PA Mix Flashcards
How do you calculate a building’s efficiency?
A building’s efficiency is the net area divided by the gross area. Buildings that have a lot of circulation and support areas are less efficient than buildings that are almost entirely usable, such as a warehouse.
What is a Xeriscape style of Landscaping?
Xeriscape is a type of low water-consuming landscaping, popular in arid regions. Xeriscape landscapes use native plantings and rock or gravel and do not use irrigation.
What is a Naturalistic style of Landscaping?
Naturalistic landscapes are informal and draw their aesthetic inspiration from nature such as forests and meadows. A naturalistic landscape attempts to look like it was not designed, but is part of the natural landscape.
What is a Formal style of landscaping?
Formal landscapes have clear structure and strong geometric forms. They are also often symmetrical and have eye-catching elements such as statues or fountains at the end of long axial pathways.
What three things determine the maximum height of a building?
Zoning Regulations
-limit building height by setting maximum height limits and establishing floor area ratios (FAR).
Occupancy group
-the International Building Code specifies maximum heights based on the type of construction and occupancy group.
Type of Construction
-the International Building Code specifies maximum heights based on the type of construction and occupancy group.
NOT:
occupancy group or proximity to fire station
How should the architect depict compliance with setbacks on a drawing?
Show the property line as a dashed line, show the proper setbacks from the property line and dimension from the setbacks to the building face. The property line should be shown on site plans. Dimensioning to the building face will clearly show if setback distances are met.
What is a “Transfer Beam”?
Transfer beam is a horizontal structure that transfers heavy gravity loads from the above structural elements to the below structures. These are beam elements that are mainly employed in the design of high-rise building structures. They are designed to take up load more than what a normal beam is designed for.
Think “concrete header”.
True or False?
Passive solar systems store electricity?
False
What is a benefit of passive solar heating that the architect can discuss with the client?
Low maintenance costs
-there are generally low maintenance requirements for passive solar heating systems.
What is typically included in a boundary survey?
Easements and right-of-ways
-a boundary survey shows a property’s boundaries, easements, setbacks, zoning, and any improvements such as buildings, walls, or fencing.
note: Location and characteristics of utilities and spot elevations are found on a topographic survey. Topographic surveys are often conducted along with boundary surveys.
Which steps should be taken to minimize slope destabilization?
Use alternatives to septic systems
Comply with local grading ordinances regarding the use of retaining walls for steep hill cuts
Review local landslide hazard maps and landslide reduction regulations
Utilize native plantings that require little irrigation
What ratio of street width to building height prioritizes pedestrians?
1.5 : 1
Just a little wider- not too wide or it encourages faster vehicular speeds.
Vegetation makes the street pedestrian friendly.
Multiple types of users on street encourage social interaction.
How will the architect and client use this construction budget?
To set cost guidelines for their work
-the budget serves as a guide, establishing parameters for the project costs. It keeps the architect from spending too much in the wrong place and helps them to meet the project goals.
Budgets are not hard numbers and often fluctuate.
What does a storm drain do?
-is designed to drain excess rain and ground water from impervious surfaces such as paved streets, car parks, parking lots, footpaths, sidewalks, and roofs.
This is not an effective technique for reducing runoff volume and improving stormwater quality.
True or False?
A privately owned facility with three units would not fall under the requirement to have ADA accessibility as per the Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
True
Per 2010 ADA Standards - Section 233, residential structures having four or more multi-family dwelling units, regardless of whether they are privately owned or federally assisted, include certain features of accessible and adaptable design according to guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A privately owned facility with three units would not fall under this requirement.
What is the primary function of a vegetated roof?
Stormwater management
-vegetated roof covers or “green roofs” provide an important strategy for the management of stormwater. They can reduce runoff on a site by 50 percent.
What is a Control Joint used for?
Control joints are used to regulate cracking in concrete pours, such as slabs and walls. They limit cracking from thermal movement, curing shrinkage, etc.
Where will the maximum bending moment at an exterior balcony be?
The maximum bending moment is where the balcony intersects the wall. The bending moment occurs here because the wall is a rigid connection point for the balcony. It provides an upward force on that point, which is countered by a downward force of the balcony load.
Name some of the characteristics of a successful transit-oriented development?
Diverse housing types
-a mix of housing types ensures population density for the development.
Varied housing prices
-a variety of housing prices, including affordable housing, should be planned.
Mixed-use functions
-they benefit this type of development by providing residential functions adjacent to commercial and office functions, increasing the vitality of the community. Mixed-use also provides opportunities for shared parking.
Increased bicycle facilities
-facilities for bicycles should be increased, including dedicated bicycle paths and bicycle parking.
Preservation
-the act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic property. Work, including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a preservation project.”
Preservation is the appropriate choice for the scenarios such as, “The stone cornice of a historic hotel is patched and repaired,” and, “An 1890 train station will be reused as a light rail station but will largely retain its original look and feel.”
Rehabilitation
-the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.”
Rehabilitation is the appropriate choice for the scenario, “An old theater is being repurposed as a bookstore and coffee shop.”
Restoration
-the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period.”
Reconstruction
-the act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features, and detailing of a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location.”
Reconstruction is the appropriate choice for the scenario, “A badly deteriorated native dwelling is carefully studied and missing parts are replaced with great accuracy.”
True or False
Building on greenfield sites promote sustainability.
False