Programming/Design 36% Flashcards
Are programming services part of the scope of Architects basic services?
No. the owner will either provide the architect with a program or hire the Architect to perform programming services as an additional service
What are three important duties of the Architect during administration of programming services
- confirm scope and intent of project with Owner
- Prepare a schedule for programming services, including milestone dates
- Submit programming documents to the owner for evaluation and approval
How can the Architect determine the values, goals and objectives of the owner and users during the programming phase?
- conduct a visioning session to discuss and prioritize values and goals
- Meet with the owner to confirm and finalize the priorities
- Identify and evaluate the constraints and opportunities that will have an impact, such as government requirements, finances, and access, etc.
After reviewing and analyzing the project data during programming, what should the Architect do next?
- Identify any major unresolved programming issues
- Make recommendations for solutions to the unresolved programming issues to the Owner
- Prepare and present initial report of findings for the Owners review
What is included in the architects final program document?
- executive summary
- value and goal statements
- facts, data analysis, and conclusions
- relationship and flow diagrams
- matrices identifying space allocations, relationship, functions and sizes
- special requirements and equipment such as HVAC, plumbing, acoustics, furnishings, etc.
what information is collected during programming? and how?
Architect collects:
reports of existing facilities, site surveys applicable codes, historical documents and planning standards
Architect conducts:
site visit to existing facilities and/or site with the owner to prepare a space inventory, identify traffic and circulation patterns and use levels.
What are three ways the architect determines the specific space requirements of the project during programming?
- identify all required spaces and establish sizes and relationships
- Establish space efficiency factors (ratio of net SF to gross SF)
- Document particular space requirements such as HVAC, plumbing, lighting, acoustical furnishings, equipment or security needs.
What are considered additional services during the programming phase?
- Multiple Site Evaluation
- Site suitability and planning
- Master planning
- Preliminary design and cost estimating
- Scheduling and market analysis
- Detailed existing facility evaluation
- Environmental suitability
- Services in support of owner’s other consultants
Site Evaluation and planning is considered an additional service during programming. What are the Architects first steps during this process?
prepare a schedule for a site evaluation and planning services that identifies milestones dates, services furnished by the architect, and completion of documentation provided by the architect
Name five services that could be specifically designated as the Architects Responsibility during Site Evaluation and planning.
- program analysis - area required for building, parking, circulation, open space, etc.
- Site analysis and selection - existing conditions study, assist owner in selecting site.
- Cultural factor analysis - research history of the site and analyze impact of development
- Environmental studies - determine impact of project on environment
- Economic analysis - impact on development cost
Who is responsible for all decisions regarding design during programming?
The Owner.
The Architect is mainly responsible for collecting design information and presenting the data to the owner for review and decision.
The Architect and owner are in disagreement on which design layout would be most appropriate for a project. Who makes the final decision?
The Owner.
The Architect mainly provides information and data support a certain layout or design. it is ultimately the Owner’s decision for which design to choose.
When should the budget for the project as well as the cost estimate be prepared during programming?
The architect can supply a preliminary cost estimate as an additional service at the end of program development.
Ideally the Owner provides the architect with the budget at the beginning of the programming phase.
You have received conflicting instructions from the project manager and superintendent, both hired by the owner. Whose instructions should you follow?
The owner should be contacted for the final decision, but often times the owner authorizes a representative to make decisions on their behalf.
What are five ways in which an Architect can involve the clients, users, consultants and stakeholders in developing the project design?
- attend community meetings
- hold private meetings with clients
- hold public meetings with stakeholders and clients
- hold town hall type meetings for the community
- hold a charette to encourage input on design
Name four ways an architect can communicate design ideas and collect feedback from users and stakeholders
- present plans, elevations, models and 3D sketches
- show a power point presentation
- conduct interviews with stakeholders and end users
- distribute questionnaires to client, end users, and stakeholders
What are the main concerns stakeholders and community groups may have related to a project’s impact on the surrounding area?
- Environment
- Increase in traffic, noise and density
- Inappropriate uses for the neighborhood
What are some common materials that may contain VOC’s? Name two methods for controlling their effect on indoor air quality.
Carpet glues and adhesives, millwork, hardwood flooring and paint.
the Architect can specify low VOC products and provide adequate passive and mechanical ventilation in the design to bring fresh air into the building.
A site is located near an industrial center with a high level of air pollution. What are some measures to protect building users from harmful air borne particulates?
- install air filter equivalent to MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) 13 or better
- regular maintenance of the building ventilation systems
- incorporate dehumidification or humidification equipment
What is the difference between carbon monoxide and radon and what are mitigation measures for each?
Carbon monoxide is generated from fires or combustion equipment and should be vented directly to outside, install detectors within house
Radon naturally occurs in the soil as uranium and thorium decay and should be provided with proper under floor and basement ventilation, install radon sump pump in basement
What are the main causes of mold and mildew growth and how can this problem be avoided?
mold and mildew occur most often in wet areas and grows with excessive moisture, lack of ventilation, organic compounds for food and warm air temperature.
passive/mechanical ventilation should be required
During schematic design of a preschool, you are approached by a group of parents who request a certain finish material for the playground. How should you respond?
Architect should not take direction from an end user but rather forward the request or concern on to the client for review and final decision.
What are similar design characteristics that would be utilized in the design of a nursing home and an elementary school?
security, adult supervision, material finishes, higher indoor air quality should be the priority.
in addition, for children, softer surfaces and accommodating higher levels of activity
How does contracting with an individual homeowner differ from a building project with a corporation?
When designing a home you have direct interaction with the owner.
When designing for a corporation you work with a board of directors and an authorized respresentative
you have been hired to sign a synagogue, however you have no knowledge of the jewish culture. How can you ensure your design will meet the needs of your client and end users?
- Hire a cultural consultant
- Conduct studies of the culture through research, travel or interviews
- Attend an assembly or gathering.
- Hold design review meetings
- Conduct interviews and distribute questionnaires with members of the cultural community
What is the importance of including input from user groups during programming?
in order to fully understand any assumptions and to verify analysis data, it is important that the architect collect information from end users to make sure the building will function adequately once completed.
What is the difference between a citizen’s advisory committee and a neighborhood community organization?
Citizens advisory committee is a group of community members appointed by local board or agency to provide input and feedback on project proposals
Neighborhood and community organizations are grassroots groups consisting of active/concerned members of the community
How can an Architect determine stake holder expectations and influence project participation?
conduct interviews, focus groups, workshops, surveys and observation
to influence stakeholders, an architect should create partnerships, keep all parties involved and informed, and have regular milestone meetings.
Name three design methods to maintain appropriate internal lighting levels.
- daylight sensors
- occupancy sensors
- dimmable controls
Name four site related safety design measures and four building related safety design measures an architect can incorporate into a project.
- site safety - building lighting at exterior, including entryways and exit doors; site lighting in parking lot; access control, and security cameras
- building safety - controlled check-in area, alarms (fire, smoke, elevator, security), egress (paths clearly marked, emergency evacuation plan, glazing)
Name three design methods to maintain the proper internal air temperature.
- occupancy sensors - HVAC equipment set to properly cool or heat a space based on number of occupants
- Zoning - “hot areas” receive more cooling while warm areas receive less heat.
- Thermostatic controls - occupants have control over individual spaces.
How do the acoustical design concerns differ between an office building and an auditorium?
An office will likely require control of noise between loud and quiet spaces through the use of separation/isolation, metal furring strips, acoustical tiles and insulation.
An auditorium will focus more on directing and reflecting sound as well as absorbing it in necessary spaces, such as backstage areas.
What are four energy efficiency design methods that can be incorporated into a building project?
- Heating & air conditioning - properly seal ducts, install multiple zones and programmable thermostats, use high efficiency furnace.
- Water heating - insulate hot water tanks & pipes, use solar hot water systems.
- lighting - use daylighting, fluorescent or LED, install dimmer controls and occupancy sensors.
- Appliances - select Energy star appliances
Other than low flow shower heads and toilets, what are other design methods for water conservation?
- install a gray water system to reuse as irrigation water
- install a rainwater harvesting system to reuse rainfall
- install drought tolerant landscaping to reduce the amount of site water used
- drip irrigation or sprinklers on timers and rain sensors to reduce site water used.
What five actions can an architect take to utilize resource conservation during project design?
- re-use existing materials on site
- re-use recyclable materials
- select locally manufactured materials
- use rapidly renewable materials
- use wood products that have been sustainably harvested
what factors should an architect consider when developing spatial requirements and adjacencies?
- Assign priority to spaces to determine most important adjacencies.
- Consider furniture and special equipment placement
- Analyze flow patterns of occupants vehicular traffic patterns, future needs of building, open space requirements.
What kind of programming requirements would need to be considered for the design of a fire station?
- Needs of the fire fighters and staff
- Adequate spaces for necessary equipment
- Administrative and sleeping facilities
- Size and requirements for fire truck bays
The owner has chosen a site that long and narrow and asymmetrical in shape. How could this effect the design of the project?
Space sizes could be affected if large rooms are required.
Building orientation will be important in order to maximize site efficiency while still taking advantage of views, sunlight, ventilation, etc.
Name six topographical conditions to consider when evaluating a site.
- grading - is the site flat, hilly or sloped?
- Vehicluar access - during & after construction
- Utilities access - existing on site or must be extended
- site features - rock outcroppings, cliffs, forest, etc.
- Bodies of water - wetland, lakes, streams, ocean
- Views - preserve significant existing views
A site is located on a steep, undeveloped slope with southern views to the ocean. What are the three primary concerns for this location?
- Grading and foundation type - steep slope will require either extensive grading or a pile foundation system or both
- Utilities access - an undeveloped piece of land will need to connect to existing utilities
- Views - preservation of southern view may be desired
How can a site be designed to avoid the ponding of water?
- reduce the amount of paving on site or use pervious paving materials
- include proper grading and swales to direct water away from the building and to the storm drain system
What is the difference between topographical conditions and geological conditions?
Topographical conditions occur on the surface of a site.
Geological conditions occur under the surface of a site.
What effect does a high water table have on site design?
- site drainage - dewatering may be necessary as well as storm water runoff management.
- foundation type - mat slab floating on upper soil layers or piles extending to bear on stable soil
- waterproofing - foundation and basement walls require proper protection from water damage.
What are the similarities and differences between a mat foundation and a pile foundation?
similarities:
both foundation types can be used on expansive soils or a site with a high water table
differences:
mat foundation essentially floats a building on the upper soil layers of the site
pile foundation is penetrated deep into the site to reach stable soil
What are three passive design strategies that can be included on a building located in a desert climate?
desert climate is hot-arid. very hot and very cold
- properly insulating the walls and ceiling will help maintain the indoor temperature
- using large overhangs on the southern exposure will allow for ample sunlight in winter and shading in summer
- use of operable windows will allow for natural ventilation and air exchange.
Name three design methods for protection against water penetration of the building envelope.
- proper slope and drainage of roof reduces risk of ponding and leakage.
- overhangs above doors and windows protects the openings from water infiltration
- a properly designed rain screen envelope minimizes moisture buildup in the exterior envelope (which can lead to mold and deterioration of materials)
What is the main design concern regarding snow drift?
Snow drift occurs when two adjacent roofs are at different heights and the snow can stack on the lower roof creating larger loads in that area. this additional weight creates a greater stress on the building structure so a building located in this climate must be designed to accommodate the additional loads.
you are designing a museum containing artifacts that are sensitive to light and humidity. What measures should you take given these conditions?
- Maximize the use of indirect lighting for the spaces containing artifacts, such as clerestory windows.
- Use of effective moisture control such as exhaust fans in toilet rooms will minimize indoor humidity as well as utilizing properly designed exterior details to allow materials to breathe.
- Install special humidification or dehumidification equipment to maintain proper humidity in the gallery spaces
Why should an architect be concerned with wind hazards?
Strong winds, much like seismic activity, can damage building by introducing lateral forces, particularly on projections such as parapets and overhangs. These elements must be designed to resist uplift and overturning forces. Wind can also propel objects at buildings during hurricanes and tornadoes so a building should be designed to withstand impact forces.
you are designing an office building near a wetland area and the landscape architect wants to introduce a new plant species. What effect may this have on the wetland area?
non-native plant species can have a negative impact on a wetland by displacing or destroying native species, altering the wetland function or service as well as disrupting the ecosystem. An Architect should take great care to minimize or eliminate construction and disturbance in wetland areas as well as maintain the proper permits for this type of site.
Name four federal agencies that may be involved in the approval process for a wetlands project?
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- National Resource Conservation Service.
What are “The Big Four” permits/approvals that may be required for most wetland or stream projects?
- USACE 404 permit - US Army Corps of Engineers
- RWQCB 401 Cert. - Regional Water Quality Control Board
- CDFG Streambed Alteration Agreement - California Department of Fish and Game
- CEQA Compliance - California Environmental Quality Act.
Define “flora” and “fauna” and describe how your design may be affected by their presence on the site.
Flora is plant life such as trees, vegetation and shrubs.
Fauna refers to any animal life present, particularly any endangered species.
Site design may be affected by needing to designate no disturbance zones, re-planting disturbed areas, minimizing effect on food and water supply, and minimizing night site lighting and wildlife use corridors.
your client has a site located near a wetland in the coastal zone. Which state agencies may be required for approval to design on this site?
- Department of Fish and Wildlife
- California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA)
- State Water Resource Control Board
- California Coastal Commission
Define the Coastal zone in California according to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA)
The California coastal zone generally extends 1,000 yards inland from the mean high tide line. In significant coastal estuarine habitats and recreational areas it extends inland to the first major ridgeline or fives miles from the mean high tide line, whichever is less. In developed urban areas, the boundary is generally less than 1,000 yards. - excerpt from the NOAA website
Which state and federal agencies may be involved in the review process for habitats of endangered species?
State Agencies:
1. Department of Fish and Wildlife
2. California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA)
Federal Agencies:
1. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Who Performs a soil survey and how does this information affect project design?
Geotechnical Engineer.
it helps determine the types of soil exist on the site.
The information has a direct impact on the foundation selection for the project. The soils report will typically recommend the foundation type or types to be used
Which seismic zone in California poses the greatest earthquake hazard?
Seismic Zone 4.
There are four seismic shaking zones in the U.S., the higher the number the higher the earthquake danger. All of California lies within shaking zones 3 & 4
According to the California geological survey, what is a fault and how are they defined on fault zone maps?
A fault is a fracture in the crust of the earth along which rocks on one side have moved relative to those on the other side. An active fault is one that has ruptured in the last 11,000 years. Earthquake fault zones are plotted on topographic maps at a scale of 1 inch equals 2,000 feet and typically average about one-quarter mile wide.
Name the three fire zones in california and what factors the severity of each is based on.
Medium, High, Very High
These areas, or “zones”, are based on factors such as fuel (material that can burn), slope and fire weather. Fire burns faster uphill and weather conditions such as high temperatures, winds or low humidity can cause a fire to grow rapidly
Name five ground effects an earthquake can cause on a site.
- ground shaking - causes over 90% of all damage
- landslide - shaking causes soil and rock to slide off a slope
- fault rupture - crack forms as ground is offset along the two sides of a fault
- lateral spreading - shaking causes soil to break into blocks and separate
- liquefaction - loose, wet sandy soil causes the foundation to sink
(watch San Andreas starring Dwayne Johnson)
What must occur before a project can be permitted in relation to earthquake fault zones?
geological investigation.
it shows the building will not be constructed across active faults. if an active fault is found, a structure for human occupancy must be set back from the fault, generally 50 feet. The Alquist-Priolo Act (1972) is intended to prevent construction of buildings used for human occupancy on the surface of active faults.
What are the two key elements of the fire hazard severity zone model?
- Probability of burning
- Probable fire behavior
Cal Fire has developed a model that serves as the basis of zone assignments that is based on factors such as fire history, existing and potential fuel, flame length, blowing embers, terrain, weather and likelihood of buildings igniting.
What are three methods to reduce the chance of building loss due to fire?
- Defensible space - reduce flammable material around the homes to keep direct flames and heat away (law requires 100 feet around buildings)
- Exterior wildfire exposure protection - construct buildings of fire resistant material
- Green zone - Clearing an area of 30 fee immediately surrounding home, keep roof clear of flammable material, trim tree branches and keep a spark arrester on the chimney.
What types of disasters is FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) responsible for?
FEMA has nationwide responsibility for reducing damage from hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods fires, hazardous spills, acts of nature or terrorism
FEMA also creates and maintains flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) which delineate both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
What site design measures can an Architect use to mitigate flood damage?
- locate building pads above the 100 year floodplain
- avoid large areas of concrete/hard surface.
- use of swales to direct water runoff
Define the three wind exposure categories from most protected to least protected.
Wind exposure categories are determined by “ground surface roughness” that arises from natural and constructed site features.
- Exposure B - Urban & Suburban areas
- Exposure C - Open terrain with scattered obstructions with heights less than 30 feet
- Exposure D - flat, unobstructed areas & water surfaces not in hurricanes prone regions
What building design measures can an architect implement to mitigate damage from a flood?
- avoid building in a flood prone area unless the structure is elevated and reinforced
- elevate the furnace, water heater & electrical panels if susceptible to flooding.
- install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into drains
- seal walls of basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
It is discovered that there are hazardous materials present on a site. What mitigation measures should be followed?
- remove hazardous material from the site and properly dispose per federal, state and local guidelines
- encapsulating and permanently sealing the material on the site per federal, state and local guidelines.
What are the acts, laws and regulations applicable to hazardous material mitigation?
- toxic substances control act (federal)
- comprehensive environmental response compensation and liability act (a.k.a Superfund; federal)
- Federal EPA brownfield program
- California EPA brownfield program
- Federal EPA clean air act
- Federal EPA clean water act
Describe the entitlement phase of the approval process for gaining permits from regulatory agencies.
- submit design development drawings with enough information to illustrate size and scope of project to the local planning department. drawings will be reviewed for compliance with CEQA, zoning codes, local ordinances, LCP if in coastal zone and specific plan
- attend any design review board meetings
- submit drawings to state, regional and local agencies as required.
what steps follow the entitlement phase during the approval process?
the plan approval process follows the entitlement phase.
The architect produces contract documents including ASMEP drawings for submission to the local agencies
What conditions must be in place in order to obtain a building permit?
all agencies must sign off on the project before a building permit is issued.
- the owner can obtain the permit
- the general contractor can obtain the permit and will have to show license
- the architect does not obtain the permit
What is the function of a design review board?
Design review boards typically consist of design professionals appointed by the city council to provide advice on new development projects and exterior changes to buildings.
They function to make recommendations (advisory in nature) to the planning commission, zoning administration, planning commission, zoning adminstrator, planning staff or city council.
does a design review board make final permit decisions?
No. Final permit decisions are usually made by the planning commission, zoning administrator, planning staff or city council
what are the typical design concerns of a design review board?
- Appropriate use consistent with the neighborhood
- Massing of building, exterior colors & materials
- Relationship of proposed building to neighboring buildings
- Landscaping consistent with neighborhood
- Location of Mechanical equipment
- Signage and site lighting
- Parking requirements
What kind of approval is generally required from a design review board?
Review and approval from a design review board is required for a new construction, additions or remodels of existing buildings, with exception on building type or zone depending on the local municipality.
Final permit decisions are usually made by the planning commission, zoning administrator, planning staff or city council.
What is the main focus of an air quality management district?
AQMDs are regional agencies located throughout California to regulate and control emissions primarily from stationary sources.
AQMD has developed extensive profits including planning, regulation, compliance assistance, enforcement, monitoring, technology advancement and public education.
What does CEQA stand for? what is the mission and purpose of CEQA?
California Environmental Quality Act (1970)
Mission: require state and local agencies to identify significant environmental impacts of their actions and avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible.
Purpose: inform governmental decision makers and the public of any potential significant effects of a proposed activities on the environment and to provide opportunities to review and comment on draft documents.
Is CEQA an agency? Are plans submitted for review to CEQA?
CEQA is not an agency
plans are not submitted to CEQA for review.
Who is the lead agency and what are they responsible for?
The lead agency is typically the local planning department, but could also be a state agency, depending on the project. The lead agency has primary responsibility to complete the environmental review process required by CEQA. They are responsible for coordinating with the project applicant, the public, and other agencies during the review process.
Who is the Responsible agency and what role do they play in the CEQA review process?
the responsible agency is the public agency or agencies with discretionary approval authority over a portion of a CEQA project and interfaces directly with the lead agency (for example, the Air Quality Management District can be a responsible agency and consult with the lead agency)
What role does the commenting agency play during CEQA review?
the commenting agency is a public agency with “jurisdiction by law” over a particular natural resource, but is neither a lead agency or a responsible agency.