements
- Site characteristics - topography , features , soil type
- Location - downtown or remote more expensive
- type of owner or client
- schedule - accelerated = more expensive
What is Architecture 2030 and the 2030 challenge
Architecture 2030 is an environmental advocacy group whose mission is to ‘provide information and innovative solutions in the of architecture and planning’. The 2030 challenge calls for all new buildings and developments to use half the fossil fuel energy they would typically consume, and all buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030
What is Functional Programming (or design brief)? Is it part of an architects basic services?
Functional programming is the decision making process that clearly defines the problem and scope of work for design. The functional program describes the requirements which a building must satisfy in order to support and enhance human activities.
Architectural fees for functional programming is NOT part of basic services
What is MasterFormat?
MasterFormat is a system of numbers and titles for organizing construction information into a regular standard order or sequence. It is organized in the well known ‘49 Division’ specification format, using a six-digit section numbering system. Each section is , in turn, organized according to a three part format for articles titled: General, Products and Execution
What is the difference between Construction Cost, Construction Budget & Project Budget?
Construction Budget - The maximum amount of money including contingency allowances, which the client is prepared to spend on the construction cost
Construction Cost - The total cost of the work to the client to construct all elements of the project designed by or on behalf of the, or as a result of coordination by the architect consisting of:
- The construction contract price
- cost of changes to the work
- construction management fee
- other fees related to the coordination or procurement of construction services,
- all applicable taxes (except value added tax)
Project Budget - The clients estimated total expenditure for the entire project. Includes construction budget, professional fees, cost of land, rights of way and all other costs to the client for the project.
What is the difference between cost planning and cost control?
Cost Planning is done during pre-design and schematic design phase. Cost control happens happens at the DD phase and later
What is the main role of the Canadian Architecture Certification Board (CACB)
CHOP 1.1.4 Education
- Certify the academic qualifications of candidates
- accredit programs offered by Canadian university schools of architecture
What is the Purpose of the Intern Architect Program?
CHOP1.1.4 Experience
- meet generally recognized standards of practical skill
- practice architecture in a way that protects health and safety of the public
What must the architect do at the end of each phase (SD, DD, CD) to ensure the project stays on budget
Document 6 , Schedule of Architect services
Update and review the construction cost estimate
As the project becomes more detailed, the estimate will become more accurate.
The architect’s fee, if percentage-based and calculated under the F2 fee Classification as described in the guide to document 6, should be adjusted accordingly at the end of each phase. The architects final fee us then set at the end of the bidding phase when the winning bid is chosen - the is final construction cost
What Resources are available to an architect to produce a project cost estimate?
Quantity Surveyors - Provide professional service
Construction Managers / Experts - expertise director from the construction industry
Construction Price Index - Data is usually published by government agencies and private companies - used a guide for general trends
Publications - Available from government agencies, private interest groups, private companies and quantity surveyors. Data from government agencies are more useful for indetifying trends and differences in national , regional and local costs.
What three items are excluded from the construction cost as defined in the Definitions of Document Six
Document Six, Definitions
1) Compensation for the Architect and other consultants
2) Other professional fees which are the responsibility of the client
3) Land and development cost
Which items are considered to be the architects instruments of Service
- Sketches
- Plans
- Drawings
- Graphic Representations
- Specifications
- Computer Generated Designs
- Reports
Which soils are most susceptible to frost action?
Silts an clays are most susceptible to frost action, while sands and gravels are the least. - low permeable soils retain water, which expands when frozen
Construction Cost Includes The Land and Land Development Charges, True or False?
False. These are excluded form Construction Cost and are included in Project Cost
What Variable Economic and Political Factors can Affect building costs and how?
- Inflation - results in escalation of construction costs
- market conditions - high demand or recessions will affect costs
- political and social conditions - if government stability is lacking, prices tend to be erratic
Other - union vs non-union labour, interest rates, demand for certain building materials, or exchange rates between nations for imported materials
What variable environmental factors can affect building cost and how?
Site characteristics - challenging topography, unusual subsurface conditions, hazardous wastes
Weather and season - winter protection and provisions can add to cost.
Location - suburban or urban, access to labour and materials if site is remote
What is a contingency allowance? What two contingency allowances should be applied to all construction budget
A financial allowance that account for unknown factors that may occur during the course of a project. The contingency allowance is higher at early stages of the projects and is reduced as more details become available
- Design contingency and construction contingency
- Renovations usually have higher constriction contingencies
If the lowest bid exceeds the construction cost estimate by 5% the architect shall modify the contract documents to reduce the construction cost at no extra fee. True or False
False
If the lowest bid exceed the construction cost estimate by 15% the architect should modify the construction documents to reduce the construction cost at no additional fee
What are life cycle cost? What are included in them?
The objective of Life Cycle Costing is to determine the ‘total cost’ over the buildings lifetime
Total Cost = Capital Cost + Maintenance Cost + Operating Cost
What is value engineering?
Value Engineering is an analytical approach to modifying building features which may add cost but do not contribute to its quality, appearance, useful life or functional performance
What is Embodied Energy Cost Analysis out Embodied Energy Consumption
A type of cost analysis that assess the environmental impacts and energy consumption resulting from the extraction, manufacture, delivery , installation, demolition, and recycling of building materials
What are Soft Costs?
An expense that is not considered a direct construction cost such as: Architect/design fees, design and construction contingencies, land costs etc
What additional cost information should be considered when preparing bid documents?
- units prices
- alternate prices
- itemized prices
Name four services that may be included as part of the pre-design phase
- feasibility studies
- site analysis and selection
- building surveys audits and measured drawings
- functional programs
- master plans
- financial and business plans
- re-zoning
Name Four Techniques that Architects can use to determine functional requirements
- Observation of existing conditions
- research and study of best practices
- public consultation
- focus groups
- questionnaires and surveys
Name Four Physical Factors that may be involved in site evaluation
- Climate (prevailing winds, solar orientation, temperature, humidity, precipitation)
- Topography (legal property description, contour, existing access and circulation, vegetation, water bodies, drainage canals, surface drainage, unique site feature)
- Utilities (potable water, electricity, gas, telephone, cable , sanitary service, storm drainage, fire protection, etc)
- Immediate surroundings ( neighbouring structures, shading , noise from street views, )
- General services (fire and police protection refuse removal services etc)
Name Four Regulatory Factors that may be involved in site evaluations
Legal Property Boundaries ( size and dimensions, easements , right’s of way, preserved views, access)
Zoning Ordinances - ( permitted uses, set backs, height restrictions, coverage and area stipulations, parking)
AHJ - ( code requirements, historic, preservation, special districts, fire/police/garbade/snow)
Environmental Regulations ( protected areas, wildlife preservation, special districts, soil and air pollution measure)
Name four site related items that may be affected by the building code
- Building separation/ limiting distance
- parking
- accessibility
- service and emergency vehicle access
What information is required from the client for schematic design?
1) A functional program that includes
- functional requirements and spatial relationships
- flexibility and provision for expansion
- special equipment and systems
- site requirements
- construction budget
- time from or schedule
2) Documentation of site conditions including
- legal and physical survey
- reports on sub-surface conditions
- any other professional report that will have an impact on the work
What documents are typically prepared for approval during the schematic design phase?
1) Design documents including
- site plan, floor plan, verticals sections, elevations, sketch or renderings, massing models
2) Report that includes
- design philosophy, sustainability goals, probable construction cost , overview of building code and zoning regulations, preliminary schedule for design and construction start, description of engineering systems, basic area calculations, site data, product and material descriptions
During which project phase should cost estimating and building code compliance review start
schematic design
During Which stage should product research generally start?
Design Development
Describe the Impacts of universal accessibility on design development
Design Development includes a detailed analysis of compliance with the building code including
- occupant load
- washroom requirements
- minimum corridor, stair, and room dimensions
- existing and egress requirements
- parking requirements
List some storm water management sustainable site strategies
- vegetated filter strips and grass swales
- bioretention basins and sediment traps
- bioswales for water filtration
- porous pavement/ permeable surfaces
- exfiltration basins and trenches
- dry pond and wet pond systems
- green roofs
What is the name for the level beneath which the soil is saturated with ground water? Why is this level important ?
Water table
Any groundwater must be drained away from the foundation system to avoid reducing the bearing capacity of the soils and to minimize the chance of water ingress
What is a ‘sub surface investigation’ and what information does it provide?
1)The analysis and testing of soil disclosed by excavation of a test pit 10’ or deeper test boring
2) Provides the following information
- structure of soil
- shear resistance
- compressive strength
- water content
- expected extent and rate of consolidation under loading
From this information the geotech.eng. is able to gauge the anticipated total and differential settlement under loading by a proposed foundation system
What is allowable bearing capacity?
the maximum unit pressure a foundation is permitted to impose vertically or laterally on the soil mass
A ground slope over what percentage is subject to erosion and difficult to build on ?
A ground slope to what percent is usable for most outdoor activities and relatively easy to build on
A:25%
B: 5%
5-10% slopes are suitable for informal outdoor activities and can be built on without too much difficulty
What is riprap
a layer of irregularly broken down and random sized stones placed on the slope of an embankment to prevent erosion
Name the two main categories of drainage and describe each
1)Surface Drainage: grading and surfacing of a site in order to divert rain and other surface water into natural drainage pattern or a municipal sewer system
2) Subsurface Drainage: Underground networks of piping conveying groundwater to a point of disposal
What is the difference between a swale, a catch basin and a culvert ?
Swale: Shallow Depressions formed by the intersection of two ground slopes. Designed to direct or divert the runoff of surface water
Catch Basin: Receptacles for the runoff of surface water. They have a basin or sump that retains heavy sediment before it can pas into an underground drainpipe
Culvert: Brian or channels passing under a road or sidewalk
What siting and form recommendation are appropriate for buildings in cool regions
- Minimize surface area of the building to reduce exposure to cold temperatures (compact form)
- maximize absorption of solar radiation
- reduce radiant, conductive and evaporative loss
- provide wind protection
What siting and form recommendations are appropriate for buildings in temperate climates
- Elongate the buildings East & West axis to maximize south facing walls
- minimize east-west exposures which are generally colder in winter and warmer in summer
- Balance solar heat gain with shade protection on a seasonal basis
- encourage air movement in hot weather, protect against wind in cold weather
What siting and form recommendations are appropriate for buildings in Hot-Arid climates
- building forms should enclose courtyards
- reduce solar and conductive heat gain
- promote cooling by evaporation using water features and plantings
- provide solar shading for windows and outdoor spaces
What siting and form recommendations are appropriate for buildings in Hot-Humod climates
-Elongate the building along the east-wes axis to minimize east - west exposures
- Reduce solar hear gain
- utilize wind to promote evaporative cooling
- provide solar shading for windows and outdoor spaces
What is a Right of Way
A legal right granted to a single party or to the public to traverse another land, as for access to or the construction and maintenance of utility lines
What is an easement?
A legal right held by one party to make limited use of the land of another
What is the recommended minimum slope of the finished grade away from the building?
5%
What structural system might you choose if you want to leave the structure exposed and maintain high fire resistance rating?
choose systems that are inherently resistant to fire and heat (does not require fire protective finishes)
Examples : All concrete systems or heavy timber
-(steel needs to be protected)
What structural system might you choose if you want to minimize the area occupied by columns to bearing walls?
Long -Span Structural Systems
EX: Heavy wood or steel trusses, glulam beams , open webbed steel joists,
What type of structural system might you choose if you want to construct during adverse weather conditions ?
A system that does not rely on on-site chemical processes and that can be quickly erected
EX All Steel and wood system, pre cast concrete
What Structural system might you choose for an irregularly shaped building?
Choose a system with simple roof and floor framing and that is mostly fabricated on-site
EX: site cast concrete, light gauge steel framing , masonry
What structural system might you choose if you want to minimize floor thickness and overall building height?
The thinnest floor systems are concrete slabs without ribs, preferably prestressed
Ex: site-cast concrete, precast prestressed hollow core or solid slab, post tensioned solid slab
What structural system might you choose if you want to minis on-site construction time?
Consider using processed, prefabricated or modular components
EX: single storey rigid steel frame, conventional steel frame, any precast concrete system , heavy timber frame
Name and describe four ways the human body loses or transfers heat to the surroundings
Conduction - Transfer of heat through direct contact
Convection - transfer of heat though liquid or gas
Radiation - tranfer of heat energy in the form of electromagnetic waves from a warm body to a cool body
Evaporation - transfer of heat though evaporation . Heat is required for the evaporative process of converting body moisture into vapor
What are Eight factors affecting human comfort? Which ones have the larges impact on thermal comfort?
Most:
Air Temperature
Relative humidity
MRT (Mean Radiant Temperature)
Air Motion
Less:
Air Purity
Sound
Vibration
Light
What is the mean radiant temperature?
Mean Radiant Temperature is the sum of the temperatures of surrounding walls, floors, and ceiling of a room weighted according to the solid Angle subtended by each at the point of measurement
What is a psychrometer?
A psychrometer is an instrument for measuring atmospheric humidity . It consists of two thermometers, the bulb of one bring dry and the bulb of the other kept moist and ventilated so that the cooling that results from evaporation make it register a lower temperature than the dry one. The difference between the readings is the atmospheric humidity
What are the key characteristics of a radiant heating system ? What are the pros and cons of this system?
Radiant Heating:
- Heated ceilings, floors, or walls radiate heat into the space using hot water or electric resistance cables.
Pros: Components are totally concealed
Cons: Cooling, air filtration and humidification need separate systems.
- radiant heat cannot travel around corners and is not affected by air motion
In HVAC systems, what is a damper?
A damper is used at teminal outlets to regulate the air movement through air ducts and at intakes and outlets
- controlled by a thermostat
What mechanical system might you choose if you want to minimize operating costs?
Choose systems that burn fossil fuels efficiently, systems that utilize solar heat or systems that burn locally available, low cost fuels such as :
- forced air
- hydronic heating
- active and passive solar
- heating stoves
In compressive refrigeration what is the difference between a condenser and an evaporator?
Condenser: is the component in a refrigeration system that reduces vapor or gas to liquid form
Evaporator: is the evaporator is the component in a refrigeration system in which the refrigerant absorbs heat from a cooling medium and changes form a liquid to a gas
What is a heat pump?
Heat pumps are electrically powered heating and cooling units. For cooling, the normal compressive refrigeration cycle is used to absorb and transfer excess heat from the outdoors. For heating, heat energy is drawn from the outdoors air by reversing the cooling cycle and switching the heat exchange functions of the condenser and evaporator
** heat pumps are most effiecient in moderate climates where heating and cooling loads are almost equal
what HVAC systems are capable of both heating and cooling ?
- Forced Air
-Heat Pumps - packaged terminal units or though wall units
Name the three ways water is used in a building
- human consumption
- sanitation
- in mechanical and fire suppression systems
Name three ways to heat water for consumption?
- Electrical or gas water heater
- On demand water heating
- solar water heating
Name three materials commonly used for water supply pipes
-Copper
- galvanized steel
- plastic (PEX)
What are the two major types of sprinkler systems ?
Wet Pipe Systems - Contains water a sufficient pressure to provide an immediate continuous discharge through sprinkler heads that open automatically in the event of a fire
Dry pipe System - contained pressurized air that is released when a sprinkler head opens allowing water to flow through the pipe and out the open nozzle.Often used when pipes are subject to freezing
