Programming and Analysis Flashcards
During the programming phase, a proposed buildings height would be most influenced by the decision to use
A. daylighting
B. indirect lighting
C. access floor systems
D. interstitial spaces
The answer is D.
Solution
Interstitial spaces between occupied floors require the most additional height per floor and the most total building height because they must be high enough to accommodate a person accessing the space for maintenance duties, as well as the ducts and equipment servicing the occupied spaces below.
Daylighting, indirect lighting, and access floor systems would add only a few feet, at most, to each floor.
In a contemporary building, the historic concept of formality could be most readily conveyed by the design principle known as
A. rhythm
B. symmetry
c. proportion
D. emphasis
The answer is B.
Solution
Throughout the history of architecture, symmetry has been one of the major design principles used to represent for Rhythm, proportion, and emphasis are other design princi ples that are used to connote formality, but often in more subtle ways than symmetry.
The net-to-gross ratio for a small retail store has been estimated by the archtiect to be 80%. The client has told the archtiect that 60,000sf of sales and storage space are required. The architect should plan for a building of ___________sf. Fill in the blank
The answer is 75,000sf
The net-to-gross ratio is found by dividing the net usable area by the gross area, which includes circulation areas, mechanical rooms, and similar ancillary areas. The desired net usable area is given and the net-to-gross ratio is known, so the needed gross area can be estimated by dividing the net area by the ratio expressed as a decimal.
Which of the programming diagrams shown would best record required space relationships just prior to initial space planning?
The answer is B.
Solution
Option B illustrates a bubble diagram. These diagrams are often used to indicate required adjacency relationships and priorities of relationships. Although it is often derived from the matrix chart shown in option A, the bubble diagram is best for showing relationships just prior to space planning, because the relative sizes and positions of the bubbles begin to give an indication of spatial relationships and sizes of the various spaces needed.
Option C is a flow diagram, as indicated by the arrows. This would be used as a scheduling chart or to show a flow of materials or some other kind of process from one point to another. Option D shows a block diagram, which represents the first results of spatial organization based on an adja cency diagram. It is not the correct answer because the question asks which diagram would be best just prior to the start of space planning.
“A house is a machine for living in,” reflects the idea that, like a machine, a house should be functional and serve humans. This expression summarizes the philosophy of
A. Marcel Breuer
B. Mies van der Rohe
C. Le Corbusier
D. Buckminster Fuller
The answer is C.
Solution
Le Corbusier made this statement to reflect his theory of modernity: Along with many other architects of the time, Le Corbusier distanced himself from the past and based his designs on functionality without ornament so that buildings would be true to their essential purpose. The quotation also implies that design should be efficient, simple, and elegant in a form consistent with function.
Which of the following is typically NOT part of the project schedule developed by the architect during the pro gramming process?
A. architectural services negotiation
B. pre-design phase
C. bidding time
D. construction
The answer is A.
Solution
The architect’s involvement in scheduling the overall project time frame begins only after the architect is hired, which occurs after negotiating for the architect’s services.
Study Note: Know the different types of scheduling tech niques, such as the Gantt schedule (or bar chan) and the critical path method (CPM).
While developing the preliminary project schedule during the programming phase, which would be the most reliable sources of information about construction time?
I. an annually published cost and scheduling book
II. historical documents on similar projects from the architects office
III. a contracting firm that has done work for the architect in the past
IV: the construction manager whom the client has hired for the job
A. I and III only
B. II and III only
C. II and IV only
D. III and IV only
The answer is C.
Solution
Records of similar projects that the architect has maintained would be a fairly accurate source of information about the time required to build. From this historical data, the archi tect could factor in any unique elements of the new project to arrive at a preliminary schedule that would work reason ably well for programming. The best source of current information would be the construction manager who is pan of the building team, because that person would have a great deal of experience with managing construction sched ules.
Annually published cost and scheduling books would not be a good choice because the scheduling information they contain is typically based on number of hours or manpower required to complete individual aspects of construction. Such books would be more useful for estimating time required to complete components of the overall project. Asking a contractor who previously worked with the archi tect would not be a good choice because, without assur ances that they would be awarded the job, the contractor might not be inclined to give accurate information.
In reviewing a CPM schedule from the contractor, the architect notices that the critical path is 200 calendar days, the total float is 30 days, and the contractor is planning for a 5 day work week. The architect should advise the client that the construction time
A. will be about 40 weeks
B. may be as long as 46 weeks
C. could be shortened to 32 weeks
D. cannot be delayed more than 6 weeks
The answer is A.
Solution
The critical path is the sequence of events that must happen as scheduled in order for a project to be completed on time. Dividing 5 work days per calendar week into 200 total days gives a 40-week construction time.
Float represents the range of time during which noncritical activities may stan or end without affecting the overall schedule. Total float is the individual float times added together, and does not influence the critical path time inter val.
During the bid phase, the contractor hired to con struct a small shopping mall planned for an 18-month con struction schedule. After construction begins, the client notifies the architect that, due to financing considerations, construction must be completed three months earlier than the original target date for substantial completion. The architect should recommend that the client
A. hire a different contractor
B. reduce the scope of the project
C. replan using a Gantt schedule
D. authorize the contractor to use a fast-track schedule
The answer is D.
Solution
A fast-track schedule could reduce the time of the project from 10% to 30%, and three months would represent about a 17% reduction, so this approach would be a reasonable alternative. Fast-tracking the project at this point in the construction process may increase the overall cost of the project because the contractor must replan the construction schedule. The contractor would likely request a significant change order for this type of modification to the original terms of the contract.
Hiring a different contractor would only increase the time required, because the new contractor would have to become familiar with the project and take additional time to prepare a new schedule. Reducing the scope of the project generally only works to reduce the budget, not the con struction time, and the client would probably not be willing to follow this course of action. Planning the sequence and scheduling of construction operations is the contractor’s responsibility, not the owners. The form of the schedule used does not affect the total construction time; therefore, it would not be helpful to replan using a Gantt schedule.
The statement “develop a multilevel system of pedestrian circulation” is an example of a
A. need
B. programming statement
C. goal
D. design concept
The answer is D.
Solution
A “multilevel system of pedestrian circulation” implies a definite type of physical solution and describes a design con cept. This should not be confused with a programming state ment, which states the problem but does not offer a solution or strategy. A programming statement that might precede the design concept would be something like “separate incompatible circulation functions.”
The developer of a retail shopping complex has estimated through an economic analysis that he can afford to build up to 85,000 ft2 (8000 m2) of gross building area. A central, enclosed pedestrian mall will occupy about 6% of the building, and the efficiency ratio is estimated to be 75%. Approximately how much net rentable area will be available?
A. 59,900 ft2 (5640 m2)
B. 63,700 ft2 (6000 m2
C. 67,600 ft2 (6370 m2
D. 107,000 ft2 (10 100m2
The answer is A.
Solution
None of the area of the enclosed mall would be rentable, so subtract the 6% right off the top. Then take 75% of the remainder.
(85,000 ft2)(0.06) = 5100 ft2
85,000 ft2 - 5100 ft2 = 79,900 ft2
A small medical clinic is being planned for a suburban loca tion on an open, level site. It is to include services of gen eral practice, obstetrics/family planning, testing and laboratories, and dental offices, along with medical offices and an administration area. All together the building will have a net area of about 70,000 ft2 (6500 m2). Access to the building is primarily by automobile.
The group developing the project wants the facility to be a comfortable, friendly place that minimizes the anxiety of a visit to the doctor and that makes it as easy as possible to get around. It expects the venture to be successful and each department to grow as the catchment area grows.
_________________________________________________
In order to meet the goals of the client, which of the following design responses would NOT be appropriate?
A. Base the size of waiting rooms on a behavior setting where establishing territory should be encouraged.
B. Group the waiting areas and the reception area together to encourage social interaction.
C. Develop a different color scheme for each of the separate services.
D. Arrange individual chair seating against walls
and other objects so it faces room entries.
The answer is B.
Solution
Grouping the waiting areas and the reception area to encourage interaction would probably be the least desirable option for two reasons. People are usually a little nervous while waiting with strangers and prefer the option to avoid contact in sociofugal space. In addition, because there are different departments in a medium-sized facility, having everyone in one space would be inefficient as well as uncomfortable. One large waiting area would make people feel less at ease and therefore would be counterproductive to the client’s goals.
A small medical clinic is being planned for a suburban loca tion on an open, level site. It is to include services of gen eral practice, obstetrics/family planning, testing and laboratories, and dental offices, along with medical offices and an administration area. All together the building will have a net area of about 70,000 ft2 (6500 m2). Access to the building is primarily by automobile.
The group developing the project wants the facility to be a comfortable, friendly place that minimizes the anxiety of a visit to the doctor and that makes it as easy as possible to get around. It expects the venture to be successful and each department to grow as the catchment area grows.
_________________________________________________
Which of the following organizational concepts would probably be most appropriate for this facility?
A. grid
B. axial
c. central
D. radial
The answer is D.
Solution
Because the facility is expected to grow and because there are several distinct departments, a radial organization would work for the first phase and allow for easy growth. Because the site is ample and flat, terrain would probably not restrict this type of organizational pattern. An axial pat tern might work, but because everyone enters in one place for directions and orientation, the central focus of a radial pattern would probably be preferable.
A small medical clinic is being planned for a suburban loca tion on an open, level site. It is to include services of gen eral practice, obstetrics/family planning, testing and laboratories, and dental offices, along with medical offices and an administration area. All together the building will have a net area of about 70,000 ft2 (6500 m2). Access to the building is primarily by automobile.
The group developing the project wants the facility to be a comfortable, friendly place that minimizes the anxiety of a visit to the doctor and that makes it as easy as possible to get around. It expects the venture to be successful and each department to grow as the catchment area grows.
_________________________________________________
Which of the following aspects of flexibility related to expected growth of the facility is most important in developing the structural framing concept?
A. convertibility
B. versatility
C. expandability
D. all of the above
The answer is C.
Solution
For the first phase of this type of building, most functions would probably be fixed, requiring little need for convert ibility in the future or multiple use initially. The primary need of expandability would determine the structural fram ing system employed so that the building could be added onto easily.
Which of these statements regarding grading is FALSE?
A. Grading may extend beyond a site’s property lines.
B. Cut and fill should be balanced.
C. Topsoil should be stripped, saved, and reapplied after rough grading is complete.
D. Slopes should be graded within their natural angle of repose.
The answer is A.
Solution
Grading may not extend beyond a sites property lines. Modified contours must always meet up with existing con tours within the boundaries of the site.
A large company is planning to construct new corpo rate headquarters. The vice president of operations presents a list of personnel, their positions in the firm, and company mandated space standards to the architect. This list would be described as a
A. facilities program
B. functional program
C. firm program
D. component program
The answer is B.
Solution
A Junctional program provides raw data for analysis and development of a facilities program, which considers scope, area requirements, adjacencies, costs, and site analysis. The functional program is usually used to make the case for a new facility by demonstrating that a current facility no longer meets the inhabitants’ needs. The owner prepares a functional program (but may be assisted by an architect or programmer) because preparation of this type of program requires an in-depth understanding of the operations of the company.
Which of these is true of a vegetated roof? (Choose the four that apply.)
A. It reduces the amount of stormwater runoff on a site.
B. It reduces the impervious surface area on a site.
C. It increases the amount of water that can be harvested for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation and flushing toilets.
D. It will have a longer lifespan than a conventional membrane roofing system.
E. It can minimize heat island effects.
F. It is more expensive to maintain than a traditional roofing system.
The answer is A, B, D, and E.
Solution
A vegetated roof is a roofing system that consists of a layer of plants and soil contained within an impermeable plastic liner on top of the structural roof assembly. Captured rain water is used to irrigate the plants, and the moisture is released back into the atmosphere through evapotranspira tion. Because the rainwater is used for irrigation of the plants on the roof, this technique reduces the amount of water than can be harvested for other nonpotable uses.
A vegetated roof reduces the impervious surface area on a site; as the depth of the pan holding the soil and plants increases, the runoff coefficient of the surface decreases. Garden roofs have the added advantage of minimizing heat island effects. The roofs may be designed as active gardens requiring tending and watering, or may contain plants that require little to no maintenance. Generally, the lifespan of a vegetated roof is longer and overall maintenance costs are less than would be incurred with a conventional roof sys tem because the roofing membrane is protected from ultra violet radiation by the layers of organic material.
A retaining wall is LEAST likely to fail by
A. spalling
B. sliding
C. settling
D. overturning
The answer is A.
Solution
Retaining walls must resist the force of the soil that they hold back, the wall’s weight, and any additional live loads applied. They are most likely to fail in one of three ways.
- by sliding, where the lateral thrust on the wall forces the entire wall to move forward
- by settling, where the vertical force (weight of wall and soil bearing on base) exceeds the bearing capacity of the soil beneath the wall, and the retaining wall sinks
- by overturning, where the overturning moment of the lateral thrust causes the wall to rotate forward. The rotation point is generally the toe of the footing.
Spalling is the deterioration of concrete or masonry caused by excessive moisture and is unlikely to cause a retaining wall to fail.
The following five activities are completed during the programming phase.
- collect data
- define the problem
- develop programmatic concepts
- owner describes project goals
- reconcile list of spaces with project budget
When they are put in the correct order, which will occur third?
A. collect data
B. define the problem
C. develop programmatic concepts
D. reconcile list of spaces with project budget
The answer is C.
Solution
The correct order of activities is
- owner describes project goals
- collect data
- develop programmatic concepts
- reconcile list of spaces with project budget
- define the problem
Programming includes a sequence of steps that leads the programmer and owner from a rough idea for a project to a clear statement of the problems and opportunities it pre sents. These challenges will be considered fully and resolved during the design phase.
To begin programming, it is first necessary to describe the project goals. This step includes a discussion of the owner’s objectives for the building, problems that must be addressed, and space requirements.
Next, the programmer collects data. During this phase, the programmer organizes facts regarding the site, the occu pants, the intended uses and characteristics of the spaces needed, the budget, and the local codes or ordinances that will affect and influence the project.
During the third step, the programmer develops schematic diagrams in order to organize the facts collected in the pre vious step and present them in a way that is visually clear and comprehensible. These diagrams, which can take many forms, display the sizes and spatial relationships (adjacen cies) of the spaces that are needed or desired.
Next, the programmer must reconcile the list of pro grammed spaces with the project budget. Now is the time to adjust the program, the budget, or both, so that the pro ject is feasible.
Finally, the programmer defines the problem. This is the goal of programming: to define the problem so that it can be solved during the design phase. What kind of building must be built? How are the spaces within it to be related? Where will it be built? How much will it cost? Programming is the process of seeking problems and defining objectives; design is the process of solving the problems and bringing physical form to those objectives.
What is the net-to-gross ratio?
The net-to-gross ratio is found by dividing the net usable area by the gross area, which includes circulation areas, mechanical rooms, and similar ancillary areas. The desired net usable area is given and the net-to-gross ratio is known, so the needed gross area can be estimated by dividing the net area by the ratio expressed as a decimal.
