Programming, Planning & Practice Flashcards
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
construction management
The Medieval architecture of Western Europe from the 12th to the 16th century; characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and daring structural forms
gothic
Ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human
anthropomorphic
the heat transfer process which occurs when a warm fluid rises, displacing cold fluid which then falls
convection
a sievelike device at the entrance to a storm sewer which traps matter that could block the sewer
catch basin
a legal document which is used to transfer property title from one party to another
deed
A system composed of standardized units or sections used for simplified construction flexibility
modular
Equal and undivided ownership of property by two or more persons that upon the death of one, interest passes to the survivor(s)
joint tenancy
a street, alley or other thoroughfare or easement permanently established for passage of persons or vehicles
way
a material of which no part will ignite and burn when subjected to fire
noncombustible
the number of people or families per unit of area
population density
a portico used in Greek architecture, often as a covered meeting place or promenade
stoa
the characteristic visual and tactile quality of a surface
texture
a semicircular open area, with or without a roof, providing a continuous seat
exedra
the number of degrees north or south of the equator of a point on the earth’s surface
latitude
the separation of traffic lanes by the use of islands or dividers
channelization
a designation for a group of several occupancies which have comparable fire safety considerations, and which are therefore grouped together by code
occupancy group
a street which carries relatively low traffic and provides access to low-intensity uses which front on it
local access street
curved outward, such as the outside surface of a sphere
convex
a mud-brick stepped pyramid in Mesopotamian sacred architecture
ziggurat
The inner enclosed room of an ancient temple
cella
an area established by a governing body for a specific use, such as residential, commercial or industrial
zone
an amount established in an agreement between an owner and a contractor as the maximum cost of performing specified work
guaranteed maximum cost
a commemorative shaft, square in section, with small pyramid on top
obelisk
the inherent system in people that causes regular cycles of function or behavior, such as periods of working, sleeping and eating
biological clock
describing a design based on reason, sound judgment or logical good sense
rational
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 the roads
Radburn
the general scheme for the design of a building
parti
pertaining to a symbolic representation of ideas or subjects by means of images
iconographic
the organization of the elements of a building or other work to achieve a desired result
design
wood or metal strips used to make a plane surface; also a cavity within a wall or ceiling
furring
the study of the total pattern of relations between a community or organisms and its environment
ecology
the study of the form or structure of anything
morphology
the level below which the subsoil is completely saturated with water. also called the ‘water table’
groundwater level
the soil layer beneath the topsoil
subsoil
the combining of separate elements into an entity, as opposed to analysis
synthesis
construction employing the post-and-beam form, as opposed to the arch form
trabeated
the lowest part of a structure
base
a group of arches on columns or pillars, which are either freestanding or attached to a wall
arcade
the shape of an extensive urban area which lacks specific focal points, well-defined routes, or articulated form
sheet pattern
an arena encircled by tiers of seats
amphitheater
a type of residential siting in which a series of housing units are grouped closely together and surrounded by open space
cluster
the ratio of the area covered by buildings to the total lot area, expressed as a percentage
land coverage
a curved structure composed of wedge-shaped elements, used to span an opening
arch
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’
interchange
land on which buildings have not yet been constructed, but which contains utilities and streets
improved land
the form of modern architecture developed in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by cubistic forms, while surfaces, and large areas of glass and steel windows
international style
a partial obstruction against flow, in a duct or pipe
baffle
hollow and curved inward, such as the inside surface of a hollow sphere
concave
the process of controlling, collecting, transporting, and disposing of excess water
drainage
a theory suggesting that the land use patterns of some cities are not developed around a single core, but rather around several distinct nuclei
multiple nuclei theory
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 ‘interchange’
grade separation
composed of design elements originally derived from diverse sources or styles
hybrid
behavior intended to protect a specific territory by means of particular positions, postures, or gestures, such as placing one’s coat over the adjacent seat
spatial defense
a high-speed, multiple-lane highway designed to move traffic smoothly and without interruption. also called a ‘freeway’
expressway
in Roman architecture, an oblong building used for public administration, from which early Christian churches evolved
basilica
a term used by Kevin Lynch to describe sections of the environment having an identifying character
districts
a palace
palazzo
the main longitudinal portion of a church
nave
the process by which a person acquires, codes, stores, recalls, and decodes information about his or her spatial environment
cognitive mapping
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 month or year
degree day (DD)
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
orientation
a buttressing or supporting structure
abutment
an apartment building owned by a corporation in which shares are sold, entitling the shareholders to occupy dwelling units in the building
cooperative
a circulation pattern comprised of curves, which closely follows the contours of the land
curvilinear pattern
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% relative humidity
dew point
a hole drilled into the ground at the site of a proposed structure in order to obtain samples of the subsurface soil for examination and testing in a laboratory. based on these tests, the soils engineer recommends the type of foundation and the allowable soil bearing pressure
test boring
a balanced arrangement of elements on either side of a dividing line or plane
symmetry
a road or path reserved for bicycle traffic
bikeway
a continuous and unobstructed means of egress to a public way generally with a minimum width of 44 inches
exit
a horizontal plan elevation used as a reference for other elevations in surveying and mapping
datum
the legal power of a government to authorize actions which are in the best interest of the general public
police power
to set at a slant from the horizontal or vertical
cant
the acquisition of territory by a municipality
annexation
the land surrounding a flowing stream over which water spreads when a flood occurs
flood plain
An early 1950s style based on Le Corbusier’s crudely fabricated concrete work in which structural and mechanical elements were often featured
Brutalism
Constricted off-site in standardized sections for shipment and quick assembly, such as a prefabricated house
prefabricated
The recurrence of design elements in space
rhythm
An assembly of sloping, overlapping slats, fixed or adjustable, which excludes rain but admits air and/or light
louver
The extension of a building into the property of another
encroachment
a street to which minor streets connect and which leads to a major arterial
collector street
The shape, outline, or configuration of a structure. Also, a mold of wood or other material used to contain wet concrete in the required shape until it hardens
form
the topmost section of an entablature
cornice
A window or door blind made of fixed or movable horizontal slates
jalousie
A late-19th century style characterized by curvilinear motifs derived from natural forms
art nouveau
a legal instrument that pledges property as security for a debt
mortgage
a bank of earth, often piled up against a wall
berm
a horizontal angle measured clockwise from north or south
azimuth
a high-speed, multiple-lane highway designed to move traffic smoothly and without interruption. Also called an ‘expressway’
freeway
a law by which a government regulates and controls the character and use of property
zoning ordinance
the most important city of a country, state, or region; or any large, busy city
metropolis
paving using crushed stone
macadam
an apartment building in which the dwelling units are individually owned
condominium
inclination or slant, especially of the ground surface
slope
a type of grade-separated interchange used in highway design, named for its shape
cloverleaf
one of a continuous row of houses having a uniform plan and appearance and often sharing party walls
row house
The state of being a harmonious combination of elements
unity
the process of absorbing or incorporating an element into an established design system
assimilation
the restoration or substantial improvement of a building
rehabilitation
GNMA
Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), an agency which functions in the secondary mortgage market
the strip of land in which a railroad or highway runs. Also, the right to pass over another’s property
right-of-way
the unit of space between the supporting columns of a building
bay
the boundary line of a lot
lot line
the prevailing or average weather conditions of a place as determined over a number of years
climate
an arrangement which tends to keep people apart, such as back-to-back seating in an airline terminal waiting room
sociofugal
a social group with which an individual has a territorial identification, such as a family, a school, or an entire town
territorial group
a graded flow path used in open drainage systems
swale
concrete used for paving which uses crushed granite as the coarse aggregate
granolith
a wall resistant to the spread of fire
fire wall
The angle which the sun makes with the horizon
altitude
Lynch’s term for a city’s circulation routes
paths
the separation of an entity into its components, so that it may be examined
analysis
the placement of two or more elements close together for comparison or contrast
juxtaposition
Reflectivity measured as the relative permeability of a surface to radiant energy flowing in either direction
albedo
the amount of space, measured in cubic feet or other similar units, occupied by a building or part of a building
volume
a circulation pattern in which channels spread out from a central point
radial pattern
having no environmental barriers, thereby permitting free access and circulation by the handicapped
barrier-free
a landscaped strip of ground between a pedestrian walk and a street
planting strip
the study of human perception of space and environment, including how the use of space relates to environmental and cultural factors
proxemics
A term used by Lynch to describe the ease with which parts of a city can be recognized and organized into a coherent patter. Also know as ‘legibility’
imageability
the net ground area of a lot which can be covered by a building after required setbacks and other zoning limitations have been accounted for
buildable area
the smallest identifiable parcel of land in a city
lot
a construction procedure in which construction on each phase of a project is begun as its design is completed, without waiting for the completed project design
fast-track
the unique characteristics of a place which relate to a specific behavior or a particular activity
behavior setting
a pattern of land use developed in the shape of a star
star pattern
The principal inner chamber of a Greek temple
naos
The wedge-shaped top member of an arch
keystone
The statistical study of human populations, such as births, deaths, marriages, and so on
demography
An imaginary line on the ground surface connecting all points of equal elevation
contour
Le Corbusier’s system of proportioning based on the male human body
Modular
Two sheets of glass with an air space between, to insulate against the passage of heat of sound. Also called ‘double glazing’
insulating glass
A platform raised above floor level
dais
A division of urban land, normally private property, which is surrounded by public streets, and which is officially established and recorded
block
The science of sound and sound control
acoustics
A use not strictly allowed in zoning ordinance, but permitted if specified conditions are met and if approval is granted by by the local governing body
conditional use
Removing and/or adding earth in order to bring the ground surface to a specified elevation or profile. Also called ‘earthwork’
grading
the uncontrolled human contact that results from an absence of physical, social, or psychological barriers, characterized by a lack of privacy
crowding
a small pavilion, usually in a public space
kiosk
a long-range, overall plan or concept for an areas development
master plan
a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of the elements of a building or other work
harmony
a long, narrow commercial development usually located along a highway or major street
strip development
a waterproof boxlike structure in which construction work can be performed underwater. Also a pile constructed by pouring concrete into a drilled shaft
caisson
the 18th century social and economic movement, begun in England, that mechanized the productive processes by substituting machine power for hand power
industrial revolution
the process of formulating, organizing, or expressing an element clearly with relation to other parts
articulation
a pattern of land use which develops along a line, such as a highway or river
linear pattern
a form of real estate tenancy i which the lessee has the right to use a piece of property under conditions described in the lease
leasehold
a legal claim on property as security for money owed
lien
an indication of position having no dimension or area; the intersection of two lines
point
the elevation of a specified point on the ground or on a structure
spot elevation
the horizontal or vertical of a highway
alignment
the systematic review of a project design to obtain the best value for the money spent, considering first costs, operating costs, and replacement costs
value engineering
a system of planning and scheduling construction operations which analyzes sequences and durations of time using network diagrams
critical path method (CPM)
a process leading to the statement of an architectural problem and the requirements to be met in offering a solution
architectural programming
designing the external physical environment in which buildings and structures are placed
site planning
HUD
Department of Housing and Urban Development, the federal agency concerned with all phases of housing activities
referring to construction in which fire resistance is obtained by using wood structural members of specified minimum sizes
heavy timber
a permanently plastic, waterproof, adhesive material used in sealing joints
mastic
a sociological concept that prescribes the acceptable way an individual should act in specific situations
role
the ratio of the gross floor area of a building to the area of the lot
floor area ratio (FAR)
a short road with no outlet, serving only those buildings or properties which face it
cul-de-sac
flow from a culvert, sewer, or other channel
discharge
describing a style of architecture in Western Europe during the 9th to 12th centuries, characterized by the use of heavy masonry, round arches, and barrel vaults
romanesque
a dome, hence often a cathedral
duomo
Lynch’s term for linear elements which separate regions and which are not paths
edges
a minor street which starts at a major street, extends in curvilinear fashion for a short distance, and then returns to the major street
loop street
an original model after which something is patterned; a prototype
archetype
referring to a disability which makes a person unable to walk and therefore confined to a wheelchair
non-ambulatory
the level below which the subsoil is completely saturated with water. Also called the ‘groundwater level’
water table
an open court enclosed by the walls of a building
patio
a sacred picture or object
icon
a deed restriction which regulates land use, construction materials, appearance, or aesthetic qualities of an area
covenant
a determining factor or characteristic
parameter
any public way or thoroughfare 10 to 16 feet in width which has been dedicated or deeded to the public for public use
alley
a form of land ownership in which the owner has absolute title, which can be transferred by sale or bequest
fee simple
an inner court open to the sky, but surrounded by a roof
atrium
to develope minute surface cracks in stucco, concrete, or glaze
craze
a public body which provides and manages housing, particularly for low-income families
housing authority
an architectural style from 19th century France which encouraged the eclectic adaptation of French Renaissance features
beaux-arts
a very large area of land in which all through traffic is eliminated, but which may be penetrated by culs-de-sac or minor loop roads
superblock
the exterior face of a building, usually the front
facade
the suitability of a design for a particular purpose or occasion
appropriateness
special permission granted to an owner permitting a deviation from zoning requirements normally applicable to the property in question
variance
a relatively permanent surveyor’s mark of known location and elevation
benchmark
referring to a design that derives from a wide range of diverse sources or influences
eclectic
a spherical triangle forming a transition between a circular dome and its square or polygonal support
pendentive
a logical process in which a conclusion contains more information than the premises on which it is based, as opposed to deductive reasoning
inductive reasoning
a sun break, an architectural shading device for blocking unwanted sun rays
brise-soliel
a vertical member between windows or doors
mullion
space provided for vehicular parking separate from the dedicated street right-of-way
off-street parking
the slight convexity of a column, used to overcome the optical illusion of concavity that would occur if the column were straight
entasis
a concept developed be Ebenezer Howard in which all land would be owned by the community, the city would be economically balanced and self-contained, and a permanent belt of farmland would surround the city
garden city
the general climate of a large geographical area
macroclimate
the area over which a city exerts a dominant economic influence
metropolitan area or region
an underground pipe or drain used to carry off waste matter
sanitary sewer
one or more spaces designated for physically handicapped persons, requiring special design and dimensions
handicapped parking
PUD
Planned Unit Development, a zoning designation which is used to achieve the cluster concept, including commercial and industrial as well as housing development
a surface decoration formed by incised carving
intaglio
a pattern of land use in which several cities of approximately the same size and population are located fairly close to each other, but have no dominating center
constellation pattern
a space, open and unobstructed to the sky, located at or above grade, and bounded on three or more sides by the walls of a building
court
a plan of a city of subdivision, showing the boundaries of individual properties
plat
a device used at an intersection of streets in which all vehicles merge and then diverge at relatively low speeds
rotary
the process of determining location, form, and boundaries of a parcel of land by measurement, computation and drawing
survey
a bridge for carrying a road across a valley
viaduct
the time interval between the arrival of successive buses or trains
headway
a housing pattern consisting of rows of units located perpendicular to the street
end-on pattern
an urban pattern in which development occurs along public transit corridors and expressways
finger plan
an open, unoccupied space, other than a court, unobstructed to the sky, on the lot on which a building is situated
yard
the right of the state to take private property for public use, with reasonable compensation paid to the owner
eminent domain
FNMA
Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), an agency whose function is to stabilize the housing market by purchasing mortgages or providing mortgage money directly
the space which feels comfortable between one person and another, often thought of as a protective space bubble carrying between two and four feet
personal distance
the minimum distance from the property line into which a structure may not extend
setback
the school of design established by Walter Gropius in Weimar and Dessau, also its design philosophy. Emphases was on the merger of art with technology and the functional design which resulted
Bauhaus
a flat or level surface
plane
a sewer for carrying away surface rain water, as opposed to sanitary sewage
storm sewer
a legal boundary of a parcel of land
property line
a concept of proportion in which a whole is divided so that the ratio of the smaller to the larger part is the same as the ratio of the larger part to the whole. Mathematically, C, B = B, A
golden section
the rate of slope between two points on a surface, determined by dividing their vertical difference i elevation by their horizontal distance apart
gradient
a method of research consisting of the identification of a problem, the collection of relevant data, the formulation of a hypothesis, and the testing of that hypothesis
scientific method
the combination of thermal and environmental conditions within which a human is comfortable, often shown on a psychometric chart
comfort zone
the elimination of segregation of discrimination in public facilities by making such facilities available to persons of all races
integration
removing and/or adding earth in order to bring the ground surface to a specified elevation or profile. Also called ‘grading’
earthwork
the geographic area from which the participants in an activity are drawn, such as the customers of a shopping center or the employees of a manufacturing plant
catchment
FHA
Federal Housing Administration, founded in 1934 to provide mortgage insurance
the difference of elevation between adjacent contour lines
contour elevation
a set of rules for solving a problem in a finite number of spaces
algorithm
a belvedere or viewing place
gazebo
the violation of the spatial or territorial rights of another, usually by a show of force
aggression
a log showing the types of soil encountered in a test boring and other relevant information
soil boring log
Having fire-resistive protection as specified in the applicable building code
protected
a part of a highway marked off to carry a single line of moving vehicles
lane
the digging or removal of earth
excavation
a slope or incline, as on a roof
rake
a hole through which a person can enter a sewer, pipe, conduit, and so on for inspection, repair, or maintenance
manhole
the volume within which a building may legally be placed
zoning envelope
a wall built astride a property line between two adjoining buildings
party wall
the total horizontal area within the boundary lines of a parcel of land
lot area
Native
indigenous
the percentage of total rainfall which is not absorbed in the ground and, hence, runs off. It must be collected in a system of surface and subsurface drains
runoff coefficient
in urban planning, an outlying community of secondary importance, dependent on a larger city
satellite
the methodical evaluation of an activity to determine its basic purposes and how these purposes may be realized most efficiently
systems analysis
Encroachment on personal space, such as sitting very close to a person on an otherwise empty park bench
spatial invasion
the climatic characteristics unique to a very small area
microclimate
the legal means whereby land use is regulated and controlled for the welfare of the community
zoning
a repetitive dimension used in architectural design and planning
module
the purpose for which a building is intended to be used
occupancy
a logical process in which a conclusion follows necessarily from the premises, as opposed to inductive reasoning
deductive reasoning
a building containing three or more dwelling units
multiple dwelling
the eastern or alter end of a church, usually semi-circular in plan
apse
a public service, such as telephone, water, gas, or electricity
utility
the natural and manmade things, conditions, and influences surrounding a person, community, or place
environment
the amount or degree of moisture in an area, a determining element of weather
humidity
a written description of the location and boundaries of a parcel of land, in accordance with a system prescribed by law
legal description
the rate at which a given material conducts heat, per inch of thickness
conductivity (K)
the intersection of a railroad and a road at the same elevation
grade crossing
the design and arrangement of natural elements on a site
landscaping
Lynch’s term for the central points of reference in a city
nodes
In surveying, a direction stated in degrees, minutes, and seconds as an angular deviation east or west from due north or south
bearing
a superstructure on a roof, dome, or tower, glazed along its sides, which admits light to the area below
lantern
the most profitable use of a parcel of land
highest and best use
a required exit which consists of a vestibule and continuous stairway enclosed from the highest point to the lowest point by walls of two-hour fire-resistive construction and which exits into a public way or an exit passageway leading to a public way
smokeproof enclosure
in far eastern architecture, a tower-like structure, often used as a shrine
pagoda
separating into component parts; reducing to a simpler form
resolution
to summarize; to get to the essence of something
abstract
the aesthetic or pleasurable features of a place or facility
amenities
a building used for baptismal services
baptistery
A 19th century English movement, led by William Morris, which attempted to revive the hand crafts, as well as the social responsibilities of artists. The movement led to the Gothic Revival
arts and crafts
a use for property which is no longer permitted by the zoning ordinance. Unless it is unsafe, such a use is generally allowed to continue
nonconforming use
any street or similar parcel of land, at least 10 feet wide and unobstructed to the sky, which is permanently appropriated to the public for public use
public way
a periodic enumeration of the population, including details of age, sex, occupation, and other data
census
the social standing one has relative to others, which serves to determine spatial and social order
status
a road which crosses under another road
underpass
a pattern of circulation named for its shape, consisting of equally spaced streets running perpendicular to each other
grid pattern
the right hold by one party to make limited use of the property of another
easement
the study of the properties of geometric forms that remain constant when the forms change. A topological relation exists, for example, in considering inside and outside
topology
a fictitious temperature assigned to a combination of actual temperature and wind velocity which has the same physiological effect as still air at the chill factor temperature. It is also known as ‘wind chill index’
chill factor
a preliminary sketch or plan
equisse
the time, in hours, that a material or assembly of materials can withstand exposure to fire
fire-resistant rating
the process by which private property is taken for public use under the right of eminent domain, with reasonable compensation paid to the owner
condemnation
a belt-like area around a city, reserved for parks, farms, open spaces, and so on
greenbelt
a bell tower
campanile
an entrance (or exit) passage in a large amphitheater
vomitorium
a sun-dried clay brick, used in the Southwest
adobe
Wedge-shaped blocks used to form an arch or vault
voussoirs
an apartment above the ground floor in a building which has no elevator
walk-up apartment
the gradual wearing away or disintegration of land caused by water, wind, and so on running over its surface
erosion
a transitional style in architecture in the late 16th century, particularly in Italy, characterized by the unconventional use of classical elements
mannerism
the core of a city, containing the main concentration of stores, offices, and services
central business district (CBD)
structures or plants which, because of their form and location, reduce wind velocities
windbreak
a group of cities which adjoin to form an urban region
megalopolis
the lowest point of the inside of a drain, pipe, channel, or other liquid-carrying conduit
invert
a limitation on the use of property defined by covenant in a deed, by private agreement, or by public legislative action
restriction
a structural member placed over an opening and supporting construction above it
lintel
one of many apartment units contained in a multi-floor building and accessible by elevators
high-rise apartment
standards or rules by which something is tested
criteria
the triangular face of a roof gable
pediment
the hierarchical order in a society by which some individuals or groups control others
dominance
a theory offered as a possible explanation for certain phenomena
hypothesis
the flow or movement of people, goods, or vehicles from place to place
circulation
an arrangement that is neat, efficient, harmonious, and comprehensible
order
a theory of urban development that perceives the modern American city as a series of concentric rings around the central business district
concentric zone theory
overly lavish, decorated architecture form the baroque period in Spain
churrigueresque
relationships between activities characterized by frequent interaction
linkages
an excavated, level terrace in a slope used to collect running water
bench
a description of property boundaries expressed by directions (bearings) and distances, starting from a known reference point
metes and bounds
a fictitious temperature assigned to a combination of actual temperature and wind velocity which has the same physiological effect as still air at the wind chill index temperature. It is also known as ‘chill factor’
wind chill index
an ecological system, consisting of a community of living organisms and its physical environment
ecosystem
the area beyond a city’s suburbs, whose residents are generally upper-income commuters
exurbia
a pit, usually filled with coarse stone, into which water is conducted for leaching out into surrounding soil
dry well
the maximum number of vehicles per lane that can pass a given point in one hour under ideal conditions
capacity
a housing pattern in which units face into a common open space
court pattern
construction employing the arch form
arcuated
a circumferential or loop roadway around an urban area or development
ring road
The European movement, extending from the 14th to the 17th century, in which classic architecture was reintroduced and became the basis for a new style
renaissance
the sturdy of the relationship between people and the urban environment in which they live
urban ecology
a three-dimensional volume that has density and bulk
mass
a compound used to seal the joint between two materials or surfaces
caulking
a two-story apartment or house containing two separate dwelling units, either side-by-side or one above the other
duplex
a race course bordered by tiered seating
hippodrome
the behavior by which an organism, human or animal, lays claim to an area and defends it against members of its own and other species
territoriality
the quality in a design of being appropriate, harmonious, or exhibiting an agreeable arrangement of parts
congruity
as used by Lynch, a point of reference in a city that cannot be entered into or traversed
landmark
a typical pattern of urban development formed by a grid street system with two or more corridors of intense development intersecting at a central core
rectilinear pattern
aesthetic equilibrium produced by the proportioning of the elements of a building
balance
the division of vacant land into smaller parcels to be used as sites for individual buildings, together with public rights-of-way affecting these sites
subdivision
nondiscrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing
fair housing
capable of serving the purpose for which it was designed
functional
zoning a parcel of land different from the surrounding areas
spot zoning
the French term for the columns that raise a building off the ground, as used by Le Corbusier
piloti
a type of architecture and decoration which evolved from the baroque style, using a variety of materials to achieve a lavish, very ornamental effect
rococo
an underground pipe or drain used to carry off rain water (storm sewer) or waste matter (sanitary sewer)
sewer
a statement supporting or helping to support a conclusion
premise
able to walk
ambulatory
the quality in a design that lacks clarity of meaning, is difficult to classify, or has several possible interpretations
ambiguity
Earth which is removed (cut_ and earth which is added (fill) in grading
cut and fill
a house containing two separate dwelling units, either side-by-side or one above the other
two-family house
a form of leasehold in which the owner of a piece of property recovers the capital invested in the property, but retains the use of the property
sale and leaseback
the lowest member of an entablature, which extends from column to column
architrave
a horizontal band on a vertical surface, located beneath a cornice, sometimes decorated with relief sculpture
frieze
a clause in a deed which places limitations or conditions on the use of property
deed restriction
innocuous background noise used to mask objectionable sounds
white noise
a code regulating the design and construction of buildings, adopted and enforced by a government agency
building code
an approximately level building area
pad
serving to reveal or disclose; stimulating interest in order to encourage further investigation
heuristic
a stone of great size, especially in ancient construction
megalith
the type, arrangement, and quality of dwelling units in a given area
housing
the study of the quality, aspects, and perception of beauty
aesthetics
a building with corridors radiating from a central point, which can be observed be a person located at that point
panopticon
a building or a portion thereof used for the gathering together of 50 or more person
assembly building
BTU
the abbreviation for British Thermal Unit, a unit of heat energy, which is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit
a road that doubles back on itself with a hairpin curve
switchback road
The expected maximum depth of frost penetration in the ground in a given area
frost line
a continuous, major street, typically two or three lanes in each direction, that connects with expressways at strategic locations
arterial street
an amount included in a construction budget, normally 5 to 10 percent, to provide for unforeseen or unpredictable costs
contingency allowance
the height above a known point of reference, often taken as the height above sea level
elevation
describing cement, mastic, or roofing material which contains asphalt as a principal ingredient
bituminous
the study of the interaction between humans and machines
ergonomics
a numerical classification indicating the rate at which flame will spread over the surface of a given material. Class I materials have the least flame-spread and Class III have the most
flame-spread rating
the shape of the earth’s surface
landform
a line, usually parallel to a property line, beyond which a structure may not extend
building line
an arrangement which tends to bring people together, such as the arrangement of tables and chairs at a sidewalk cafe
sociopetal
an ornamental garden arrangement
parterre
an underground geological formation through which water flows
aquifer
the path described by a moving point having position, direction, and length, but no thickness
line
a stone guard to prevent damage to a wall; also a freestanding stone post to divert vehicular traffic
bollard
a short, secondary member within a window frame, either vertical or horizontal
muntin
an open-air market or meeting place in a Greek town
agora
a style of European architecture developed in the late Renaissance in reaction to classical forms, characterized by elaborate curves, scrolls, and ornamentation
baroque
a specific or characteristic manner of expression or design, in any art, period, or work
style
East-west lines, running perpendicular to meridian lines, from which townships are established on government surveys
baselines
the rate of rise or descent of a sloping surface. Also, to remove and/or add earth in order to bring the ground surface to a specified elevation or profile
grade
earth that is replaced around a foundation or retaining wall after the concrete forms have been removed
backfill
the upper part of a Greek or Roman order, comprising architrave, frieze, and cornice
entablature
two sheets of glass with an air space between, to insulate against the passage of heat or sound. Also galled ‘insulating glass’
double glazing
the point at which two streets come together or cross
intersection
a parcel of land
plot
the relationships of the sizes of buildings elements
proportion
lawful use of a building or lot that complies with the provisions of the applicable zoning ordinance
conforming use
a citadel in an ancient Greek city, usually on a plateau
acropolis
a dwelling unit comprising an isolated structure on its own plot of ground
single-family house
a process of public intervention in the development of an existing urban area, in which a public agency acquires ownership or property and administers its resale for development to mainly private owners
urban renewal
an imaginary principal line along which forms are arranged or organized. Often, an axial line bisects a form, resulting in symmetry
axis
the relative measurement of an object, with reference to the dimensions of the human body
scale
describing cone-bearing evergreen trees and shrubs, such as pine, spruce, fir, and cedar
coniferous
the process by which water vapor escapes into the atmosphere from plants
transpiration
a circular space covered by a dome
rotunda
a term used by Lynch to describe the ease with which parts of a city can be recognized and organized into a coherent pattern. Also known as ‘imageability’
legibility
a land use pattern which is developed in a circle or doughnut shape
ring pattern
a theory of urban development which assumes that land uses tend to be arranged in sectors or pie-shaped wedges radiating from the center of the city
sector theory
the configuration of the surface features of an area of ground
topography
a building stone which has been shaped and smoothed into a rectangle for use in masonry construction
ashlar
a surface decoration using intricate flowing lines and geometric patterns
arabesque
clay pipe, usually with open joints, used to convey water away from a footing or to disperse liquid in a septic tank field
drain tile
a Hawaiian terrace or veranda
lanai
a fictitious temperature which would produce the same physiological effect as the combined effects of temperature, humidity, and air movement
effective temperature
the surface flow of water from an area
run-off
the rights to the use of control of the air space above a property
air rights
the length of a lot line along a street or other public way
frontage
extreme contrast between light and dark in the visual field, which can cause discomfort
glare
the right of an owner to have ingress and egress to and from a property
access right
the elevation of the ground surface after completion of all work
finish grade
a common housing pattern in which houses and apartments line both sides of the street
street-front pattern
a freestanding canopy supported by columns symbolically sheltering an alter, throne or tomb
baldacchino
an independent living area which includes its own private cooking and bathing facilities
dwelling unit
construction to resist the spread of fire, as specified in the applicable building code
fire-resistive construction
derived from observation, experience, or experiment, and not based on theory
empirical
relating to an entity, rather than to its parts; overall
holistic
a system of circulation channels which covers a large area
network
the total number of persons that may occupy a building or portion thereof at any one time
occupant load
an entrance
ingress
an architectural style of the Byzantine Empire in the 5th century, which employed masonry arches and domes on pendentives
Byzantine
a length of pipe, running under a road or other barrier, used to drain or carry water
culvert
trees which shed leaves annually, as opposed to evergreens
deciduous
the general pattern of movement of the water on, under, and above the earth
water cycle
appropriation of private property for public use, together with acceptance for such use by a public agency
dedication
an area of land designed for industrial uses and developed as a unit
industrial park
the architectural development around 1900, centered in Chicago, that was characterized by tall, steel-framed buildings
Chicago school
the entrance vestibule of a church
narthex
a statement, often required by a governmental body, which assesses the environmental impact of a proposed development
environmental impact statement
a type of zoning that permits a developer to reduce the minimum lot size below the requirements of the zoning ordinance, if the land gained thereby is preserved as permanent, community open space
cluster zoning
trees having green leaves throughout the year, as opposed to deciduous
evergreen
the three-dimensional expanse, generally enclosed by building elements, which accommodates human activity
space
a situation, generally the reverse of normal, in which cold air is close to the ground and a layer of warm air is above it
inversion
the amount of time required to recover the cost of a purchase through increased performance and efficiencies or reduced operating costs and expenses
Payback periods are commonly used to evaluate potentially higher initial costs of high-efficiency energy systems. The shorter the payback period, the more economical the purchase would be
payback period
A zero energy building (ZEB), also called a net-zero building, is a structure that produces as much energy on-site from renewable sources as it uses during a year.
Strategies include reducing energy consumption, increasing energy efficiency, and generating electricity form renewable sources equal to or greater than the amount used
ZEB
A renewable energy certificate (REC) is a voluntary program that facilitates consumer purchase of electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
Energy sources that qualify include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and low-impact hydro power
REC
Electric meters that can account for a flow of electricity from a consumer back to the power grid.
Electric utilities provide rate adjustments or credits to the consumer for power originally generated by the consumer.
smart meters
a program offered by an electric utility company to purchase electricity generated by consumers.
The electricity enters the grid through the consumer’s meter. Consumer-generated power helps reduce the need for utilities to construct new power plants
electricity buy-back program
the design of structures to take advantage of the sun’s energy for heating or cooling without using mechanical means.
Passive solar design takes advantage of the principles of radiation, conduction, natural convection, and evaporation
passive solar
a community of people living in a general area, which can general support an elementary school
neighborhood
pertaining to architecture having directness of form and economy of materials, as is common to organisms
organic
a small room in a library
carrel
Landscape design that utilizes plants that require no supplemental watering and encourages techniques to reduce water evaporation from the soil.
Xeriscape may be useful as part of an overall building water conservation strategy
xeriscape
A type of urban design that encourages the development of community and the efficient use of infrastructure and discourages the reliance on automobiles.
Strategies include the compact integration of housing, retail establishments, work locations, entertainment, shops, civic buildings, parks, and school, while providing easily accessible pedestrian connections between them
New Urbanism
The concept of how much carbon dioxide is generated and released into the atmosphere by a product, a person, or a human activity.
Carbon dioxide has been identified as a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. The carbon footprint of a building takes into consideration site development, construction, and operation
carbon footprint
The process of evaluating a building or product based on the total costs attributed to that object during its lifetime.
These costs include the initial costs, operating costs, maintenance costs, demolition costs, and credit for any residual or salvage value
life cycle costing
A type of sealed cooling tower unit that uses no supplementary makeup water or chemical treatments.
Dry type fluid coolers conserve and use less energy
dry type fluid cooler
Using computer simulation to predict the performance and energy usage of a building or building system.
Energy modeling is a useful design tool to optimize building systems and may reduce overall building energy consumption.
energy modeling
material that originally comes from the living matter of plants and animals.
Biomass can be utilized as a renewable fuel source. Biomass fuel includes wood, crops, manure, and certain types of garbage. Biomass can be converted into other fuels such as methane gas, ethanol, or biodiesel
biomass
A vegetated area designed so that its water supply comes from the natural stormwater run-off from a structure or other impervious surface on the site.
Rain gardens provide an aesthetically pleasing location for stormwater to collect and infiltrate into the ground
rain garden
Plant species that have historically grown in a local area for a significant period of time.
Native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions and generally require no irrigation.
native plants
A roofing strategy that addresses sustainability concerns through the use of plants or innovative technologies.
The term can refer to a vegetative green roof, which utilizes a layer of plants and soil to reduce water run-off and conserve energy, or a nonvegitative green roof, which may employ assembling utilizing recycled materials, alternative energy technologies, or other energy efficient materials that reduce HVAC operating costs.
green roof
The technique of placing additional soil around the perimeter of a building to utilize the thermal properties of the soil to reduce the building’s operating energy costs.
Compared to outdoor air, soil acts as an insulator and heat sink by dampening temperature fluctuations. Earth berming reduces infiltration and assists in keeping a space cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
earth berming
A technique of using natural water evaporation to cool the air in a building.
Water absorbs energy from the air when it evaporates into a gas, which leaves the remaining air cooler than before. Buildings can utilize passive evaporation from fountains or slow-moving pools of water or hybrid evaporation with the addition of mechanical devices to control the process.
evaporative cooling
heat transfer from one surface to another in a building envelope.
Thermal bridging increases energy loss, leads to potentially higher HVAC operating costs, and may create lower comfort levels for building inhabitants. A common strategy to reduce thermal bridging is to utilize windows with thermal breaks
thermal bridging
Documented confirmation that building systems function according to criteria set forth in the project documents.
commissioning
the phase in the life cycle of a facility when the competed facility is placed into service and includes operations and maintenance procedures
facility management
the sequence of activities fro project concept through construction to use, and eventual demolition
facility life cycle
RFP
Request for Proposal is a sophisticated process of obtaining design services based upon experience, qualifications, and recommendations from previous owners
The universal designation given to the entity that starts a sophisticated process of design and construction for a new or renovated building or facility
owner
The composition of a material or product that originated from an earlier product or process that has been diverted from the waste stream.
Materials containing recycled content reduce the impact on landfills, lessen the demand for virgin material needed for a product, and reduce the negative environmental effects of obtaining new virgin material
recycled content
A thermal characteristic of air within a space where warmer air rises and cooler air descends.
The stack effect can be used in a building to induce natural air movements for cooling or heating purposes.
stack effect
Walls that contain a framework built for the purpose of supporting plant growth. The vegetation can reduce the energy loads of a building as well as improve air quality. Also called green walls.
For exterior applications, leafy vines may be utilized to shade the structure during the cooling season, and after the leaves drop off, allow solar gain to reach the building during the heating season.
living walls
The owner and contractor negotiate a construction contract in order to achieve mutual benefits and avoid inherent risks of competitive bidding
design negotiate build
they establish uniform guidelines, criteria, methods, processes, and practices for a particular building product, assembly, or technology
standards
organizations which have a vested interest in the existence of a common language, understanding, beliefs, and standards of care within their respective industries
associations, societies, councils and institutes
A 1918 court decision stating that a contractor is entitled to rely on the construction documents provided by the owner to be sufficient for their intended purpose and is not responsible for the consequences of defects in the contract documents
Spearin Doctrine
An independent entity engaged to verify the quality of the project in relation to the owner’s project requirements
commissioning authority
The concept of teamwork or team building to help ensure cooperative efforts and proactive solutions
partnering
term reflecting the need for people to cooperatively work together as a team
collaboration
the documents used to obtain pricing from the prospective contractors
procurement documents
the transition from the design stage to the construction stage of a project. Involves the bidding, negotiating, and purchasing phases
procurement
the practice of revealing the subbid of one subcontractor to obtain a lower price from another subcontractor
bid shopping
the owner is involved in each and every aspect of construction contracting for each and every portion of the project
owner bid
FOB
Free on Boards: factory, freight, prepaid to the job site
The amount of time required from receipt of purchase order by a seller to the time the product is delivered
lead time
Significant dates involving the establishment of starting and finishing time frames for activities
milestone dates
AGC
Associated General Contractors of America
EJCDC
Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee
