B&CS TEST 1

"What is the purpose of a bubble diagram?"

"To visualize spatial relationships and adjacencies before creating a floor plan."

"What does a strong adjacency indicate?"

"Two spaces must be directly next to each other."

"What does a desired adjacency indicate?"

"Two spaces benefit from being near each other but do not require direct contact."

"What is the main goal of early spatial planning?"

"To organize functional zones and circulation before detailed design."

"What is a transition space?"

"A space that controls movement between different user groups or zones."

"Why separate public and private zones?"

"To improve safety

"What is the purpose of an adjacency matrix?"

"To evaluate which spaces should be near

"What does an X in an adjacency matrix mean?"

"Spaces should be separated."

"What does a dot or circle in an adjacency matrix mean?"

"A desired adjacency."

"What is architectural programming?"

"Identifying required spaces

"Why define primary users in programming?"

"Different users have different needs and circulation patterns."

"What is the purpose of identifying space sizes early?"

"To estimate building footprint

"What is the purpose of a due diligence matrix?"

"To organize all required pre‑development investigations and responsibilities."

"What is a title search?"

"A review confirming ownership and identifying liens or disputes."

"What is the purpose of a land survey?"

"To determine property boundaries and physical features."

"What is an easement?"

"A legal right allowing others to use part of the property for specific purposes."

"Why review easements?"

"They may restrict building placement or utility installation."

"What is a topographic survey?"

"A mapping of slopes

"What is a traffic impact study?"

"An analysis of how a project affects nearby roads and intersections."

"What is an environmental site assessment?"

"A study identifying contamination risks from past or current uses."

"What is a development budget estimate?"

"A projection of total project costs to determine feasibility."

"What is zoning?"

"A legal framework regulating land use

"What is annexation?"

"When land outside a city is incorporated into city limits."

"What is a rezoning?"

"A formal process to change a property's zoning classification."

"Why is zoning analysis important?"

"It determines what is legally allowed on a site."

"What is a building setback?"

"The required distance between a structure and property lines."

"What is a permitted use?"

"A use allowed by right under zoning regulations."

"What is a conditional use?"

"A use allowed only with special approval."

"What is a variance?"

"Permission to deviate from zoning requirements due to hardship."

"What is a site plan?"

"A drawing showing building placement

"What is a feasibility study?"

"An evaluation of whether a project is financially and physically achievable."

"What is the purpose of material selection?"

"To choose materials that meet performance

"What factors influence material selection?"

"Climate

"Why use moisture‑resistant materials in humid climates?"

"To prevent rot

"What is reflective roofing used for?"

"Reducing heat absorption and lowering cooling loads."

"What is high‑performance glazing?"

"Glass designed to reduce solar heat gain while allowing natural light."

"What is the purpose of durable interior finishes?"

"To withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning."

"What is a concrete slab foundation?"

"A flat structural base supporting the building and equipment loads."

"What is fiber cement siding?"

"A moisture‑resistant exterior material made from cement and cellulose fibers."

"What is TPO roofing?"

"A thermoplastic membrane used for energy‑efficient flat roofs."

"What is tempered glass?"

"Safety glass designed to break into small

"What is a sustainability strategy?"

"A plan to reduce environmental impact across project phases."

"Why make sustainability decisions early?"

"Early choices are cheaper and have greater long‑term impact."

"What is building orientation?"

"Positioning a building to optimize sunlight

"What is rainwater management?"

"Strategies to control runoff and reduce erosion."

"What is a waste management plan?"

"A plan to reduce

"What is commissioning?"

"Testing building systems to ensure they operate correctly."

"What is the owner’s role in AIA contracts?"

"Provide funding

"What is the architect’s role?"

"Design the project

"What is the contractor’s role?"

"Manage construction means

"What is a contractual relationship?"

"A legally enforceable agreement defining duties and liabilities."

"What is a working relationship?"

"Day‑to‑day collaboration without legal obligations."

"Why is misunderstanding contract roles risky?"

"It leads to delays

"What is risk allocation?"

"Assigning responsibility for potential project risks."

"Why does the owner carry financial risk?"

"They fund the project and absorb impacts from delays or changes."

"Why does the contractor carry construction risk?"

"They control safety

"Why does the architect carry design risk?"

"They are responsible for accuracy and completeness of drawings."

"What is a submittal?"

"Documents contractors send for architect review

"What is a change order?"

"A formal modification to the contract price

"What is substantial completion?"

"The stage when the building can be used for its intended purpose."

"What is final completion?"

"When all work is finished and accepted."

"What is a punch list?"

"A list of minor items to correct before final completion."

"What is a claim in construction?"

"A demand for additional time or money due to unforeseen conditions."

"What is a schedule of values?"

"A breakdown of contract cost used for payment applications."

"What is a payment application?"

"A contractor’s request for payment based on completed work."

"What is retainage?"

"A portion of payment withheld until project completion."

"What is jobsite safety?"

"The contractor’s responsibility to protect workers and property."

"What are means and methods?"

"The contractor’s chosen techniques for performing construction work."

"What is a building code?"

"A set of regulations ensuring safety

"What is occupancy classification?"

"A code category defining building use and safety requirements."

"What is egress?"

"A safe path for occupants to exit a building."

"What is fire separation?"

"A rated barrier preventing fire spread between areas."

"What is ADA compliance?"

"Meeting accessibility requirements for people with disabilities."

"What is HVAC?"

"Heating

"What is a utility plan?"

"A drawing showing water

"What is stormwater management?"

"Systems controlling runoff to prevent flooding and erosion."

"What is grading?"

"Shaping the land to direct drainage and prepare for construction."

"What is soil compaction?"

"Densifying soil to support foundations and pavement."

"What is a geotechnical report?"

"An analysis of soil conditions and foundation recommendations."

"What is a site setback?"

"A required buffer between structures and property lines."

"What is FAR (Floor Area Ratio)?"

"A ratio of building area to site area."

"What is density?"

"The amount of development allowed per acre."

"What is a right‑of‑way?"

"Land reserved for public infrastructure like roads or utilities."

"What is a property plat?"

"A recorded map showing lot boundaries and dimensions."

"What is a legal description?"

"A precise written description of property boundaries."

"What is a parcel ID?"

"A unique number identifying a property for tax purposes."

"What is market analysis?"

"A study of demand

"What is highest and best use?"

"The most profitable legal use of a property."

"What is feasibility analysis?"

"Evaluating whether a project is financially viable."

"What is construction phasing?"

"Sequencing work to optimize time and resources."

"What is value engineering?"

"Adjusting design to reduce cost without sacrificing function."

"What is a site buffer?"

"A landscaped or natural area separating uses for privacy or noise control."

"What is a circulation path?"

"The route users take through a site or building."

"What is wayfinding?"

"Design strategies that help users navigate a space."

"What is a program statement?"

"A summary of project goals

"What is a schematic design?"

"Early drawings showing general layout and form."

"What is design development?"

"Refining design decisions and selecting materials."

"What are construction documents?"

"Detailed drawings and specifications used for bidding and building."

"What is bidding?"

"The process of selecting a contractor through competitive pricing."

"What is permitting?"

"Obtaining government approval to begin construction."