Professional Documents
Culture Documents
EXAM GUIDE
Site Planning & Design
Overview 2
Knowledge / Skills
5
Sample Multiple-Choice Answers 11
References 20
65 MC Questions
+
SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
OVERVIEW
Knowledge/
Skills
65 MC Questions
+
SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS
Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple The division has been broken down into a listing of knowledge and skills directly related to each major content area
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette 1. PRINCIPLES 2. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
(22-30 percent of scored items) (24-32 percent of scored items)
Site Design
Vignette A. Review and assess sites. Incorporate the implication of A. Interpret site and environmental conditions. Assess and
human behavior, historic precedent, and design theory in apply systems, materials, and construction methods.
References
the selection of systems, materials, and methods related to Incorporate principles of sustainability. Assess design
site design and construction. impact on human behavior.
1. Site Planning 1. Interpreting Existing Site/Environmental Conditions and Data
Use physical, contextual, and regulatory characteristics, in Assess site layout and proposed materials and systems with
combination with programmatic requirements, to evaluate respect to environmental context.
project sites. 2. Design Impact on Human Behavior
2. Site Design and Design Principles Assess site layout and proposed materials and systems with
Use site evaluation data and programmatic requirements to respect to human behavior, safety, and security.
develop and evaluate alternative site designs. 3. Hazardous Conditions and Materials
3. Implications of Design Decisions Assess the site with respect to the presence of hazardous
Use architectural, engineering, and construction principles and conditions and materials, and identify mitigation options.
procedures to evaluate site design. 4. Sustainable Design
4. Adaptive Reuse of Buildings and/or Materials Identify and apply sustainable strategies and technologies to
Apply principles for adaptive reuse of facilities and materials to site layout and selection of materials and systems.
site design. 5. Alternative Energy Systems and New Material Technologies
5. Architectural History and Theory Identify and apply alternative energy systems and new
Analyze and evaluate the project site with respect to its material technologies to site layout and selection of
regional, local, and site-specific historical context. materials and systems.
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS
Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple 3. CODES & REGULATIONS 3. Fixtures, Furniture, Equipment, and Finishes
Choice Questions (18-26 percent of scored items) Evaluate and select appropriate site fixtures, furniture,
equipment, and finishes based on programmatic and
Site Grading A. Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, zoning performance requirements.
Vignette and other regulatory requirements in site design
4. Thermal and Moisture Protection
and construction.
Site Design Manage the impact of temperature, water, and climatic
Vignette 1. Government and Regulatory Requirements and conditions on site design.
Permit Processes
References 5. Natural and Artificial Lighting
Identify and apply relevant land use, building codes, and
Apply principles of natural and artificial lighting in site design.
regulations into the site design, and assist in permitting.
6. Implications of Design Decisions
2. Accessibility Laws, Codes and Guidelines
Use architectural, engineering, and construction principles and
Identify and apply relevant specialty codes and regulations
procedures to evaluate site materials, assemblies, and systems.
into the site design, and assist in permitting.
5. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
4. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY (4-8 percent of scored items)
(16-20 percent of scored items)
A. Assess and administer site design, including construction
A. Analyze the implication of design decisions in the selection
sequencing, scheduling, cost, and risk management.
of systems, materials, and methods incorporated in site
design and construction. 1. Construction Sequencing
Determine site phasing based upon prioritized programmatic
1. Construction Details and Constructability
requirements and anticipated construction sequencing.
Incorporate appropriate materials into site details, systems,
and assemblies. 2. Cost Estimating, Value Engineering, and Life-cycle Costing
Analyze site development costs relative to programmatic and
2. Construction Materials
budgetary requirements.
Evaluate and select appropriate site products, materials,
and systems based on programmatic, performance, and
sustainability requirements.
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers.
Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
1. Which of the following pieces of information are typically
Choice Questions included in a subsurface investigation report?
Check the four that apply.
Site Grading o A. Results of field tests
Vignette o B. Results of laboratory tests
o C. Recommended types of foundations
Site Design
Vignette o D. Soil sieve analysis
o E. Boring location plan
References o F. Recommended treatment for contaminated soil
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers.
Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
5. Building failure can often be traced to unstable subsoil 8. Assume a project site of 50,000 square feet of land area
Choice Questions conditions. Which of the following subsurface conditions and 10,000 square feet of gross building floor area.
is likely to cause differential settlement of building At a ratio of 3 square feet of parking area to 1 square foot
Site Grading foundations? of gross building area, how many parking spaces are
Vignette o Large beds of clay contained in gravel required at 400 square feet per car?
o Small boulders dispersed in gravel
Site Design
Vignette o Stratified rock spaces
o A deep layer of dry sand and gravel
References
6. In a residential development composed of large building 9. Easements are generally placed on private property
lots, on-site sewage disposal for each lot is permitted to accommodate which of the following?
subject to the suitability of the soil. Which of the o Daylight
following soil investigations should the architect request? o Landscaping
o Percolation test o Access
o Evaporation test o Setbacks
o Test for soil alkalinity
o Test for soil density
10. The characteristic of an existing structure that will
directly affect the thermal environment of adjacent
7. Which of the following would be the best design-with- new construction is its
climate strategy in the layout of a new town in a cool o mechanical systems
region such as Winnipeg or Minneapolis? o texture
o The town structure should be densely grouped; larger o shadow pattern
building units may be grouped close together but o footprint
spaced to utilize sun-heat effects, and the layout
should provide a sheltering effect against winds.
o The preferred design is an open and free layout
of buildings that tend to merge with nature.
o The town structure should be dense and provide
shade, and unit dwellings or groups of buildings should
create court-like areas.
o Buildings should be separated to utilize air movements,
and the character of the town fabric should be loose
and scattered.
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers.
Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
11. Costs for cutting and filling earth on site are typically 15. Local government authorities impose which of the
Choice Questions calculated by which of the following? following land use restrictions? Check the four that apply.
o Square yards o A. Setbacks
Site Grading o Cubic yards o B. Covenants
Vignette o Acres o C. Height and area limitations
o Tonnage o D. Accessibility Acts
Site Design
Vignette o E. Parking requirements
o F. Zoning
References 12. The most important factor for locating a new retail
center is
o accessibility to market area traffic 16. Foundation design in northern climates can require
o the availability of utilities footings to be as deep as 5 feet below
o a well-drained level site grade for which of the following reasons?
o its proximity to employment zone areas o Protect against snow drifts
o Rest on undisturbed soil
o Be below frost level
13. In cold climates, vapor barriers are desirable below attic o Resist earthquakes
insulation because they
o minimize moisture migration
o serve as secondary waterproofing 17. The practice of balancing cut and fill is used in
o support the insulation o site grading
o provide protection from insect infestation o sediment control
o land reclamation
o footing excavation
14. The process of stripping existing vegetation from a site
can cause
o pollution
o disorientation
o defoliation
o erosion
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers.
Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
18. A roof overhang on which of the following faades of a 21. Since contamination in soil typically leads to groundwater
Choice Questions building built in the northern hemisphere will provide contamination, which of the following cleanup
seasonal adjustment for solar radiation? technologies can be used to remediate the
Site Grading o North unsaturated zone?
Vignette o South o Vapor extraction
o East o Biodegradation
Site Design
Vignette o West o In situ incineration
o Photolysis
References 19. Assuming a constant slope between the two contour lines
shown, what is the elevation of point A?
22. Which of the following technologies is most commonly
used in groundwater remediation projects?
o Extraction/treatment
o In situ aeration
o Biological barriers/filters
o Gas chromatography
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers.
Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
24. Zoning ordinances promote social vitality within a city 28. A nonconforming but legal structure that existed prior
Choice Questions when they include to the enactment of a land use ordinance is said to be
o strict zoning by land-use category o an easement
Site Grading o high-rise buildings in a park-like setting o dedicated
Vignette o mixed use and overlay zoning o aggrieved
o flexible car-parking ratios o grandfathered
Site Design
Vignette
References 25. Which of the following site orientation factors is critical 29. Which of the following principles should guide residential
for residential units? zoning adjacent to a central business district?
o Bedrooms should face away from harsh winds. o It should be prohibited because land costs are
o As many units as possible should be entirely masked too high.
from breezes. o It should be maintained as a viable community asset.
o West facing units are at a premium. o All substandard existing units should be converted to
o Each unit should receive sun for at least part of a commercial use.
winter day. o Future units should be available to low-income and
elderly families only.
65 MC Questions
+
SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers.
Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
33. Which of the following environmental impacts should be
Site Grading considered in a site analysis? Check the four that apply.
Vignette o A. Reflections
o B. Air movement
Site Design
Vignette o C. Archeological finds
o D. Pedestrian access
References o E. Sun and shadow patterns
o F. Topography
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SAMPLEMULTIPLE-CHOICE
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE ANSWERS
QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers.
Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
1. , B, C, E
A 25. Each unit should receive sun for at least part of
Choice Questions 2. Liquefaction a winter day
3. reduce hydrostatic pressure on the wall 26. property owners
Site Grading 4. More wind turbulence is created at the street level of 27. a right belonging to a party to pass over land of another
Vignette wide, smooth-surfaced facades. 28. grandfathered
5. Large beds of clay contained in gravel 29. It should be maintained as a viable community asset.
Site Design
Vignette 6. Percolation test 30. Storm sewer
7. The town structure should be densely grouped; larger 31. Site C
References building units may be grouped close together but spaced 32. To control surface water runoff
to utilize sun-heat effects, and the layout should provide a 33. A, B, E, F
sheltering effect against winds. 34. A, B, D
8. 75 35. A, C, D, F
9. Access
10. shadow pattern
11. Cubic yards
12. accessibility to market area traffic
13. minimize moisture migration
14. erosion
15. A, C, E, F
16. Be below frost level
17. site grading
18. South
19. 71.25 ft
20. Metes and bounds
21. Vapor extraction
22. Extraction/treatment
23. B, C, E, F
24. mixed use and overlay zoning
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SITE GRADING VIGNETTE
Knowledge/
Skills
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Procedural Tips
u E rase affects all changes that have
Overview
SITE GRADING VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution been made to a contour. Undo
affects the last action only.
Knowledge/
Skills u W
hen elements overlap, you
may have trouble selecting a
Sample Multiple particular element. If this happens,
Choice Questions keep clicking (without moving
the mouse) until the desired
Site Grading element highlights.
Vignette
Water flows away
Site Design from Locomotive
Vignette Display into swales.
References
Sketch lines
used to layout
swales is useful.
Finish floor is
properly identified.
This solution shows a clean, simple answer to the problem swales (not required, but a good method for locating swales).
presented. The program requires that water be directed around Using the sketch lines as a guide, the existing contours were
and away from the Locomotive Display, while leaving the altered to provide a level pad for the Locomotive Display and
smokestack and trees undisturbed. The candidate has created a swales to divert the water running downhill from the east side
level pad for the Locomotive Display and properly set the finish of the site.
floor elevation. The sketch tool was used here to lay out the
August 2015 ARE 4.0 13
Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions
+
SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SITE GRADING VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution
Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References
This solution is laid out similarly to the passing solution, except they also direct water that falls between the berms toward the
that the swales are drawn as berms. While berms may prevent Locomotive Display. Additionally, the candidate has not created
some surface water from reaching the Locomotive Display, a level pad for the Locomotive Display.
65 MC Questions
+
SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SITE DESIGN VIGNETTE
Knowledge/
Skills
The shortest road Before beginning your solution, you should review the program
segment you can that can be accessed through the Vignette Index screen and
draw is 20-0. familiarize yourself with the site plan on the work screen.
20-0
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SITE DESIGN VIGNETTE
Knowledge/
Skills
5. The Restaurant shall have a view of the Pond. 11. raw vehicular circulation to access the parking and
D
service entrance.
6. he Pedestrian Plaza shall receive the noonday
T uA service drive shall attach to the service entrance of
summer sun. the Restaurant.
u Assume a 45 solar altitude angle. uA turnaround or drive-through circulation is not
required for the service drive.
7. he Pedestrian Plaza shall be blocked from the prevailing
T
winter winds.
uT he wind shall be blocked by buildings and/or trees,
as appropriate.
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
SITE DESIGN VIGNETTE
Knowledge/
Skills
12. C
onnect the Pedestrian Plaza, the universally accessible
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions parking spaces, and the main entrances of the two build-
ings to each other and to the existing public walk with a DECIDUOUS TREE CONIFEROUS TREE
Site Grading continuous walkway system.
Vignette uT he Pedestrian Plaza may be considered part of the
walkway system.
Site Design
Vignette 13. A
dhere to the following general conditions:
uP aving on the site shall be minimized.
References uD rives, traffic aisles, and parking spaces shall be no
closer than 5 ft to a building.
uB uildings must be separated by a minimum of 20 ft.
uP rovide a 30 ft setback from the Pond for all construc-
tion or built improvements.
uN o more than 6 existing trees may be removed
or disturbed.
uN o construction or built improvements of any kind shall
occur over any other existing site feature.
uN o construction or built improvements of any kind shall
occur outside the building limit line except for direct
vehicular and pedestrian access.
uB uildings shall not overlap the Pedestrian Plaza
or parking.
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Procedural Tips
u T
he driveways and walkways are
Overview
SITE DESIGN VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution polylines. Use the move group
tool to move them; use the move,
Knowledge/ adjust tool to adjust them.
Skills
Sketch circles used to establish u C
heck to see how many trees
set back from pond.
Sample Multiple you have cut down while you
Choice Questions are drawing, and again before
you leave the vignette.
Site Grading
Vignette Noonday solar u W
hen elements overlap, you may
access. Compact,
logical layout. have trouble selecting a particular
Site Design element. If this happens, keep
Vignette clicking (without moving the
mouse) until the desired
References
element highlights.
u T
o move a bank of parking spaces,
we suggest you use the move
Acceptable group tool.
coordination of
Pedestrian Plaza and u If you have groups of spaces laid
entry pad to the out in relation to each other, but
Office Tower. want to move them all to another
place on the site, use the move
Only six trees group tool.
are removed.
This solution incorporates all of the program requirements into to the main entrance of the Office Tower and connects the
a workable design. The Office Tower is located near the Pond Tower, the Restaurant, parking area and other walkways. The
with the main entrance visible from Bentley Avenue. The Res- curb cut for the driveway is located far enough from the inter-
taurant is located an appropriate distance away from the Office section of the roads and the required setback from the Pond is
Tower and has a view of the Pond. The service entrance of the maintained. One of the most important program items in this
Restaurant is shielded from the Pedestrian Plaza by the addition vignette is the requirement for a drive-through circulation pat-
of evergreen trees. The Pedestrian Plaza receives full noonday tern. This solution shows a well-designed, efficient layout that
summer sun as required. The Pedestrian Plaza also connects adequately meets that requirement.
August 2015 ARE 4.0 18
Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions
+
SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Warnings
u In order to connect your driveway
Overview
SITE DESIGN VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution to any other driveway or road,
the dashed centerline of your
Knowledge/ road must connect to the dashed
Skills centerline of the other road.
Driveway is not
Sample Multiple u W
alkways must be attached to
perpendicular to
Choice Questions street. elements where a connection
is required.
Site Grading
Vignette u O
nly spaces drawn with the
Handicap Spaces tool will
Site Design be counted as universally
Vignette accessible spaces.
References
This solution generally follows the program requirements, but removal of seven trees, which exceeds the programs general
falls short in a few critical areas. First, the corner of the Office conditions. The accessible parking was not created with the
Tower is located within the required 30-foot setback from the Handicap Spaces tool. Another problem is the missing
Pond. The building locations and paved areas also require the perpendicular segment of the entrance drive.
65 MC Questions
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SITE PLANNING & DESIGN
2 Vignettes
Overview
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
Knowledge/
The references are presented as a guide in preparing for the examination. It was developed by the committee that prepares the
Skills
examination. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible reference materials for the subject area of any given
division. NCARB makes no guarantee that the various references are currently in print.
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
The Architects Handbook of Professional Practice Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings
Vignette
Joseph A. Demkin, AIA, Executive Editor Walter T. Grondzik, Alison G. Kwok, Ben Stein,
The American Institute of Architects and John S. Reynolds, Editors
Site Design
Vignette John Wiley & Sons, latest edition John Wiley & Sons, latest edition