category I Flashcards
(40 cards)
Your site is located between the Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean. Which two agency approvals will you need that are specific to this site?
// the county planning department/planning commission (coastal act)
You are asked to design a project in a flood plain next to a navigable river. From which agencies will you need approval to build due to these factors?
// u.s. army corps of engineers (navigable waterways)
// state water resources control board (if more than one acre will be disturbed during construction)
// the county flood control district (floor plain)
// department of fish and game (if the project will alter the river bed)
You are asked to design a boathouse on a lake. Endanged plant species grow on the site; there is no water and sewage service available. The site is located in a fire hazard severity zone. Which agency approvals will be required due to these specific factors?
// the county department of environmental health (wells and septic system)
// the county fire marshall (additional review required due to fire hazard severity zone)
// the department of fish and game (endangered plant species)
// the department of fish and game (lake bed affected by dock)
Your client wants to build a large three story hotel on a wetlands area. Which agency approvals are required due to these factors?
// the regional water quality board (wetlands)
// u.s. army corps of engineers (wetlands)
// state water resources control board (more than one acre will be disturbed during construction)
A client comes to you wanting to design and construct an office building. The site is adjacent to an airport. What agency approvals/regulations must be satisfied due to the site location?
// federal aviation adminsitration regulations (height and outdoor lighting)
// airport authority land use plan (height, programming, construction standards)
How can the hazards associated with flooding be mitigated?
flood waters from accumulating
// the second step is to raise the elevation of the structure above anticipated floor levels
// in order to qualify for the national floor insurance program, the building must be elevated above the 100 year floor level
What are the basic fire engineering principles that can be applied to reduce the risk of wildfires?
// removing or reducing the heat source
// modifying or reducing fuels
// preventing the heat source from coming into contact with ignitable fuels
How can the risk of damage from seismic activity be reduced?
// earthquakes cause damage by two basic means: seismic shaking and ground failure
// seismic shaking causes the vast majority of damage, but ground failure (e.g. fault rupture, liquefaction, landslides), although less common, is catastrophic to the immediate area affected
// seismic shaking: brace and tie down heavy building elements and equipment, brace or stiffen structural systems, provide extra structural support for emergency systems such as fire sprinklers
// ground failure: modify unstable ground to increase stability through grading, compacting, or reinforcing soils
How can an architect minimize the risk of hazardous materials affecting building occupants?
// do not specify materials that contains hazardous materials (e.g. high VOCs)
// if the site has a history of industrial activity of hazardous materials handling (e.g. gas stations), recommend the owner perform a hazardous materials survey and proceed with abatement procedures prior to construction
// if the site is in a suspected methane zone, recommend that the owner conduct a methane survey. if methane is present then include a methane barrier in the foundation and floor design
How can wind hazards be reduced?
// damage from winds fall into two basic categories:
// damage from the wind itself: the risk of wind damage can be mitigated to orient the building to expose less surface area to prevailing winds and reducing building height. also, wind damage can be minimized by reducing building overhangs such as eaves or open roofs and using ties to strengthen roof connections
// damage from wind borne debris: vulnerable portions of the building, such as windows, skylights, and curtain walls, should be design to resist missile impact forces
What are three structural systems that can be used to resist lateral loading?
// shear walls
// steel moment frames
// braced steel frames
What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
// volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon based chmicals emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids at room temperature
// in sufficient quantities, VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritations, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, memory impairment; some are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans
Name four common sources for VOC off-gassing in finished construction.
// carpets
// adhesives
// paints and coatings
// composite wood products (hardwood plywood, particle board, and MDF)
// resilient flooring systems
// thermal insulation
// acoustic ceilings and wall panels
What are the two methods of controlling indoor pollutants such as VOCs and carbon dioxide?
// control of pollutants at the sources is the most effective strategy for maintaining quality indoor air. specifying materials with low VOC emissions is one method of control
// ventilation, either natural or mechanical, is the second most effective approach to providing clean indoor air
What are the possible health effects of mold on building occupants?
// exposure to molds can cause symptions such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation
// some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions
// severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath
// some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs
What are ways to control mold in buildings?
// mold is caused by excessive indoor moisture or water accumulation, particulary if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed
// the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture with proper water and damp-proofing during design and construction as well as by minimizing water absorbent materials through natural or mechanical ventilation
Name four user characteristics that might affect programming and design decisions.
// culture
// age
// activity requirements
// gender
// education
// disability
You have been selected to design a new center for new immigrants from country X. How would you account for cultural differences when communicating with clients and users?
// because there may be differences of language and of decision making processes between the client, users, and architect, the architect should:
// research and consult with experts on the relevant aspects of country X’s culture
// retain the services of a translator, if necessary, to translate presentations and other documents
// adapt presentations to the client’s or user’s cultural expectations to make communication more informative and productive
What role do user characteristics play in architectural programming?
// the characteristics of anticipated users can affect a variety of decisions:
// favoring some adjacencies over others
// altering circulation patterns
// affecting the size of program spaces
// creating a need for additional program spaces based on needs of culture, age, disability, etc
Name five site features that can affect the location and design of a project.
// soil conditions
// topography
// natural features such as rock outcroppings or streams
// sun orientation
// public access to the site
Neighborhood leaders approach you to voice objections to the design of your project. How can you determine the actual level of support or opposition to the project?
// the architect can communicate with the neighborhood community directly. this can be done by:
// questionnaries and surveys
// community presentations
// meeting with community groups
What role do community or special interest groups play in relation to a proposed project?
// often neighborhood or community groups have a particular interest in the project due to its location or a specific aspect of the program (e.g. the environment, historical preservation)
// these groups play important roles at public hearings and their opposition can often cause delays or cost increases to the project
// it is important to communicate early with these groups to determine and, to the extent possible, address their issues and concerns
What are citizen’s advisory committees?
// citizen’s advisory committees are groups composed of community members usually appointed by a governement board or agency
// the citizen’s advisory committee typically reviews and makes recommendations on matters before that board or agency
// citizen’s advisory committee meetings are public and citizen’s advisory committee approval of the project can graetly help with obtaining approvals
What is the role of a community board or council in the project approval/permitting process?
// community boards or councils are government created organizations that focus on a particular geographic area of a city or county
// they hold public meetings on matters of importance to that community and can make recommendations to city or county government
