Module 1

Question 1

In what order should the stair elements be drawn for the stair layout vignette?

Answer 1

You should begin this vignette by drawing the stair runs and landings first, followed by pleasing handrails and elevation markers. Make sure you provide an area of refuge if one is required on the correct level by expanding the size of the landing.

Question 2

What program and plan information should you use to determine the overall number of risers for the stair layout vignette?

Answer 2

Refer to the building section and plan provided which will give the elevation height at each building level. to determine the number of irsers between each level, divide the elevation by the required riser height from the program for example, if the elevation between levels is 2-0” and you choose to use 6” risers, you would have 5 risers for that run of the stair.

Question 3

What program information should you use to determine the overall width of the stair for the Stair layout vignette?

Answer 3

The program will provide you with a basic building code containing minimum requirements based on occupant load, the code minimum, and if an area of refuge is to be provided review all this information and choose the stair width that is the largest as it will comply with all three requirements.

Question 4

What is the best way to draw the railings for the stair layout vignette?

Answer 4

Railings will be required on each run of stair as well as along any open sides of landings. Remember to include railing extensions at the top and bottom of each run of stair. to place the railing, make sure to keep it one or two “snaps” away from the walls to allow for grab clearance.

Question 5

Which tool should you use to set the elevation on the stairs and landings for the stair layout vignette?

Answer 5

Use the “Set Elevation” tool to set the elevation on the stairs and landings. Make sure that the bottom of each stair run is set ot the same elevation as the landing it connects to, otherwise the software won’t read the two elements as connected.

Question 6

How should landings be placed above doors in plan for the stair layout vignette?

Answer 6

If you must place a landing above a door in plan, make sure the top fo the landing is set above the head height clearance required in the program. also remember to include the depth for the stringers. For example, if the head height clearance is set to 6’8” with a 12” stringer height, a landing laced above a door should be set to at least 7’8”.

Question 7

What is the best way to be efficient with the riser and tread sizes for the stair layout vignette?

Answer 7

Refer to the minimum and maximum riser and tread sizes given in the program and try to maximize these requiremtns. For example, if the program gives a tread depth of 12” and a riser height between 4” - 7”, to be the most efficient you should try to use as close to the 7” riser height as possible. Depending on the elevation between levels, it may make sense to use a 6” riser to make the number of risers as simple as possible.

Question 8

When laying out the ramp, what areas should be maintained for the Ramp Layout Vignette?

Answer 8

The ramp and stair for the ramp layout vignette may not block any existing doors or corridors and must also maintain the clearance for the accessible path of egress. If the ramp of stair encroaches into these areas, it may result in a downgrade of your solution.

Question 9

How do you determine the width requirements for the ramp on the ramp layout vignette?

Answer 9

The program will provide you with the requirements for the ramp width, both as a minimum width as well as an accessible width. Make sure your layout follows these widths and when in doubt, go with the larger number to make sure your ramp meets both requirements.

Question 10

Where should the clerestory window be placed on the roof framing vignette?

Answer 10

The program will provide a basic requirement for the clerestory window, such as in the west wall of the gallery. Remember that the clerestory window will be located in a wall between the lower and upper roof areas, so make sure you don’t neglect the height of the clerestory when setting your upper roof height.

Question 11

How should you calculate the height for the lower roof on the roof framing vignette?

Answer 11

Beginning by calculating the lowest point roof height for the lower roof areas. the lower roof can be calculated by adding the ceiling height and the structural assembly dimensions together (i.e. if your ceiling height is 9’0” witha structural assembly depth of 18”, the lowest point of the low roof would be 10’6”.

Question 12

How should you calculate the height for the upper roof on the roof framing vignette?

Answer 12

Select a corner where the low roof intersects with the clerestory wall of the upper roof to show the elevation of both roofs at the point. Use the slope of the low roof to calculate the height at this point. for example, if the lowest point is 10’6” with a roof slope of 3:12 and the distance to this new point is 10’0”, the new point would be at an elevation of 13’0” (3:12 slope over 10’0” distance is an additional 30” to add to the low height of 10’6”). Set the height of the lowest point of the upper roof by adding together the height of the clerestory window, the elevation height at the low.er roof and the structural assembly depth of the upper roof (i.e. if the low.er roof at this point is 13’0” and the clerestory window in the wall is 36” high and the upper roof has a structural assembly depth of 18”, the upper roof at this point would be 17’6”).

Question 13

In what order should the roof elements be placed on the Roofing Framing vignette?

Answer 13

First you should draw the planes for both the upper and lower roof areas. Next set the elevations for both roofs at the out corners as well as the clerestory wall. Then draw the clerestory window, flashing along any roof edge that intersects with a wall or chimney, crickets at the chimney if necessary, gutters and downspouts, and finally plumbing vents & fans, skylights and mechanical equipment.

Question 14

What are 5 essential questions in the process of design?

Answer 14

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?

Question 15

What information given in the program will help indicate which area in plan should have the upper roof height on the roof framing vignette?

Answer 15

The program will likely not tell you exactly which space will have the upper roof height and which will have the low.er roof, however the clue lies in which space has the clerestory window. Since the clerestory should be placed in a wall between the lower and upper roofs, the space it is placed in will have the upper roof height.

Question 16

What items is an architect responsible for evaluating during Schematic Deisgn per AIA B101?

Answer 16

Owner’s Program

Schedule

Budget (cost of work, project site, and proposed delivery method)

Question 17

What is the most efficient design for the roof planes on the roof framing vignette?

Answer 17

The most efficient and straightforward layout for the roof planes will be to use simple gable or shed roofs over each space. Avoid drawing hips or ridges at 45 degree angles as these are harder to calculate and not necessary to successfully complete this vignette.

Question 18

Regarding the structural foundation for the building, what must be completed during Schematic Design?

Answer 18

Requirements are established for the foundations based on subsurface investigations. Special considerations to the unique conditions of the site in light of building needs must be realized. As schmatic design is further refined, basement plans, foundation refinement and systems are established conceptually.

Question 19

During schematic design, what is typically not required to be defined in the interior of the building?

Answer 19

Upon setting the requirement for finishes, partitions, and necessary elements - essential interior layouts, vocabulary and built-in furniture are presented during the schematic stage. Door schedules/details, room finish schedules, and partition types are not typically needed during schematic design.

Question 20

Name 5 items that need to be considered when performing a zoning analysis.

Answer 20

Parking and load requirements

Existing Requirements

Building Area

Setbacks

Height limitations

Question 21

Describe design considerations that should be discussed with the client during Schematic Design.

Answer 21

There are elements that should be presented to the client as responsible design alternatives, such as: environmentally sound material choices, building orientation, sustainable alternative materials, equipment and optimal building systems. These proposed options should be based on the client’s program, schedule, budget and aesthetic preferences.

Question 22

What would be considered additional servecs according to the AIA B101?

Answer 22

Beyond the scope of work traditionally offered by the architect, and as explained in the B-101 - Owner-Architect agreement - additional services can include:

Life cycle

Cost analysis

Energy studies

Tenant related design studies

Economic feasibility

Special renderings

Models

Brochures

Promotional materials

Question 23

How should the architect analyze the cost of the project for the Owner during Schematic design?

Answer 23

Preliminary analysis of the owner’s budget should include contingencies for the unknowns encountered through design development, market and construction processes. Preliminary cost estimates are presented by major trades or broken down by systems.

Question 24

What sustainable design elements should be considered during Schematic Design?

Answer 24

Schematic goals to incorporate daylighting, water conservation and treatment, minimal site intrusion, reduced energy usage and similar sustainable ideals should be considered during schematic design.

Question 25

Where can you find the slope requirements for the ramp layout vignette?

Answer 25

The program will provide you with the max. slope requirement for the ramp. This means you should not draw a ramp that is any steeper than this slope. A typical ramp slope is 1:12, which would mean for every foot of lenth the ramp would slope 1”. So if you have an elevation between levels of 18”, your ramp would need to be 18’ long in order to stay within the slope requirement. You could in theory make the ramp longer in order to be under the slope max; however the most efficient approach is to meet the program requirement.

Question 26

Can the ramp and stair connect on the ramp layout vignette?

Answer 26

Yes the ramp and stair may share the landings, which connects to the upper level on the ramp layout vignette. in fact, this is the most efficient and direct approach for this vignette.

Question 27

What is the most efficient design for the ramp layout vignette?

Answer 27

The most efficient layout for the ramp vignette is to use switchbacks with landings connecting two runs of ramp. This will create a compact design that uses less space, thus being more efficient.

Question 28

How should railings be placed on the ramp layout vignette?

Answer 28

SImilar to the stair Layout vignette, you will need to place railings on the stair and ramp runs as well as the landings. Make sure to enclose all the open sides of each landing as well as include railing extensions at the top and bottom of each run of stair and ramp.

Question 29

What tool is helpful to use after the ramp and stair have been drawn on the ramp layout vignette?

Answer 29

Use the check tool to verify that the ramps, landings and stairs are properly aligned and not overlapping one another. Also make sure that each run of stair and ramp connect to a landing, you don’t want any gaps between these elements.

Question 30

What tool is helpful to use when drawing the roof planes on the roof framing vignette?

Answer 30

The ortho tool is useful to make sure your roof planes are set at 90 degree angles. This is the most efficient layout for the roof planes.

Question 31

Describe Design-bid-build method of project delivery.

Answer 31

This long established process of the building process proceeds in a linear fashion. The design reaches a point of completion, then forwarded into the bidding process. Of those who participate in the bidding process, the lowest responsible bidder constructs the building. A public building facility’s construction bidding process should be held in a competitive, public bidding setting - allowing equal opportunity for participation. otherwise a client requested contractor or non-competitive selection process could be implemented.

Question 32

Which elements are required on the site plan during design development?

Answer 32

The prepared scaled site plan reflects the placement of the building in relation to the site and surrounding elements, including street, property lines, easements, setbacks, parking lots, etc. Surveys are required to obtain accurate locations of these essential points of interest. A civil engineer reviews the grades and provides their recommendations.

Question 33

What are three options for a CM during the construction management method of project delivery?

Answer 33

CM-Adviser - Acts as a consultant for constructability and cost managment issues during the process of design and construction, but are not responsible for the construction of the building.

CM-Agent - can provide consulting early on in the design process, assisting the owner in coordinating the trades before and during construction as well. They are paid a fixed fee and carry no risk for the actual construction costs. A primary differnece between CM-Advisor and agent is that agents have the authority to enter into contracts on the owner’s behalf.

CM-constructor - “CM-at-risk” - As the CM-constructor, they carry the “risk” of responsibility to meet the fixed cost of construction. They act as a technical and estimator/advisor of costs prior to constructing the project and as the contractor during construction. They typically enter with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP)

Question 34

Define the Design Build method of project delivery.

Answer 34

This method of collaboration assigns the responsibility of design and construction to one responsible party. This is to the advantage of both the client, designer and builder as it eliminates potential rifts in communication and implementation, as well as liability concerns rising between designer and builder.

Question 35

What should be included on the building floor plans during Design Development?

Answer 35

Scaled plans are prepared, structural grids, critical dimensions and elements are established, and major building systems are reflected, including shafts, equipment/service rooms etc. The building perimeter is laid out and door/window locations are reflected. However, detailed numbering of the spaces, windows and doors has not commenced at this stage.

Question 36

How should the mechanical and electrical systems in a building be defined and developed during DD (design development?

Answer 36

Mechanical systems are reflected on plans, outline specifications and preliminary equipment lists. Distribution and riser diagrams are also provided at this point in the design development stage.

Electrical system selection is further detailed and reflected on design development documents and outline specifications. Distribution diagrams are also included as well as room lighting layouts and ceiling plans as necessary.

Question 37

What is Defensible Space?

Answer 37

Defensible space proposes that social issues like crime and vandalism can be constrolled (and even reduced) through proper environmental design. This is an important concept because it relates an individual’s environment to his or her expectation of crime in the community.

Question 38

What reasons might an Owner have to fast track the project schedule?

Answer 38

Cost drives a project, and speeds it up as well. Driving factors may include: the process of saving money or gaining more of it, interest savings, construction loans, climate, taxes, initiating the revenue stream sooner, heading off competition, lease costs.

Question 39

What is the difference between balance and symmetry?

Answer 39

Balance refers to an evenly distributed set of parts, for example while the left and right sides of a balanced building may not be mirror images of eachother, they will have a similar visual “weight” due to size, massing, shape, arrangement, color, etc.

Symmetry describes a mirroring of architectural elements on each side of a central axis.

Question 40

Define personal space.

Answer 40

Personal space is a concept initially introduced by sociologist Edward T. Hall, defining how our proximity to others varies based on our behavior. We each have a personal space bubble.

Question 41

Describe Universal Design.

Answer 41

Universal Design refers to a wide-array of concepts surrounding making buildings accessible for everyone, including people with dissabilities, but also for the elderly, or people without disabilities who may still need special consideration.

Question 42

What are the typical distances considered as personal space?

Answer 42

Intimate Distance: Touching distance 1’6” radius around person

Personal DIstance: standing close together on an elevator (4’ radius around)

Social Distance: walking down the street (12’ radius around person)

Public Distance: interacting with strangers (25’ radius around person)

Question 43

What are the four factors that create Defensible Space?

Answer 43

Territoriality: the idea that one’s home is sacred

Natural surveillance: the link between an areas physical characteristics and the resident’s ability to see what’s happening

Image: the ability of the physical forms to impart a sense of security

Milieu (environment): other features that may affect security, such as proximity to a police station or busy retail district.

Question 44

Describe the Golden Section.

Answer 44

The Golden Section or ‘golden mean” established order in nature and classical architecture, using geometry and arithmetic. Defined as:

A is to B, as B is to the whole = A:B= B(A+B)

Question 45

What are typical winter and summer comfort zones?

Answer 45

Winter = 63-71 F

Summer = 66 - 75F

Question 46

Which form of spatial organization allows for future expansion and growth?

Answer 46

Clustered organization - Due to its flexible nature, spaces can change with ease and accept future growth. The tool of proximity accommodates various forms and functions. Compactness and geometrical order not primary features, if at all.

Question 47

Define anthropomorphic scale.

Answer 47

Anthropomorphic scale - human scale - differes according to size, age and mobility. Elements facilitating mobility establish scale - such as stairs, doors and handles, as well as other standardized references. Scales can also be manipulated to create larger or smaller appearances for visual effect. The articulation on the facade of structures also sets scale and visual interest.

Question 48

Describe the concept of natural surveillance.

Answer 48

The juxtaposition of dwellings - their entries and amenities - with city streets so as to incorporate the streets within the sphere of influence of the residential environment.

The juxtaposition of dwelling interiors with exterior spaces and the placement of windows to allow residents to naturally survey the exterior and interior public areas of their living environments and the areas assigned for their use.

Question 49

What is the decibel range that can be heard by humans.

Answer 49

We measure noise (sound) in decibels (dB) on logarithmic scale between 1dB (the bottom threshold of hearing) and 140dB (threshold of pain) . The change of 1 decibel is the smallest difference that a human ear can detect (dogs have much better hearing)

Question 50

What is the noise reduction Coefficient?

Answer 50

The NRC represents the absorptive level of material at four frequenceis: 250, 500, 1000, 2000 Hz. The standard rating ranges of zero (perfectly reflective) to 1 (perfectly absorptive), evaluate the materials ability to absorb sounds at speech frequencies. Observing its absorption at low.er frequencies, such as music, does not work. This average represents the relative ABSORPTION of material, not the barrier of sound.