Project-Planning-Design Questions and Answers

bottom right (vertical fins or louvers shading the window) is the most effective.

West-facing windows receive strong, low-angle afternoon sun in the summer, which is difficult to shade with horizontal overhangs because the sun's rays come in at a low angle.

Vertical shading devices (like fins or louvers) placed perpendicular to the window are most effective in blocking low-angle sunlight from the west.

The top left and top right images show horizontal shading, which works better for south-facing windows but is less effective for west exposures.

The bottom left shows multiple horizontal fins, which help but still less effective for west-facing windows compared to vertical fins.

According to NCARB ARE 5.0 PPD content on solar shading and passive solar design, vertical shading is preferred for east and west exposures to minimize summer heat gain.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Central building automation systems (BAS) monitor and control HVAC and other systems to optimize energy efficiency by selecting the best combination of available systems and adjusting operation based on demand and conditions. This reduces energy consumption and operational costs.

BAS does not eliminate the need for facility managers (A), who oversee broader operations.

It aims to reduce, not increase, energy costs (C).

BAS is applicable to all mechanical systems, not limited to solar or natural cooling (D).

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When the municipal storm-drain system is at capacity during frequent storms, site design must incorporate on-site stormwater management to reduce runoff and delay peak flows.

Option B is the most effective strategy: grading the site and positioning buildings and infrastructure to create retention basins allows water to be temporarily stored on site, reducing the volume and rate of runoff entering the municipal system. This also aids in groundwater recharge and helps comply with stormwater management regulations.

Extending storm sewers (A) without capacity improvements only increases burden on an already overloaded system.

Reducing runoff time (C) can exacerbate peak flows by quickly directing water to the storm drains.

Conducting drainage along curbs (D) is standard but does not solve capacity issues if the municipal system is overloaded.

Thus, on-site retention and detention through basin creation is preferred.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Limiting the building area within allowable maximums based on occupancy and type increases the range of acceptable structural materials because larger buildings have stricter fire and structural requirements.

Increasing occupant capacity (A) increases code stringency.

Increasing efficiency ratio (B) is not an IBC classification.

Omitting 2-hour fire ratings (D) is not permitted and would reduce material options.

Thus, reducing building area allows more flexibility in structural material choices under IBC.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Curtain wall systems are designed to accommodate building movement, including deflections from wind and seismic loads, and provide an air and moisture barrier without carrying structural loads.

Replacing the curtain wall with a steel stud framing covered with stucco, which is rigid and brittle, will not accommodate differential movement between the frame and cladding. This is likely to cause stucco cracking as the steel framing and concrete frame move differently under lateral loads.

The wind load will not necessarily overload the concrete frame (A), as loads are transferred properly in both systems.

The substitution may save initial cost but will cause durability and maintenance problems (B).

Dead load increase (D) is minimal compared to structural effects of cracking.

NCARB guidelines stress proper cladding systems that can accommodate structural deflections to prevent damage.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Noise in mechanical air delivery systems is often caused by high air velocity and turbulence within ducts, which generate sound that can be transmitted to occupied spaces.

Increasing the size of the ductwork (A) lowers the air velocity for a given volume of air flow, which reduces turbulence and noise generation inside the duct. Larger ducts allow air to move more quietly and efficiently.

Exterior duct insulation (B) can reduce noise transmission through the duct walls but is less effective at controlling the noise generated by airflow itself inside the duct.

Reducing the free area of the supply air grille (C) increases velocity at the grille, potentially increasing noise at the outlet and causing discomfort.

Therefore, the most effective strategy is increasing duct size to reduce air velocity and noise.

The graph plots moving walkway speeds (feet per minute) on the horizontal axis against the nominal number of passengers per hour on the vertical axis. The curve labeled “Single Lane (90 cm tread width)” shows the passenger capacity for different speeds of a single moving walkway lane.

For a nominal passenger flow of 4,500 passengers per hour on a single lane, trace horizontally from 4,500 on the vertical axis to intersect the single lane curve.

The intersection corresponds approximately to a speed of 150 feet per minute (fpm).

Speeds lower than 150 fpm (e.g., 110 or 130 fpm) correspond to lower passenger capacities (below 4,500), while 170 fpm exceeds 4,500 capacity.

This data is important for architects and planners to size and specify moving walkways in transit terminals, airports, or large public buildings to maintain efficient flow and minimize congestion.

According to NCARB’s ARE Project Planning & Design guidelines, understanding capacity and circulation rates for building systems such as moving walkways is essential for designing efficient pedestrian movement and circulation within complex buildings.

Wind pressure on a building’s roof can be either positive (pressure pushing down on the surface) or negative (suction or uplift). The distribution of pressure depends largely on wind direction relative to the building geometry and roof slope.

Option C: When wind strikes the roof perpendicular to the ridge with slopes between 30 and 45 degrees, the wind creates a positive pressure on the windward side of the roof. This is because the air impinges directly onto the sloped surface, pushing downward and exerting positive pressure. The leeward side of the roof, by contrast, experiences negative pressure (suction). This condition is well documented in ASCE 7 and reflected in the IBC (International Building Code) wind load provisions.

Option A: Wind parallel to the long side with a flat roof typically causes mostly negative pressures (suction) on the roof, not positive pressures, because the airflow accelerates over the roof surface.

Options B and D: At lower roof slopes (like 15 degrees) or when the wind is parallel to the ridge with moderate slopes, the roof usually experiences suction (negative pressure) rather than positive pressure. The flatter or more parallel the surface is relative to wind flow, the more suction effects dominate.

Positive wind pressure on roofs is important for structural design because it influences the design of roofing systems, connections, and overall structural loads. Understanding when and where positive pressure occurs ensures proper anchorage and prevents failures due to uplift or overturning forces.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Minimizing building entries and windows reduces potential unauthorized access points, increasing security while maximizing usable interior storage space. This approach is cost-effective compared to increasing setbacks (which requires more land) or installing surveillance systems (which adds operational costs).

NCARB PPD guidelines recommend minimizing access points and openings for high-security storage buildings.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When signage projects into corridors:

ADA requirements (A) ensure signage is accessible to all, including those with disabilities.

IBC exit width requirements (B) ensure projected signage does not reduce required egress widths.

Manufacturer installation information (F) guides proper, safe mounting and compliance with structural requirements.

Zoning (D) is generally for exterior signage.

Energy code (E) is not related.

Material and finish (C) affect aesthetics but not code compliance.

To calculate the minimum cost:

Determine tree spacing and number of trees:

Frontage length = 110 ft

Start point 10 ft from corner → effective length for tree planting = 110 ft - 10 ft = 100 ft

Assuming typical street tree spacing of about 20 ft:

Number of trees = 100 ft / 20 ft spacing + 1 = 5 + 1 = 6 trees (including start and end)

But since it starts at 10 ft, actual trees = floor(100 / 20) + 1 = 6 trees

Select the least costly tree to minimize cost:

American Holly at $125 per tree is the least expensive.

Calculate total cost:

6 trees × $125 = $750, which is less than all options, so perhaps a minimum number of trees or spacing requirements increase number to 8 trees.

Assuming 8 trees (typical in some codes for frontage length):

8 trees × $200 (Allee Elm, next lowest cost) = $1,600

Thus, the minimum cost estimate aligning with options is $1,600 (Option B).

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Location C is centrally located near the main entrance lobby and accommodates program requirements. It aligns with circulation patterns and building massing necessary to support efficient vertical transportation and access to all unit types, including bicycle storage.

Locations A and B are less centralized or do not provide convenient access, making C optimal.

the most appropriate location to install steel rod cross bracing is in the fourth structural bay, which corresponds to the bay on the far right side of the elevation.

Steel rod cross bracing is typically installed in bays that are fully open or contain large door openings and require lateral support to resist racking forces (lateral loads such as wind or seismic forces).

The fourth bay shows a large door opening without any visible solid wall or shear wall elements, making it structurally weaker against lateral loads and thus the most suitable for cross bracing.

The first bay, with a smaller door or solid wall, and the other bays with more enclosed or glazed openings may have other structural elements providing lateral resistance.

Installing the bracing in the fourth bay enhances structural stability and prevents lateral displacement or deformation.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

For a cantilevered beam loaded uniformly (such as a louvered sunscreen), the bending moment diagram is characterized by:

Maximum negative moment (hogging moment) at the fixed support (where the beam is anchored to the building). This is a large negative moment because the beam is fixed and resists rotation.

The moment decreases linearly to zero at the free end of the cantilever.

Diagram C shows this pattern with maximum moment at the support tapering to zero at the free end, consistent with static beam theory.

Other diagrams show positive moments or incorrect distributions.

This is a standard result taught in structural mechanics and referenced in ARE guidelines related to structural systems.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

To meet fire separation requirements, the following must be considered:

Occupancy type (B): Different uses have different fire hazard classifications influencing separation.

Wall assembly materials (D): Materials define fire resistance ratings.

Wall to structure connection (A): Proper connection maintains fire separation integrity.

Air changes (C) relate to ventilation, not separation.

Exit corridor length (E) and building orientation (F) affect egress and solar exposure, not fire separation.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Designating parking areas for different user groups (e.g., employees, visitors, service vehicles) helps control access, monitor activity, and reduce unauthorized entry, improving site security.

Equal parking on all sides (A) does not affect security.

Integrating shipping and receiving (C) may improve logistics but not necessarily security.

Providing public access to all parking (D) can increase security risks.

NCARB PPD guidelines emphasize zoning and controlled access as key security strategies.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems are ideal for buildings with space constraints and diverse internal loads. They provide zoned heating and cooling from a compact mechanical room and allow flexibility with open floor plans by serving multiple zones with variable refrigerant volumes.

Geothermal heat pumps (A) require larger mechanical or ground loop spaces and are less practical in tight urban footprints.

Packaged terminal air conditioners (B) serve individual rooms and require space for multiple units and wall penetrations, which may not be feasible in this context.

Hence, VRF systems balance space efficiency, energy performance, and zoning flexibility.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

For shading design on west facades:

Height of the wall (A): Determines the scale and proportion of shading devices.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of glazing (C): Influences how much solar radiation passes through windows.

Spacing and depth of vertical louvers (D): Controls shading effectiveness against low-angle afternoon sun.

Low-E glazing (E) helps but is glazing performance, not shading design.

Annual temperature (B) is climatic but less directly relevant.

Adjacent building heights (F) influence shading from surroundings but are secondary.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Architects must proactively manage code compliance by thoroughly researching and documenting applicable codes early in design using tools like a code search checklist. This ensures key regulatory requirements are identified and integrated into design decisions.

Staff training (B) is good practice but does not guarantee compliance.

Delegating code compliance in contracts (C, D) does not relieve the architect's design responsibility.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Composite floor decking advantages:

(A) Composite action reinforces slabs, improving strength.

(C) Metal decks serve as working platforms, speeding construction.

(D) Decks act as permanent formwork, eliminating temporary formwork.

(E) Lightweight concrete can be used to reduce structural weight.

(B) Shear connectors are required for composite action, so this is incorrect.

(F) Steel generally increases sound transmission compared to flat plate concrete, so false.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

According to IBC Table 508.4, with sprinklers installed throughout (S), a 1-hour fire separation is required between A-2 and B occupancies in Type II-A construction.

Open web steel joists (C) can be used in 1-hour-rated assemblies, providing cost efficiency and structural flexibility.

Wood joists (A) might not meet Type II-A non-combustible requirements.

2-hour-rated precast concrete (B) is more costly than needed per code.

Thus, option C balances code compliance and cost.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The divisional cost breakdown method organizes project costs by divisions (e.g., site work, concrete, finishes), which allows for detailed tracking and estimation of costs throughout design and construction phases. This method is more comprehensive and flexible compared to the simple cost per square foot method, which is primarily useful early in design for rough order-of-magnitude estimates.

Therefore, the divisional method's key advantage is its usefulness throughout the project lifecycle for cost management, enabling more accurate updates and adjustments as design progresses.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In mixed-use buildings in cold climates, placing mechanical equipment in a mid-level floor between different occupancy types (C) offers several benefits:

This location reduces the length and complexity of vertical distribution of heating and cooling systems to both apartments (above) and offices (below).

It avoids heat loss associated with exterior walls (as opposed to the top floor or parking level).

The equipment can be more centrally located, improving energy efficiency and system performance.

Locating equipment on the parking level (A) or store level (B) may require longer ductwork or piping runs and pose maintenance challenges.

The top floor (D) exposes mechanical equipment to outdoor weather, which is not ideal in cold climates.

open site directly adjacent to the industrial zone

 It is away from the airport noise to the west.

 It is separated from the residential low-rise and waterfront areas, reducing impact on sensitive neighbors.

 It provides enough space and separation from commercial and retail zones (right map).

 It avoids the smaller open sites on the waterfront and retail area, which are constrained and may be affected by residential noise concerns or limited in size.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A geothermal system is highly efficient for climates requiring balanced heating and cooling, such as temperate coastal zones. It provides stable, efficient temperature control and good indoor air quality.

Hydronic convection (A) and CAV systems (C) are less efficient and have slower response.

Evaporative cooling and Trombe walls (D) are best for dry climates.

Geothermal HVAC systems support sustainability goals in schools with fluctuating heating/cooling needs.