Test 1

Question 1

What interior materials should you specify to help improve indoor air quality?

a) Products that utilize compact fluorescent lighting and dimmer controls
b) Products that utilize compact fluorescent lighting and dimmer controls
c) Products that are sustainability harvested
d) Products with low VOCs

Answer 1

d) Products with low VOCs

Using interior materials with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) will help maintain the air quality within the building. The materials most susceptible to off gassing VOCs include paint, carpet, adhesives in cabinetry and wood work and upholstery.

Question 2

Define ordinance.

a) A municipal law that overrides a standard building code.
b) A recent change in the building code that must be addressed in the plans.
c) A municipal law in addition to a standard building code.
d) A written regulation from the planning department imposing certain restrictions on the project.

Answer 2

c) A municipal law in addition to a standard building code.

FEEDBACK:
Cities can adopt ordinances so long as they do not violate current building codes.

Question 3

Describe the comparison method of land valuation.

a) Compares nearby properties that have sold recently
b) Compares national averages of property values
c) Compares several properties that have sold within the last year in different regions
d) Compares what a property has sold for historically with local market trends

Answer 3

a)Compares nearby properties that have sold recently

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

Question 4

What process is used in order to clean up a brownfield site?

a) arbitration
b) remediation
c) mediation
d) mitigated mediation

Answer 4

b) Remediation

Feedback:
In order to reuse a brownfield, the hazardous waste and pollution must be removed and cleaned up through a process called remediation.

Question 5

What percentage of construction costs are usually dedicated to the foundation system?

a) 15-20%
b) 5-10%
c) 25-30%
d) 0-5%

Answer 5

b) 5-10%

Feedback:
Foundation costs typically average about 5-10% of the total construction costs for flat sites. Foundation costs for hilly or sloped sites can be as much as 25-35% or more.

Question 6

Select the most true statement in regards to how building orientation can affect natural daylighting?

a) North facing windows must be shaded
b) South facing windows should be shaded
c) West facing windows do not need shading treatment
d) East facing windows will receive the most day light

Answer 6

b) South facing windows should be shaded

Feedback:
Windows facing north will not get any direct sunlight, whereas windows facing south will receive a lot of sunlight year round.

Question 7

Why is lead based paint considered a hazardous material if discovered in a building?

a) It can cause severe digestion issues.
b) It can cause lead to enter the water supply, making it unsafe to drink.
c) It can cause knee problems if inhaled.
d) It can cause neurological disorders and birth defects.

Answer 7

d) It can cause neurological disorders and birth defects.

Feedback:
The dust and loose chips from lead paint are especially dangerous to children and pregnant women, who touch the window sill and absorb the lead directly through their fingers and by touching their mouth.

Question 8

What happens if you increase the density of the units on the site, which will enable them to share utilities and roadways?

a) Decreases the site density to create fewer buildings and more landscaping.
b) You must hire a geologist to determine the best foundation for the site.
c) Reduces the building’s reliance on electricity.
d) The cost of site development and improvement for a project is lowered.

Answer 8

d)The cost of site development and improvement for a project is lowered.

Feedback:
By increasing the density of the units on the site, you lower the individual construction costs for each unit. The shared walls, utilities, sewer system, parking and roadways save the cost of providing that for each unit.

Question 9

Which typical density is common for a European town?

a) 2 people per acre
b) 10 people per acre
c) 30 people per acre
d) 20 people per acre

Answer 9

c) 30 people per acre

Question 10

What question would be asked at the beginning of a Life Cycle Analysis to determine origins of building elements?

a) Where did this material come from?
b) How is the material maintained & operated?
c) What are the by-products of its’ manufacturer?
d) How is the material delivered and installed?

Answer 10

a) Where did this material come from?

Feedback:
Other questions to ask when performing a Life Cycle Analysis: What are the by-products of its’ manufacturer? How is the material delivered and installed? How is the material maintained & operated? How healthy are the materials? What do we do with them once we are done with these materials?

Question 11

Which is the correct definition of a “non-conditional use” permit?

a) A building is allowed to remain in it’s current use even though zoning codes have changed.
b) Allows a building to not comply with the local zoning code.
c) Grants you the ability to use a building for your proposed use, even though the zoning code normally would not allow it.
d) There are no deed conditions or liens currently existing on a property.

Answer 11

c) Grants you the ability to use a building for your proposed use, even though the zoning code normally would not allow it.

Feedback:
If you wish to build or use a building for a purpose not granted in the zoning code, you can apply for a “non-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. This use is typically granted with certain restrictions and may not be transferable to a new owner.

Question 12

Which items are NOT included on a topographic survey?

a) Existing topography
b) Proposed slab plan dimensions
c) Existing site features
d) Site datum point

Answer 12

b) Proposed slab plan dimensions

Feedback:
Topographic survey: uses dashed lines to indicate the topography and elevation above a set base point (called a datum) or above sea level.

Question 13

Which item in a project development budget generally requires the most funds?

a) Contingencies (before and during construction)
b) Site acquisition (land fees, insurance)
c) Professional services (architects, engineers)
d) Construction costs (site grading, building construction)

Answer 13

d) Construction costs (site grading, building construction)

Feedback:
Cost of construction generally consumes the majority of the project budget and should be funded adequately.

Question 14

How can ground slope affect the cost of a project?

a) Sloping sites allow for adequate water drainage and will accommodate almost any foundation type.
b) Ground slope has a very minimal affect on the cost of a project.
c) A steeply sloping site, such as a hilltop, offers excellent views and airflow.
d) Relatively flat sites require less grading and excavation, greatly reducing foundation costs and complexity.

Answer 14

d) Relatively flat sites require less grading and excavation, greatly reducing foundation costs and complexity.

Feedback:
The slope of the site also determines the amount of rainwater that can be absorbed by the soil, the areas appropriate for driveways or parking and the access to natural light and views.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT an obstacle in adaptive reuse?

a) The building may contain asbestos or lead paint.
b) The existing building may be damaged beyond repair.
c) The building may need an addition or replacement.
d) The building may be difficult or expensive to bring up to code.

Answer 15

c) The building may need an addition or replacement.

Feedback:
The three items that are amenable to adaptive reuse include: Damage to the existing building, Hazardous Materials and Code compliance.

Question 16

Which of the following describes a Joint Tenancy land ownership?

a) A legal entity with rights and liability independent of those of its shareholders.
b) Land is owned by a group of people. Upon a death of one of the partners, the partnership may be dissolved and assets distributed among surviving partners and the estate of the deceased partner.
c) A type of ownership that holds property in the one person’s name for the benefit of another person or group he represents.
d) Two or more people, each holding an undivided interest and each owner has a share in the ownership of the whole.

Answer 16

d) Two or more people, each holding an undivided interest and each owner has a share in the ownership of the whole.

Question 17

What is a test boring and why is it performed?

a) A test boring will determine the types of soils on a site as well as its relative bearing capacity.
b) A test boring is used on an existing structure to find out if any damage has occurred beneath the surface.
c) A test boring is used to determine if poured concrete has met it’s maximum bearing strength.
d) A test boring calculates the loads the foundation will need to support once the building is complete.

Answer 17

a) A test boring will determine the types of soils on a site as well as its relative bearing capacity.

Feedback:
The four main types of test borings are wash borings (using high pressure water), auger borings (using drills), core borings (to gather layers of soils) and test pits (to see layers of soils).

Question 18

Other than providing electricity, what other use of solar energy is the most efficient in a building?

a) Providing electricity to transfer back to the main grid
b) Providing heat during the winter
c) Solar panels for electricity is the best use of solar energy
d) Providing heat for a water heater

Answer 18

d) Providing heat for a water heater

Feedback:
A solar water heater uses the warmth of the sunlight to directly heat the water.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a method to incorporate passive cooling into a building?

a) Utilize the “stack effect” to vent heat up and out of a space and allow cool air to enter below.
b) Seal all leaks in the building and provide a very efficient duct system.
c) Arrange windows to encourage wind flow through the space and allow ample ventilation.
d) Incorporate louvers and overhangs on windows to block direct sunlight.

Answer 19

b) Seal all leaks in the building and provide a very efficient duct system.

Feedback:
Passive cooling refers to avoiding the use of mechanical systems in order to provide temperature comfort within a building.

Question 20

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

a) 50-61 degrees in the winter and 80-85 degrees in the summer; 40-50% relative humidity.
b) 70-85 degrees in the winter and 60-68 degrees in the summer; 80-85% relative humidity.
c) 60-68 degrees in the winter and 70-85 degrees in the summer; 50-80% relative humidity.
d) 63-71 degrees in winter and 66-75 degrees in the summer; 30-60% relative humidity.

Answer 20

d) 63-71 degrees in winter and 66-75 degrees in the summer; 30-60% 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 21

Which of the following will NOT reduce noise transmission into a building?

a) Hanging materials or equipment on isolation device
b) Sound attenuating insulation within the walls
c) Placing sound absorbers between materials
d) Spacing the structural studs at greater distances.

Answer 21

d) Spacing the structural studs at greater distances.

Feedback:
In order to reduce noise intrusion into a building, placing the studs closer together rather than further apart would be a better option.

Question 22

Which would be a site consideration in regards to architectural design?

a) The design does not require an appropriate relationship between the structure and its site.
b) The design should stand out from the site instead of embracing it.
c) The design should be placed in the landscape to be hidden, conversely, views of the surrounding landscape should be visible from the building.
d) The design should respond to the natural characteristics of the site: its form, climate, solar orientation, natural vegetation, and existing structures.

Answer 22

d) The design should respond to the natural characteristics of the site: its form, climate, solar orientation, natural vegetation, and existing structures.

Feedback:
The design should be placed in the landscape to be seen, conversely, views of the surrounding landscape should be visible from the building.

Question 23

What site issues will be affected by the zoning code?

a) Enclosed stairways as a means of egress.
b) Construction Type.
c) Number of restrooms required in building.
d) Any required setbacks from property lines, rights-of-way, streets and sidewalks.

Answer 23

d) Any required setbacks from property lines, rights-of-way, streets and sidewalks.

Feedback:
The zoning code also prescribes building height limitations as well as site usage (residential, commercial, etc.)

Question 24

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

a) To allow green space between buildings
b) To allow access to light and air
c) To control the maximum size of a building on a site
d) To keep buildings separated from one another

Answer 24

b) To allow access to light and air

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

Question 25

During which phase are design documents reviewed and approved?

a) Construction Documents Phase
b) Design Development Phase
c) Entitlement Phase
d) 1st Plan Check Submittal

Answer 25

c) Entitlement Phase

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

Question 26

Define Microclimate

a) Refers to the general climate of the overall region
b) Refers to the climate of the northern or southern hemisphere.
c) Refers to the comfort level within a building.
d) Refers to the specific local conditions of the site.

Answer 26

d) Refers to the specific local conditions of the site.

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 27

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

a) aluminum siding
b) asphalt shingles
c) vinyl trellis
d) wood fencing

Answer 27

d) wood fencing

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 28

What conditions could occur if a high water table is found in a cold climate?

a) The foundation could separate from the soil as the water table freezes.
b) The water table could expand and cause the building to collapse.
c) The wrong type of foundation could crack or settle if the water table freezes and pushes it upward.
d) The water table could freeze and cause the foundation to slip.

Answer 28

c) The wrong type of foundation could crack or settle if the water table freezes and pushes it upward.

Feedback:
High water tables in cold climates are especially problematic since water expands as it freezes. The wrong type of foundation could crack or settle if the water table freezes and pushes it upward.

Question 29

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

a) Traffic patterns around the site; location of major airports or railways.
b) Zoning requirements
c) Construction budget and schedule
d) Circulation requirements & Site Access; Spatial requirements based on necessary tasks.

Answer 29

d) Circulation requirements & Site Access; Spatial requirements based on necessary tasks.

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 30

What is the difference between Net Density and Gross Density?

a) Net Density includes streets while Gross Density does not.
b) Net Density and Gross Density essentially describe the same thing.
c) Net Density is the best way to describe the density of a site.
d) Net Density does not include streets while Gross Density includes everything such as streets, open spaces, and parks.

Answer 30

d)Net Density does not include streets while Gross Density includes everything such as streets, open spaces, and parks.

Feedback:
Net Density: this is the ratio of people to the land, but excludes the streets, which could total as much as 25 percent of the overall site. Gross Density: this is the ratio of people to land, but includes everything, such as the streets, open spaces and parks. Since it is more accurate, gross density is found to be more useful in describing the density of the site.