SPD Exam 5

Question 1

Define the term Metes and Bounds.

Answer 1

1. The boundaries of the site described by their relation to True North. Also states the measurements and legal boundaries of the site.
2. A survey which indicates the existing topography and sets elevation, or datum, point above a set base point.
3. A contract term defining the legal obligations of the architect.
4. A guarantee that the contractor will meet the construction schedule.

Feedback:
The boundaries of the site (metes and bounds) are often described by their relation to True North. For example: N 30 degrees 13 minutes and 22 seconds E describes a straight line that starts by pointing North and then rotating 30 degrees 13 minutes and 22 seconds toward the East. The length of that line is described in feet and decimals (e.g.: 34.11 feet).

Question 2

What term would describe an industrial factory built in 1920 that is currently zoned for residential?

Answer 2

1. Non-conforming Use
2. Condition of Approval
3. Variance
4. Conditional Use

Feedback:
An example of a non-conforming use would be an industrial factory building built in 1920, but today is in an area marked for residential or commercial zoning. In this case, the factory could be able to continue operating in that location.

Question 3

What site would be best suited for a mat slab or pile foundation?

Answer 3

1. A flat site.
2. A site with a high water table.
3. A steep site.
4. A site near a body of water.

Feedback:
If the water table is located less than 6’ below the surface, this is considered high and will limit foundation design. A mat slab or pile foundation may be necessary in order to evenly distribute the loads of the building on site.

Question 4

Define meridians.

Answer 4

1. Longitudinal lines running North – South.
2. Latitudinal lines running East – West.
3. Longitudinal lines South of the equator.
4. Latitudinal lines North of the equator.

Feedback:
Longitudinal lines running North – South are called “meridians.” Lines between these are called range lines.

Question 5

Define Microclimate.

Answer 5

1. Refers to the general climate of the overall region
2. Refers to the specific local conditions of the site.
3. Refers to the comfort level within a building.
4. Refers to the climate of the northern or southern hemisphere.

Feedback:
A Microclimate refers to the specific local conditions of the site. It’s affected by the vegetation, elevation, slope, water, wind, solar exposure and any man-made structures.

Question 6

Which wall and floor material will provide the most passive heat during the winter?

Answer 6

1. Concrete near north facing windows
2. Wood near south facing windows
3. Concrete near south facing windows
4. Carpet and wall coverings throughout the building

Feedback:
The low winter sun warms the south side of the house all day. A stone or concrete floor stores up the heat during the day and releases it in the evening.

Question 7

Define Urban Renewal.

Answer 7

1. Federally funded programs, these are a type of Planned Unit Development involving rehabilitating an existing (often urban) property.
2. A PUD which consists of bringing urban concepts into suburban neighborhoods.
3. A new development on a vacant piece of land that offers new amenities to an area.
4. A government program to renew the appearance of urban cities by upgrading the facades of existing buildings.

Feedback:
Urban Redevelopment / Urban Renewal: referring to federally funded programs, these are a type of Planned Unit Development involving rehabilitating an existing (often urban) property. A PUD typically refers to a new development. Redevelopment (or renewal) refers to improving an existing area to bring density, diversity and a mix of uses. Such projects have received increasing interest in recent years due to an overabundance of suburban sprawl and a desire by people to return to cities.

Question 8

What is an Arterial street?

Answer 8

1. Allows large volumes of traffic to move quickly between, around, or through urban centers.
2. Also known as highways, they are continuous channels that connect with freeways (at the exits).
3. Serve as transitional channels between local access to a neighborhood and main roads.
4. Provide access to low intensity uses in front of them.

Feedback:
In most modern cities, arterial streets are the main boulevards running through the city.

Question 9

When would a pile or caisson foundation be necessary?

Answer 9

1. The site has soils with poor bearing capacity.
2. The site has soils with good bearing capacity.
3. The site is located at a high elevation.
4. The site has hard rock located near the surface.

Feedback:
A pile or caisson may be necessary for a site containing silts or clays in the soil may require this foundation type in order to reach bearing soils.

Question 10

When considering contour lines on the site, in what direction should the building footprint be placed?

Answer 10

1. Perpendicular to the contour lines.
2. At a diagonal to the contour lines.
3. Parallel to the contour lines.
4. Closest to an existing road, regardless of the contour lines.

Feedback:
The length of the building should be placed parallel to the contour lines as this minimizes foundation work and eases rainwater drainage. This also applies to driveways and roads.

Question 11

What is the best use for graywater in a building?

Answer 11

1. Potable drinking water
2. Washing water for laundry and showers
3. Filtered water to be recycled into the building
4. Irrigation and toilet water

Feedback:
Graywater is considered non-potable (undrinkable). It can be used in toilets, irrigation using a drip system, or as a reserve for fire protection.

Question 12

Describe a building exit as defined by the building code.

Answer 12

1. Distance a building occupant would need to travel to reach an exit.
2. A door that directly leads to a stair or outdoor area.
3. The route between the exit door and a safe public way.
4. Direct access to a public way.

Feedback:
Exits must be fire rated to a minimum of 1-hour and lead out of a building to a safe exit discharge.

Question 13

What is humus?

Answer 13

1. A delicious Mediterranean spread.
2. Soft soil which is comprised of decomposed organic matter.
3. Very rich soil containing equal amounts of sand, silt and clay.
4. Soils that have been deposited on a site by the movement of water.

Feedback:
Humus is made up of decomposing organic matter. Though this would make a wonderful garden soil, it has very poor bearing capacity for a building foundation.

Question 14

Define azimuth.

Answer 14

1. Determines how much sun in received on site in the morning compared to the afternoon.
2. The angle between the sun and the horizon.
3. Sites in the Northern Hemisphere have more hours of sunlight in the summer than in the winter.
4. Determines the amount of solar energy the site receives.

Feedback:
Azimuth - the angle between the sun and the horizon. Summer sun has a larger azimuth than Winter sun.

Question 15

What happens during the Entitlement Phase?

Answer 15

1. Building permits are approved
2. First plan check comments are received
3. Design documents are reviewed for approval
4. Schematic design documents are reviewed for compliance with local agencies

Feedback:
In this phase, we are trying to obtain permission/approval for our project prior to producing construction documents.

Question 16

What are the downsides to creating a monoculture?

Answer 16

1. Monocultures do not allow diversity of people; only one ethnicity is allowed to live in a certain area.
2. Creating a monoculture would actually be desirable and efficient.
3. Monocultures are boring.
4. A monoculture is described as having only one type of building, which creates dull and predictable communities without any mix of uses.

Feedback:
In general, creating a monoculture (having only one type) of building creates dull and predictable types of communities. For example, think of a typical suburban tract development consisting solely of housing, or an urban civic center filled with only public buildings. These types of communities are not 24-hour use spaces, and as such can attract crime, trash or worst of all, boredom.

Question 17

When and why was the first zoning code introduced?

Answer 17

1. 1912; to instruct people how to properly utilize a building.
2. 1946; after WWII when many cities required new construction.
3. 1885; as an act initiated by president Grover Cleveland.
4. 1916; to address the need for access to sunlight and air around tall buildings.

Feedback:
The need for zoning began with the growth of our cities in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries when it quickly became clear that cities like New York would soon have streets with limited access to light and air. As the buildings grew taller and taller, the lack of access to sunlight and air threatened the surrounding property values.

Question 18

What is the primary reason for landscape design?

Answer 18

1. To add color to the exterior of a building.
2. To make the building stand out from the landscape.
3. To hide the building within the landscape.
4. To create areas of circulation and comfort.

Feedback:
Landscape design is typically passive and is used for recreation, circulation and comfort.

Question 19

How does a variance affect the zoning code applicable to a particular site?

Answer 19

1. A variance makes the site much more expensive to get permitted for construction.
2. A variance is a request to deviate from some of the requirements of zoning (maximum height, minimum setbacks, etc.), because complying with these requirements would create financial hardship or practical construction challenges.
3. A variance overrides the local zoning codes so that a building does not need to comply.
4. A variance does not affect the zoning code requirements; it is part of building and safety.

Feedback:
Since, by its’ very nature, a zoning code places general requirements over an entire area, the unique needs for each individual property sometimes requires an exception called a “variance.” For example, the local zoning code requires your building to be no more than 30 feet in height, but your property is on a steeply sloping street and needs additional height to work. In this case, you could apply for a variance to exceed the height limitation. Variance requests are often reviewed by a Zoning Board or Planning Commission and are project specific.

Question 20

In zoning terms, what is the purpose of building setbacks?

Answer 20

1. To keep buildings separated from one another
2. To allow access to light and air
3. To allow green space between buildings
4. To control the maximum size of a building on a site

Feedback:
Setbacks are standards that the building “sets back” from the property line by a certain amount.

Question 21

What is a spread footing foundation?

Answer 21

1. A Spread Footing concentrates the weight of the building on the foundation.
2. A Spread Footing is another form of a mat slab foundation where the loads are spread across the foundation.
3. A Spread Footing distributes the weight of the building directly to the soil.
4. A Spread Footing is used at the base of a pile to even distribute the load of the building.

Feedback:
The size of the footing is determined by dividing the load by the safe bearing capacity.

Question 22

What does the term “non-conforming use” mean in relation to the design of a site?

Answer 22

1. The site does not comply to current zoning and building codes and cannot be built on.
2. The site contains hazardous materials that are no longer in use and must be removed.
3. The site contains a building or structure built prior to the current zoning code and may remain in use.
4. The site contains a building or structure built prior to the current zoning code and must be removed.

Feedback:
Any prudent zoning code should allow for buildings that may have been permitted or allowed when built, but now no longer comply with the current zoning regulations. This is called a “nonconforming use” and is often described as a building being “grandfathered in.”

Question 23

Describe the comparison method of land valuation.

Answer 23

1. Compares several properties that have sold within the last year in different regions
2. Compares nearby properties that have sold recently
3. Compares national averages of property values
4. Compares what a property has sold for historically with local market trends

Feedback:
Comparison method or market data approach: comparing a similar nearby parcel of land sold recently.

Question 24

Which exterior material will be most susceptible to deterioration from the elements?

Answer 24

1. Asphalt shingles
2. Aluminum siding
3. Wood fencing
4. Vinyl trellis

Feedback:
Material selection should consider how well the material can withstand the elements (sun, wind, rain, etc.). Natural materials, such as wood, deteriorate much faster than manufactured materials.

Question 25

What is considered the “comfort zone” in terms of temperature and humidity?

Answer 25

1. 63-71 degrees in winter and 66-75 degrees in the summer; 30-60% relative humidity.
2. 60-68 degrees in the winter and 70-85 degrees in the summer; 50-80% relative humidity.
3. 50-61 degrees in the winter and 80-85 degrees in the summer; 40-50% relative humidity.
4. 70-85 degrees in the winter and 60-68 degrees in the summer; 80-85% relative humidity.

Feedback:
Temperature - comfort zone ranges between 63-71 degrees in winter and 66-75 degrees in the summer. Humidity - comfort zone ranges between 30-60% relative humidity.

Question 26

What causes glare within a building?

Answer 26

1. Glare is caused by too much light in a space.
2. Glare is caused by a lack of adequate light in a space.
3. Glare is caused by too many windows and not enough electrical light within a space.
4. Glare is caused by having too much contrast.

Feedback:
Glare is not caused by having too much light, but by having too much contrast. You experience glare when looking at a bright computer screen in a dark room (while that same screen would be easier to see if the room lights were on.)

Question 27

What is the best way to provide internal comfort in a building during a hot, summer day?

Answer 27

1. Louvers on the east side of the building.
2. Overhangs on the west and south facing windows.
3. Clearstory windows on the north side of the building.
4. Use skylights instead of traditional windows.

Feedback:
Use large overhangs to shade the house from the southern and western sun for most of the day.

Question 28

How much area should be dedicated per person in a public space where most people will be standing?

Answer 28

1. 5 square feet
2. 10 square feet
3. 3 square feet
4. 7 square feet

Feedback:
The area covered by a person standing still is approximately 3 square feet.

Question 29

Which of the following climatic zones would be used to describe a site located in a desert?

Answer 29

1. Cool Zone
2. Temperate Zone
3. Arid Zone
4. Tropical Zone

Feedback:
Arid Zone - areas of Midwestern and desert states.

Question 30

According to Clarence Perry, which is NOT one of the six elements that must exist for a neighborhood to function properly?

Answer 30

1. No major traffic routes pass through the neighborhood.
2. Interior streets use a cul-de-sac and curvilinear layout.
3. Population of neighborhood determined by number of people required to support one elementary school.
4. Commercial center becomes focal point of neighborhood.

Feedback:
Other elements include: Elementary school becomes focal point of neighborhood; Neighborhood occupies approximately 160 acres at a density of 10 families per acre; Neighborhood is served by shopping centers, churches, etc. and does not require further than a half mile walk to school.

Question 31

Which is the best way to mitigate disturbance to existing trees a site?

Answer 31

1. Do not grade past the drip line of the tree.
2. Re-plant disturbed areas to other parts of the site.
3. Minimize disturbance to natural site water supplies.
4. Minimize night site lighting to not disturb fauna.

Feedback:
Grading into the drip line of a tree could damage the roots and kill the tree.

Question 32

Why is erosion undesirable?

Answer 32

1. Depletes the topsoil of nutrients making it difficult to sustain plant life.
2. Can severely weaken the soil of a site and cause damage or failure to building foundations.
3. Pollutes the soil with debris from rivers and can contaminate the water table.
4. Destroys the microclimate of a site.

Feedback:
Erosion is the natural process of soil and rock being removed from a site due to wind or water. Over time, excessive erosion can severely weaken the soil of a site cause damage or failure to building foundations.

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven items involved in the selection criteria process when evaluating a site for adaptive reuse?

Answer 33

1. Type of Foundation to use
2. History of the Site
3. Archaic Materials
4. Renovation Costs

Feedback:
The seven items include: Value, History, Renovation Costs, Community, Program, Environment, Archaic Materials

Question 34

What was the purpose of the City Beautiful Movement?

Answer 34

1. Reduce pollution and littering within modern cities.
2. Create each building within a city to be a work of art.
3. Begin a list of the most beautiful cities in the country.
4. Integrate the design of landscaping with streets and buildings.

Feedback:
The purpose behind the City Beautiful Movement also included the desire to create a complete and comprehensive design as well as begin a movement towards modern city planning.

Question 35

Which of the following is a Preliminary Survey?

Answer 35

1. A basic plan showing the boundaries, orientation (north) and possibly a few major features of the site.
2. A highly detailed plan showing the exact conditions of the site, details, existing structures, topography, offsets and benchmarks.
3. An “as-built” survey that is done after construction to document the completed project.
4. A plan showing the general measurements of a site and legal boundaries.

Feedback:
Preliminary Survey is a basic plan showing the boundaries, orientation (north) and possibly a few major features of the site. This is used to prepare initial design plans.

Question 36

What is the typical bearing capacity of compacted sand?

Answer 36

1. 1,000 - 4,000 psf
2. 2,000 - 3,000 psf
3. 3,000 - 12,000 psf
4. 10,000 psf

Feedback:
Compacted sand and fill = 2,000 - 3,000 psf

Question 37

Which of the following is an ownership where one party sells to another and then rents the property from the buyer?

Answer 37

1. Fee simple or Fee absolute
2. Condominium
3. Cooperative
4. Sale-and-leaseback

Feedback:
Sale-and-leaseback: an arrangement in which one party sells a property to a buyer and the buyer immediately leases the property back to the seller.

Question 38

Which of the following is an example of a building designed with the human scale in mind?

Answer 38

1. A large, towering office building with 10’ high doors and large spans of glass.
2. A narrow space with low ceilings and doors that block hallways when open.
3. A quaint cottage with short and narrow doorways, small rooms, and few windows.
4. A library with intimate study rooms as well as a large atrium with a clear hierarchy of space.

Feedback:
Scale describes the scale of the elements to a person, such as the “human scale”.

Question 39

What is an exit discharge?

Answer 39

1. The route between the exit door and a safe public way.
2. A door that directly leads to a stair or outdoor area.
3. Direct access to a public way.
4. Distance a building occupant would need to travel to reach an exit.

Feedback:
The Exit Discharge has no limitations on distance once an occupant is outside of the building on ground level.

Question 40

What behavioral patterns could you study and identify in order to determine the needs of a building?

Answer 40

1. Zoning requirements
2. Circulation requirements & Site Access; Spatial requirements based on necessary tasks.
3. Construction budget and schedule
4. Traffic patterns around the site; location of major airports or railways.

Feedback:
Spatial requirements needed to do a certain task (i.e.: size of a classroom for 30 kids). Circulation requirements & Site Access (from vehicles, pedestrians, utilities)

Question 41

Which of the following defines a standard accessible parking stall?

Answer 41

1. 9’x18’ with 5’ clear aisle for a standard stall and a 9’ clear aisle for van accessible parking.
2. 8’x18’ with 6’ clear aisle for a standard stall and a 8’ clear aisle for van accessible parking.
3. 10’x19’ with 8’ clear aisle for a standard stall and a 9’ clear aisle for van accessible parking.
4. 9’x19’ with 44” clear aisle for a standard stall and a 6’ clear aisle for van accessible parking.

Feedback:
Accessible stalls generally require at least a 5’ clear aisle for a standard stall and a 9’ clear aisle for van accessible parking.

Question 42

What parking configuration is the most economical?

Answer 42

1. 90 degree perpendicular parking
2. Parallel parking
3. 30 degree angled parking
4. Tandem parking

Feedback:
Angled parking at 30 degrees is most economical because stall projection is smaller (about 15’-6” verses 18’ of 90 degrees). However, it requires greater curb length and triangular space at end is wasted.

Question 43

Why are lower density developments typically more expensive than higher density developments?

Answer 43

1. Low density developments have larger yards which require more landscaping and water usage.
2. Low density planning requires the infrastructure to be more spread out, less efficient and, therefore, more expensive.
3. High density planning is actually more expensive because more people are occupying the space.
4. Either density development are approximately the same in terms of cost.

Feedback:
Density affects the cost of the development. Low density planning requires the infrastructure to be more spread out, less efficient and, therefore, more expensive. The number of people served by each foot of sewer pipe, utility line, roadway and street lamp is much lower, demanding more expense.

Question 44

Which subsurface condition would NOT affect the foundation design?

Answer 44

1. Presence of soft clay
2. Fine water-bearing sand or loose silt
3. Presence of underground streams
4. A south facing slope

Feedback:
Other conditions that could effect foundation design include: Evidence of slides or sinking earth; Areas of recent fills such as garbage dumps; Rock formations close to the surface of the ground; Presence of swamps or peat.

Question 45

What is FF&E?

Answer 45

1. Furnace, Fixtures & Electricity
2. Finishes, Furnishings & Equipment
3. Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment
4. Furring, Fittings & Epoxies

Feedback:
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) is a term used to describe all of the loose items within a building.

Question 46

What is required in order to obtain a building permit?

Answer 46

1. Approval from the Planning Department.
2. Approval from all the required agencies.
3. A guarantee from the architect that the plans are complete and will not be revised.
4. A signed letter from the contractor that the project will be built to the plans and specifications.

Feedback:
The Building Permit can only be obtained after ALL agencies have signed off on the project.

Question 47

What is cut and fill?

Answer 47

1. Refers to regrading a sloping site in order to create a level area for a building foundation.
2. A stepped foundation down a steep site.
3. A construction method to patch areas of repair.
4. The only restoration method allowed on some historic sites.

Feedback:
Cut and fill refers to regrading a sloping site in order to create a level area for a building foundation. If required, the amount of cutting should approximately equal the amount of fill.

Question 48

Why would an owner want to implement Value Engineering into a project?

Answer 48

1. Identifies potential areas of unnecessary expenditures.
2. Identifies the most economical engineering professionals to use for the project.
3. Adds value to the project by enhancing the engineered portions of the building.
4. Increases cost of the project by implementing new technologies.

Feedback:
Value engineering (VE) is a method to improve the "value" of products and services by either improving the function or reducing the cost. In most cases this practice identifies and removes unnecessary expenditures, thereby increasing the value for the owner.

Question 49

What term allows you to build outside of the zoning code?

Answer 49

1. Option
2. Conditional Use Permit
3. Non-conforming Use
4. Building allowance

Feedback:
If you wish to build or use a building for a purpose not granted in the zoning code, you can apply for a “conditional use” permit. This grants you the ability to use the building for your proposed use, even though the zoning code normally would not allow it.

Question 50

What is a friction pile?

Answer 50

1. A pile that supports the building by creating friction with the foundation.
2. A pile held in place by the soil.
3. A pile with a belled end reaching firm stratum.
4. A shortened pile for sites with rock near the surface.

Feedback:
A Friction Pile does not bear on solid soil; instead they transmit their load between the pile and the soil using friction to transfer the load.