Programming, Planning & Practice

Question 1

construction management

Answer 1

A procedure in which an owner contracts with a construction manager (CM), who is generally responsible for control of a project’s time, cost and quality.

There are 3 types of construction management:
CM(A) Advisor
CM(A) Agent
CM(C) Constructor

Question 2

gothic

Answer 2

The Medieval architecture of Western Europe from the 12th to the 16th century; characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses and daring structural forms.

Question 3

anthropomorphic

Answer 3

Ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human.

Question 4

convection

Answer 4

The heat transfer process which occurs when a warm fluid rises, displacing cold fluid which then falls.

Question 5

catch basin

Answer 5

A sievelike device at the entrance to a storm sewer which traps matter that could block the sewer.

Sieve: A kitchen tool that has many small holes and that is used to separate smaller particles from larger ones or solids from liquids

Question 6

deed

Answer 6

A legal document which is used to transfer property title from one party to another.

Question 7

modular

Answer 7

A system composed of standardized units or sections used for simplified construction or flexibility.

Question 8

joint tenancy

Answer 8

Equal and undivided ownership of property by two or more persons that upon the death of one, interest passes to the survivor(s).

Question 9

way

Answer 9

A street, alley or other thoroughfare or easement permanently established for passage of persons or vehicles.

Question 10

noncombustible

Answer 10

A material of which no part will ignite and burn when subjected to fire.

Question 11

population density

Answer 11

The number of people or families per unit of area.

Question 12

stoa

Answer 12

A portico used in Greek architecture, often as a covered meeting place or promenade.

Question 13

texture

Answer 13

The characteristic visual and tactile quality of a surface.

Question 14

exedra

Answer 14

A semicircular open area recess or plinth, often crowned by a semi-dome, which is sometimes set into a buildings facade. The original Greek sense was applied to a room that opened onto a stoa, ringed with curved high-backed benches, suitable for philisophical conversation.

Question 15

latitude

Answer 15

The number of degrees north or south of the equator of a point on the earth’s surface.

Question 16

channelization

Answer 16

The separation of traffic lanes by the use of islands or dividers.

Question 17

occupancy group

Answer 17

A designation for a group of several occupancies which have comparable fire safety considerations, and which are therefore grouped together by code.

Question 18

local access street

Answer 18

A street which carries relatively low traffic and provides access to low-intensity uses which front on it.

Question 19

convex

Answer 19

Curved outward, such as the outside surface of a sphere.

Question 20

ziggurat

Answer 20

A mud-bricked stepped pyramid in Mesopotamian sacred architecture.

Question 21

base

Answer 21

The lowest part of a structure.

Question 22

trabeated

Answer 22

Construction employing the post-and-beam form, as opposed to the arch form.

Question 23

synthesis

Answer 23

The combining of separate elements into an entity, as opposed to analysis.

Question 24

subsoil

Answer 24

The soil layer beneath topsoil.

Question 25

groundwater level

Answer 25

The level below which the subsoil is completely saturated with water. Also called the water table.

Question 26

morphology

Answer 26

The study of the form or structure of anything.

Question 27

ecology

Answer 27

The study of the total pattern of relations between a community or organisms and its environment.

Question 28

furring

Answer 28

Wood or metal strips used to make a plane surface; also a cavity within a wall or ceiling.

Question 29

design

Answer 29

The organization of the elements of a building or other work to achieve a desired result.

Question 30

iconographic

Answer 30

Pertaining to symbolic representation of ideas or subjects by means of images.

Question 31

parti

Answer 31

A general scheme for the design of a building.

Question 32

Radburn

Answer 32

A community in New Jersey, planned by Henry Wright and Clarence Stein, in which “superblocks” were surrounded by roads and all pedestrian paths bridged over or passed under roads. Incorporated some of the earliest culs-de-sac in the United States.

Question 33

rational

Answer 33

Describing a design based on reason, sound, judgment, or logical good sense

Question 34

biological clock

Answer 34

The inherent system in people that causes regular cycles of function or behavior, such as periods of working, sleeping and eating.

Question 35

obelisk

Answer 35

A commemorative shaft, square in section, with a small pyramid on top.

Question 36

guaranteed maximum cost

Answer 36

An amount established in an agreement between an owner and a contractor as the maximum cost of performing specified work.

Question 37

zone

Answer 37

An area established by a governing body for a specific use, such as residential, commercial, or industrial.

Question 38

cella

Answer 38

The inner chamber of a temple in classical architecture or a shop facing the street in domestic Roman architecture.

Question 39

drainage

Answer 39

The process of controlling, collecting, transporting, and disposing of excess water.

Question 40

concave

Answer 40

Hollow and curved inward, such as the inside surface of a hollow sphere.

Question 41

baffle

Answer 41

A partial obstruction against flow of a fluid, gas or loose material in a duct or pipe. Can be used to reduce the strength of airborne sound or spread of light in a particular direction.

Question 42

international style

Answer 42

The form of modern architecture developed in the 1920s and 1930s, with an emphasis more on architectural style, form and aesthetics than the social aspects of the modern movement as emphasized in Europe.

The most common characteristics of International Style buildings are said to be:

i. rectilinear forms;
ii. light, taut plane surfaces that have been completely stripped of applied ornamentation and decoration;
iii. open interior spaces;
iv. a visually weightless quality engendered by the use of cantilever construction.

Glass and steel, in combination with usually less visible reinforced concrete, are the characteristic materials of the construction

Question 43

improved land

Answer 43

Land on which buildings have not yet been constructed, but which contains utilities and streets.

Question 44

interchange

Answer 44

The intersection of two roads at different levels so that vehicles may move from one road to the other without crossing the stream of traffic. Also called grade separation.

Question 45

arch

Answer 45

A curved structure composed of wedge-shaped elements, used to span an opening.

Question 46

land/lot coverage

Answer 46

The ratio of the area covered by buildings to the total lot area, expressed as a percentage.

Question 47

cluster

Answer 47

A type of residential siting in which a series of housing units are grouped closely together and surrounded by open space.

Question 48

amphitheater

Answer 48

An is an open-air venue used for entertainment, performances, and sports encircled by tiers of seats.

Question 49

arcade

Answer 49

A group of arches on columns or pillars, which are either freestanding or attached to a wall or a covered walkway enclosed by a line of such arches on one or both sides.

Question 50

sheet pattern

Answer 50

The shape of an extensive urban area which lacks specific focal points, well-defined routes, or articulated forms.

Question 51

flood plain

Answer 51

The land surrounding a flowing stream over which water spreads when a flood occurs.

Question 52

annexation

Answer 52

The acquisition of territory by a municipality.

Question 53

cant

Answer 53

To set a slant from the horizontal or vertical. An angled (oblique) line or surface particularly which cuts off a corner.

The difference in elevation (height) between two edges. This is normally done where the railway or road is curved; raising the outer rail or the outer edge of the road providing a banked turn, thus allowing vehicles to maneuver through the curve at higher speeds than would otherwise be possible if the surface was flat or level

Question 54

police power

Answer 54

The legal power of a government to authorize actions which are in the best interest of the general public.

Question 55

datum

Answer 55

A horizontal plane elevation used as a reference for other elevations in surveying and mapping.

Question 56

exit

Answer 56

A continuous and unobstructed means of egress to a public way generally with a minimum width of 44”.

Question 57

bikeway

Answer 57

A road or path reserved for bicycle traffic.

Question 58

symmetry

Answer 58

A balanced arrangement of elements on either side of a dividing line or plane.

Question 59

test boring

Answer 59

A hole drilled into the ground at the site of a proposed structure in order to obtain samples of the subsurface soil examination and testing in a laboratory. Based on these tests, the soils engineer recommends the type of foundation and the allowable soil bearing pressure.

Question 60

dew point

Answer 60

The temperature of air at which the water contained in the air begins to condense and form dew. It is therefore the temperature at which the air is at 100% humidity.

Question 61

curvilinear pattern

Answer 61

A circulation pattern comprised of curves, which closely follows the contours of the land.

Question 62

cooperative

Answer 62

An autonomous association of people who voluntarily cooperate for their mutual social, economic, and cultural benefit. Cooperatives include non-profit community organizations and businesses that are owned and managed by the people who use their services (a consumer cooperative) or by the people who work there (a worker cooperative) or by the people who live there (a housing cooperative), hybrids such as worker cooperatives that are also consumer cooperatives or credit unions, multi-stakeholder cooperatives such as those that bring together civil society and local actors to deliver community needs, and second and third tier cooperatives whose members are other cooperatives.

Question 63

abutment

Answer 63

A buttressing or supporting structure; a structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g., at the ends of a bridge.

Question 64

orientation

Answer 64

The location of an object in relation to the points of the compass; also, the ability to locate oneself in the environment with regard to time and place.

Question 65

degree day (dd)

Answer 65

The amount by which the average outdoor temperature at a particular location is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit for one day. Degree days may also be summed and stated for a month or year.

Question 66

cognitive mapping

Answer 66

The process by which a person acquires, codes, stores, recalls and decodes information about his or her spatial environment.

Question 67

As the height of a building increases, lateral wind load_______________.

a. increases
b. decreases
c. remains the same
d. equals the number of floors

Answer 67

a. increases

Question 68

Regarding building codes, what is the IBC?

Answer 68

Through joint efforts of various model code organizations, the International Code Council (ICC) was established in 1994. The developed a single comprehensive and coordinated set of model codes with the intention of unifying the existing national codes. These codes include: Building, Fire, Electrical, Mechanical, Zoning, Energy Conservation, etc. Their model building code is call the International Building Code. (IBC) and it contains no regional limitations.

Question 69

A setback is addressed by which of the following?

a. an easement
b. F.A.R.
c. A deed
d. Zoning codes

Answer 69

c. Zoning codes

These codes refer to the partitioning of a city into districts, the regulation of land use, and restrictions on building volume and location within those districts.

Question 70

Non-conforming Use

Answer 70

A special distinction for buildings that pre-date, or no longer comply with a zoning ordinance, as a result of recent changes in the code. This type of building is allowed to remain in use, but if major alternations are to be made, the building must then satisfy the code requirements.

Question 71

Barrier-Free

Answer 71

A term applied to spaces, buildings, and facilities that are fully accessible to anyone including those who are physically handicapped. (See ANSI and ADA Standards)A

Question 72

According to AIA Document B101, programming by the architect is considered which of the following?

a. Part of the contract documents
b. Part of schematic design
c. An additional service
d. None of the above

Answer 72

c. An Additional Service

Programming is not part of an architect’s basic services which are based on the five standard phases of a project.

Additional services include, but are not limited to, programming, project feasibility studies, and verification of owner supplied information. Although programming is the owner’s responsibility, the architect is responsible for a preliminary evaluation.

Question 73

In chronological order, what are the five typical phases of an architects’s professional services?

Answer 73

Schematic Design: The initial underlying design phase in which an architect and client establish design goals, develop a parti, select a design volcabulary, and evaluate concept alternatives.

Design Development: During this phase the architect completes the design work of all aspects of the building, leaving only the step of formal documentation, which is the development of CD’s.

Construction Documents: The most time consuming phase. This is the assembly of all the contractually binding documents, written and graphic, necessary to communicate design and administer a project. The documents define the total obligation of the architect, the construction manager, and all contractors. CD’s are the legal documents used to obtain regulatory and financial approval necessary to proceed with construction.

Bidding or Negotiation: In this phase the CD’s are presented to members of the building industry who bid on a project. If though bidding and negotiation a satisfactory price is agreed upon, the architect and winning bidder enter the Construction Administration phase.

Construction Administration: In this phase the architect works with the building contractors by observing the work for conformance to the CD’s; reviewing construction, test results, and inspections, responding to requests for design changes and by administering the completion, start-up, and closeout process for the owner.

Question 74

Define the following types of project delivery methods:

1. Design-Bid-Build
2. Design-Build
3. Construction Management

Answer 74

There are the three basic methods of approaching a construction project and are known as methods of project delivery. Each one defines the relationship and responsibilities of the owner, architect, and contractor and his distinct characteristics regarding construction, cost, scheduling and risk.

1. Most common. An architect is hired by an owner. The design documents are bid upon by various contractors and the acceptable proposal with the lowest bid is usually selected to build the project. The owner has a separate contract with both the architect and the contractor.
2. Used when the owner requests that single entity be responsible for both design and construction services. The owner has one contract with the architect/contractor. This method eliminates the potential conflict between the architect, as an owner’s agent, and the contractor.
3. Often used in large or complex building projects when budget and scheduling issues are critical. This method was developed as a result of owner demand for technical advice early in the design process. A consultant may be contracted by the owner to act as advisor, agent, or constructor, during design and construction.

Question 75

What information is included in a topographic survey?

Answer 75

Site features both man-made and natural, including variations in ground elevation. These features include:

1. Site contours: existing contours are shown with a broken line, proposed /modified contours are shown with a solid line.
2. Property boundary: including metes & bounds and easements.
3. Existing buildings and landmarks
4. Utility locations and capacities
5. Roads, circulation, access
6. Vegetation
7. Any natural features such as stream, pond, views, etc…

It is the owner’s responsibility to engage the services of a land surveyor (considered a professional service) and to then to provide the information to the architect if requested. AIA Document G601, Request for proposal-Land Survey, may be used between owner and surveyor.

Question 76

Name two site factors that can make the construction of a basement cost prohibitive.

Answer 76

1. Bedrock at or just below grade
2. A high water table

Both of these conditions affect excavations, foundation work, installation of utilities, and landscaping. The removal of bedrock through blasting or other labor intensive methods and special waterproofing considerations are often factors in making design decisions.

Question 77

What is the most likely cause of heaving?

a. a footing places below the frost line.
b. the use of piers instead of a continuous footing
c. an uninsulated footing
d. clay soil

Answer 77

d. clay soil

Heaving is the upward movement of soil as a result of moisture absorption, frost action, or displacement from the driving of piles. Clay soil is prone to his phenomenon.

To avoid heaving, the moisture content of the subsoil should remain constant at the footing. The top of the footing should be located at the frost line to avoid seasonal moisture changes.

Question 78

A convention center is planned for an urban center with a substantial catchment area, which of the following is the greatest concern to the developer?

a. the distance from the convention center to the nearest airport.
b. the number of hotels in the immediate area.
c. access to the convention center from transportation lines
d. adjacency to other facilities such as an arena or shopping mall.

Answer 78

c. access to convention center transportation lines

Adjacency to public transportation is vital to the success of the project. Rail and bus lines and major roads for facility access by car are of great concern for the development of a project meant to serve a large number of people.

Due to the large potential user group in the urban center, the distance to the nearest airport as well as the number of hotels is not likely to be the major factor. In addition, other facilities such as arenas or malls will have little effect on the attendance at a convention center.

Question 79

Ecology

Answer 79

The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

Question 80

What are the negative impacts of building a freeway through a town?

Answer 80

It tends to destroy or segregate large parts of existing neighborhoods by dividing land both visually and physically. Many residents and businesses are displaced, noise pollution is increased and sprawling suburbs based on allocated parcels are the result.

Question 81

In which building type will a long span structural system be LEAST appropriate?

a. bowling alley
b. auditorium
c. elementary school
d. casino

Answer 81

c. elementary school

An elementary school most likely houses smaller spaces that do no require the expense of a long span structural system.

In all of the answer choices it is typical of the building to have large open spaces that are uninterrupted by load bearing walls and columns. A long span structural system would appropriately meet the needs of these open spaces.

Question 82

Basic Road Types

Answer 82

1. Local: Low capacity roads with direct access to a site.
2. Collector: Connection roads between local and arterial streets.
3. Arterial: Wide, high capacity streets usually connecting to expressways.
4. Expressway: Limited access roads with high speed, high volume circulation.

Question 83

A developer is considering building a new shopping mall near a residential neighborhood. After researching the catchment area, the developer will know what?

a. the boundaries of the flood plain
b. the potential customer base
c. F.A.R.
d. the location of the local water supply

Answer 83

b. the potential customer base

The catchment area is a specific geographic area in which a user group for a particular activity is located. Census data, surveys, and information provided by local agencies is analyzed and used to assess the viability of a development.

Boundaries are often determined by the availability of transportation lines as well as physical features such as highways and waterways. Boundaries can also be defined by factors such as voting or school districts, or the ethnicity of a neighborhood.

A particular area may be located within multiple catchment areas simultaneously. For example, the catchment area for a shopping mall may encompass all or part of the catchment area from which a local factory draws its workers.

Question 84

What aspects of urban site development are of particular environment concern.

Answer 84

The impact of the building on other surrounding buildings including shade patterns, wind patterns, drainage patterns, noise, traffic and possible industrial emissions.

Unlike suburban development, urban in-fill or adaptive re-use projects often have a limited impact on the existing infrastructure.

Question 85

As it applies to architecture, define Sustainibility

Answer 85

According to the World Commission on Environment and Development, it should be our aim to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

And according to the A.I.A. it is the ability of society to continue functioning into the future without being forced into decline through exhaustion or overloading of the key resources on which that system depends.

It is a broad social, environmental and economic concept that addresses the needs of the future, the effect of buildings on the environment and attempts to define the limits for consumption of resources.

Question 86

Space planning is an important part of interior design. What methods are commonly used to identify, organize and locate relationships between individuals, groups and departments?

Answer 86

Organizational-bubble diagrams can indicate the relative importance of relationships.

Adjacency diagrams can identify proximity requirements. Common adjacency needs to consider are: people, products and information.

Question 87

What is Pre-Design?

Answer 87

A broad field of environmental analysis including issues such as land use, planning, and the evaluation of existing structures. The application of architectural programming, history, theory, and building system considerations. And the review of architectural services, responsibilities and project management.

Question 88

Which of the following is not considered a part of the programming process?

a. analyze the project budget
b. establish the functional relationships
c. analyze site components
d. establish the circulation plan

Answer 88

d. establish a circulation plan

Establishing circulation requirements is part of the programming process. Establishing a circulation “plan” assigns form to function and takes place during the design phase, not the programming phase.

The project budget (economy), functional relationships (function), and site components (form) are each a major programming consideration.

Question 89

In the programming for a new hospital, which of the following should NOT be included?

a. budget analysis
b. bed count
c. construction scheduling
d. historic district design requirements

Answer 89

c. construction scheduling

This is not necessary during the initial phase of programming. Unlike the schedule itself, the requirements that a particular construction schedule may present (a consideration of time) are a part of programming.

Budget analysis (economy), bed count (function), and historic district requirements (form) are each major programming consideration.

Question 90

What is the main drawback of solar energy?

Answer 90

Utilization of solar energy may increase the complexity and scope of a project and add substantially to the initial cost. However, savings may be realized over time through a lower life-cycle cost. Economic decisions must be based on a realistic payback period, reliability and ease of maintenance. As the cost of conventional energy continues to increase, solar energy will become a more affordable alternative.

Question 91

Equinox

Answer 91

Vernal - approximately March 21st
Autumnal - approximately September 22nd

When the sun crosses the plane of equator and the day and night are of equal length.

Two times each year when the sun is half way between the summer and winter solstice.

In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice is June 21st and the winter solstice is approximately December 22nd.

Question 92

What factors affect a building’s plan orientation, besides climate?

Answer 92

The building’s relationship to the street.
The orientation of nearby structures.
The aesthetics of the site.

Question 93

Overhead

Answer 93

The general costs of operating a business that cannot be directly assigned to a project. Rent, drafting supplies, taxes, professional dues, insurance, theft and depreciation are all examples. Salaries and benefits qualify only if the employee or principal is not doing project related work.

Question 94

What is the most significant element in determining a catchment area?

a. runoff
b. water table
c. ground transportation
d. contour interval

Answer 94

c. ground transportation

A catchment area is the population base within a geographical region. Census data, surveys, and other information about the catchment area are used to address the economic viability of a development. Boundaries of the area are determined by many factors such as transportation lines, political districts, and/or the ethnicity of the neighborhood. An analysis of ground transportation is one of the most significant factors affecting a new development.

Question 95

What is the ideal location for an electrical equipment room?

Answer 95

The ideal location is at the center of the facility, because it allows for minimum lengths of thermal and electrical distribution runs.

Aesthetics, noise, prime space requirements and service accessibility may preclude this ideal location.

Question 96

What is contained in a program statement?

Answer 96

A concise written statement that identifies the goals, objectives and most importantly aspects of project, based on the analysis of the information gathered in the first four steps of the programming process. This statement acts as the foundation for the design process.

Question 97

An owner wishes to rehabilitate a historic masonry building for a contemporary use and requests that the exterior be cleaned. The architects recommendation should be:

I. clean with a 2% solution of muriatic acid
II. clean only if heavily soiled
III. clean only if necessary to halt deterioration
IV. clean to restore the character to a certain period of time

a. I only
b. III only
c. II and III only
d. III and V only

Answer 97

c. II and III only

Since masonry is extremely susceptible to damage, cleaning should only be done by the gentlest means possible, such as low-pressure water and mild detergent. If it is determined that cleaning is necessary, a test should be conducted to determine the proper cleaning method and it’s long term effects. Cleaning simply to create a new appearance needlessly introduces chemicals or moisture into the masonry.

Regarding historic architectural metals such as copper roofs or bronze elements, cleaning may never be appropriate. The patina itself may be a protective coating as well as an important historic feature.

Question 98

When tall building act as wind breaks, what condition may be created?

Answer 98

A vortex.

When moving air encounters a building perpendicular to a broad face, it flows both over the roof and down the facade. The air tends to collect at the base of the building which results in a high velocity swirl of wind.

Question 99

The use of bicycles can create many safety concerns. What design solutions can be implemented to avoid a conflict between cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles?

Answer 99

1. Create a separate bike path; use abandoned rail road tracks, utility easements, etc.
2. Eliminate street parking and add a designated bike path.
3. Reduce the speed limit on roads with a bike path.
4. Change vehicular traffic from one-way to two-way and add a bike path.

Question 100

How does a monument impact a land survey?

Answer 100

It represents a reference point. Whether it is man-made or natural, its location is recorded as a permanent landmark.

Question 101

Which of the following is the best adjacency organization for a library?

a. entry, bathroom, book storage, check out
b. entry, foyer, checkout, new book display
c. entry, checkout, storage, bathroom, delivery
d. entry, delivery, open shelves, bathroom

Answer 101

b. entry, foyer, checkout, new book display

This series of adjacencies best relates the spaces by order of efficiency and traffic flow.

Question 102

A new building is to include a large central space. Two options are being considered. The first is to construct a circular rotunda and the second is to construct a hexagonal court. With a limited budget, which option will most likely be used?

Answer 102

If financial considerations are the determining factor, a hexagonal court will most likely be the best option. It will utilize regular, rectilinear building components whereas a circular rotunda requires mostly custom curved elements, complex joint details and custom finish work.

Question 103

Outdoor Design Temperature

Answer 103

A working average of low temperatures within a particular region. It is used as a factor in determining heat loss of a building.

Question 104

Which of the following has the lest impact on the program for a new public library?

a. lot size
b. the size of the book collection
c. the city’s budget
d. the value of the book collection

Answer 104

d. the value of the book collection

This is the least significant element to be considered. It has little or no impact on the programming concerns form, function, economy and time.

(a) The size of the lot (form), (b) the size of the book collection (form and function), and (c) the city’s budget (economy) are the each program considerations.

The program is an outline of the criteria and objectives and identifies the architectural needs of the project.

Question 105

Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate phrases. From the street, the building’s stone facade and stained wood trim looked_______while the tables and plastic chairs in the lobby felt _______.

I. hard and cumbersome
II. unreliable and fragile
III. cold and uninviting
IV. secure and warm

a. I, II
b. III, I
c. IV, II
d. IV, III

Answer 105

d. IV, III

Building materials evoke a variety of emotional responses. Natural materials such as wood and stone are perceived differently than manufactured materials such as steel, concrete and glass.

Question 106

A pedestrian among the modern steel and glass sky-scrapers of the 1960’s and 70’s and a worshiper in the nave of a 12th century cathedral are both subject to what?

Answer 106

A loss of human scale

The tall, flat, monolithic and often monochromatic office buildings offered little or no reference to the familiar scale of common architectural elements. Although the interior of a catherdral often incorporated intricate architectural detail, ornamental carving, painting and stained glass, the soaring heights humbled the worshiper in the presence of God.

Question 107

Name and define one commonly accepted method of applying sustainability to architectural design.

Answer 107

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System.

Developed by the Green Building Council and introduced in 2000, this is a tool for evaluating the environmental performance of a construction project. Through the use of this voluntary system, the design team can track their progress toward earning a LEED certification. This certification recognizes that the project has met certain sustainability prerequisites regarding: site development, water conservation, energy efficiency, use of green building materials and indoor air quality. It also means that the project has earned the minimum credits to achieve a bronze, silver, gold or platinum certification.

The LEED mission “ encourages and accelerates the global adaption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted standards, tools, and performance criteria.”

Question 108

Which of the following is the most efficient application of solar energy?

a. space heating
b. hot water
c. air cooling
d. refrigeration

Answer 108

b. hot water

Solar hot water systems are very cost effective and an efficient means of utilizing solar energy. Although solar energy can theoretically be applied to both heating and cooling with current technology, it is much more expensive and less efficient to cool with solar energy than to heat.

Question 109

The construction of a new library building is planned for a site adjacent to a noisy boulevard. What design options does the architect have for reducing the impact of noise?

Answer 109

Site strategies for reducing noise:

1. Construct an earth berm between the noise source and the building.
2. Plant a dense line of trees between the noise source and the building.
3. Use plant material as ground cover instead of hard paved surfaces.

Building Design Strategies for reducing noise:

1. Locate mechanical, service and utility areas closer to the sound source and quiet areas away from the sound source.
2. Locate major wall penetrations (windows and doors) away from the sound source.

Question 110

Define the term Green as it applies to building materials and sustainable design.

Answer 110

This term is meant to evoke the color of lush and healthy vegetation and refers to the environmentally friendly quality of the material. Due to their complex composition and methods of manufacturing, building materials cover a broad range of “greenness”. Common characteristics include: sensitivity toward non-renewable resources such as oil and ore, no-toxic, recyclable content and recyclability of the material itself, energy ans water efficiency and sensitivity to the “greenness” of its own manufacturing process. An excellent way of promoting sustainability though the use of green products is to incorporate indigenous stone or plant material into a project.

A green building is one that is sited, built, operated or renovated using the principles of sustainability. Typically, the initial cost can be 5% to 15% more than a conventional project. However, the life cycle cost savings of a green building are generated from energy and maintenance efficiency as well as worker productivity due to improved lighting and ventilation design.

Question 111

Describe the best way to provide security and promote a sense of safety for the occupants of residential buildings.

Answer 111

While there are various devices designed for personal protection, window bars, security alarms, etc., the best way to provide security is through the involvement of the neighbors. Communities with street activity, homes with front porches and homes that are visible to one another all promote security through mutual observation and passive surveillance.

Question 112

What are the four basic components of Programming?

Answer 112

Function: the objectives and needs (What should i do?)
Form: site, structure, existing components
Economy: budget to build and to maintain/operate
Time: the schedule needed to complete the work

Question 113

What is a programming statement?

Answer 113

It states the problem, but there is no solution or strategy given.

Question 114

What is a design concept?

Answer 114

It gives a physical/design solution for a problem.

Question 115

Functional Program

Answer 115

Owner provided data for analysis/creation of Facilities Program

Question 116

Facilities Program

Answer 116

Program that considers scope, area minimums and adjacencies, ballpark costs and site analysis.

Question 117

What is the Programming process?

Answer 117

1. Establish Goals: What are the owner’s goals for the project?
2. Gather Data: Organize all site, context, users/occupancy, equipment, codes, budgets, expenses, project specific information
3. Find Relationships: What things go together, what issues will be critical during the design process?
4. Establish Priorities: Most important function, second most…based on use and budget (e.g., what’s more important - a fancy lobby or equipment in a lab?
5. State the Problem: What needs to be answered in the design?

Question 118

Albedo

Answer 118

How much radiant energy that is reflected by a surface where 0 is a flat black surface which adsorbs all heat and 1 is a mirror (rate is listed as fraction)

Question 119

Entablature

Answer 119

In classical architecture, it si the beam member in the area of construction carried by the columns and is divided horizontally into an architrave, frieze, and cornice.

Architrave: The lower most division. It spans from column to column and rest directly on their capitals.

Frieze: The middle panel below the cornice

Cornice: The upper most division. It consists of a molded projection that crowns the construction.

Question 120

Name two ways of reducing solar energy gain in a building.

Answer 120

1. Louvers, overhangs or baffles incorporated into the design of the building admit light and views, block direct sunlight and can reduce energy gain by 15% or more.
2. Locate the building in the shadow of existing trees (deciduous trees allow insulation in winter months), buildings or topographical features.

Question 121

An architect is presented with a list regarding a new commercial project. Which of the following points are NOT part of programming?

1. Products to be sold can be as long as 13’-0”
2. Sales enclosure to be made of reflective glass
3. Sales department to have direct access to loading docks.
4. Circulation to follow a radial pattern
5. Foundations to be completed in 6 weeks, framing in 7 months.
6. The budget for finishes is 14% of the construction cost.
7. Piles are needed for the foundation system
8. Materials used are to convey a sense of strength ans security.
9. The company has 137 employees including 14 managers.
10. Showroom to be circular in plan.

Answer 121

Numbers 2,4,7 and 10 are not part of the programming process.

Numbers 2 and 7 on the list are problem solving decisions likely to be made in the design development phase of the project. Numbers 4 and 10 are design decisions and are likely to be made in the schematic design phase.

The remaining points each help identify potential design issues such as: scale, adjacency, scheduling, budget and aesthetics.

Question 122

Name three common economic incentives used by building authorities to encourage the installation of costly automatic fire extinguishing systems.

Answer 122

Although local code requirements vary widely, the installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems may be rewarded by:

1. An increase in the allowable floor area between fire-rated walls.
2. A decrease in the number of required exits.
3. Reduced insurance costs

Question 123

Flat Plate Collector

Answer 123

A device that collects solar energy for use as an energy source. Typically, the collector is an insulated aluminum box, approximately 4 feet x 8 feet x 6 inches with a sheet of glazing exposed to the sun. A black surface inside acts as the absorber plate(s) which transfers heat by conduction to piping soldered to the absorber plates. The heat transfer medium is usually water mixed with a non-toxic antifreeze solution. Heating water is the most efficient application of solar energy.

Question 124

Which of the following organizational forms is the most appropriate for a building located in Vermont?

(A) Decentralized
(B) Compact
(C) Radial
(D) Linear

Answer 124

(B) Compact

A compact building form has the least amount of exposed surface area for thermal conductivity and is therefore the most appropriate choice for a cold climate.

Question 125

How do natural lighting conditions affect one’s choice of orientation for building?

Answer 125

While many theories of building/sun orientation exist, most agree that principal facades ideally face south (in the northern hemisphere) for optimal living conditions (warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer).

The quality of the light is also a concern. Southern light tends to be direct, bright, and intense while northern light is more evenly diffuse. Most importantly, all of these generalities must give way to regional and local conditions. The location of a 2nd building or other microclimate condition may trump any general rule of orientation.

Question 126

Name four examples of mass produced or pre-fabricated residential architecture.

Answer 126

1. Le Corbusier’s “House Machine” or “House Tool” circa 1915-1925. Often incorporated a structural system of reinforced concrete piers and slabs.
2. R. Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion House, 1927. A hexagonal, free standing, metal prototype.
3. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian Houses, 1930’s. Relatively inexpensive architecture for clients of modest means.
4. Moshe Safdie’s Habitat, 1967. An experiment for the Montreal International Exposition. 158 apartments comprised of 354 precast concrete dwelling boxes lifted into place by a crane.

Often through this type of housing, especially Dymaxion House and Usonian Houses the architects endeavored to raise the standard of living by providing affordable, efficient housing for the masses.

Question 127

Factors in evaluating public transportation

Answer 127

Transportation systems are an integral part of the landscape and shape a city’s design and geometry. The various systems themselves must be designed as a single entity and work harmoniously with the existing conditions and natural topography to be most effective.

Older cities typically integrated transportation systems early in their development. A dense urban core may preclude introducing a new system or hinder the expansion of an existing system due to cost and the disruption of the population.

Small developing cities are often comprised of single populated corridor that lends itself to bus or light rail systems. They must consider the possibility of over crowding caused by a centralized system or a reduction in ridership due to a new highway.

Except in a dense urban center where parking and traffic delays are an issue, the automobile is the commuter’s preferred mode of transportation. Their decisions are based on a variety of issues but reliability and convenience often outweigh cost.