Architecture Architectural Design 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the parti diagram stage of design, what is the architect primarily establishing?
- The central organizing concept of the building (Correct answer)
- The final structural grid dimensions
- The mechanical system layout
- The construction cost estimate
Correct answer: The central organizing concept of the building
A parti is the big-idea diagram that captures the core organizing concept driving the design.
Question 2: A client wants a daycare center where staff can supervise all play areas from a central point. Which organizational scheme best supports this?
- Radial organization around a central hub (Correct answer)
- Linear organization along a corridor
- Grid organization of equal bays
- Clustered organization of separate pods
Correct answer: Radial organization around a central hub
A radial scheme places spaces around a central point, giving direct sightlines from the hub to each wing.
Question 3: Which design move most effectively reduces solar heat gain on the west facade of a building in Phoenix, Arizona?
- Vertical fins or deep recessed openings (Correct answer)
- Horizontal overhangs only
- Larger areas of clear glazing
- Light shelves at the interior
Correct answer: Vertical fins or deep recessed openings
Low-angle western sun is best blocked by vertical fins or deep recesses, since horizontal overhangs work mainly for high southern sun.
Question 4: During schematic design, the architect discovers the program area exceeds the buildable area allowed by zoning setbacks and height limits. What is the most appropriate first step?
- Analyze stacking the program on multiple floors within the envelope (Correct answer)
- Ignore the setbacks since they are negotiable
- Reduce the structural bay sizes
- Begin construction documents to save time
Correct answer: Analyze stacking the program on multiple floors within the envelope
Stacking program vertically within the allowable zoning envelope is the standard first strategy before pursuing variances.
Question 5: Which proportioning system is based on the human body and was developed by Le Corbusier?
- The Modulor (Correct answer)
- The golden section grid of Palladio
- The ken system
- The tatami module
Correct answer: The Modulor
Le Corbusier's Modulor derives proportions from human dimensions combined with the golden ratio.
Question 6: In a bubble diagram, what do the connecting lines between bubbles represent?
- Required adjacencies or circulation relationships (Correct answer)
- Structural load paths
- Property boundary lines
- HVAC duct routes
Correct answer: Required adjacencies or circulation relationships
Lines in a bubble diagram indicate which spaces must be adjacent or connected by circulation.
Question 7: A museum design uses a long ramp that gradually reveals views of a sculpture garden. This is an example of which design principle?
- Promenade architecturale (sequential spatial experience) (Correct answer)
- Axial symmetry
- Structural expressionism
- Form follows function
Correct answer: Promenade architecturale (sequential spatial experience)
A choreographed path that unfolds views over time is the promenade architecturale, a sequenced spatial experience.
Architecture Architectural Design 2
In the parti diagram stage of design, what is the architect primarily establishing?