Sustainable Design and Green Architecture Flashcards
6 cards from real Architecture and Design practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Sustainable Design and Green Architecture flashcards as text
What does 'adaptive reuse' mean in architecture?
Answer: Converting an existing building to a new use while preserving its structure and character
Adaptive reuse repurposes existing buildings for new functions — such as converting a warehouse to apartments — preserving embodied energy and cultural heritage.
The 'WELL Building Standard' primarily focuses on:
Answer: Human health and well-being through air, water, nourishment, light, and comfort
The WELL Building Standard certifies buildings based on features that support occupant health and well-being, including air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, acoustics, and biophilia.
What is 'biophilic design' in architecture?
Answer: Design that incorporates natural elements, patterns, and connections to nature to improve human well-being
Biophilic design incorporates natural light, vegetation, water features, natural materials, and views of nature to foster human connection to the natural world and improve health outcomes.
What does 'life cycle assessment' (LCA) evaluate in sustainable design?
Answer: The environmental impacts of a product or building from raw material extraction through end-of-life disposal
LCA is a cradle-to-grave analysis that quantifies environmental impacts (energy, emissions, water use) across all stages of a material's or building's life.
Which of the following best describes 'passive house' (Passivhaus) standard?
Answer: An ultra-low energy building standard requiring minimal heating/cooling through rigorous envelope insulation, airtightness, and heat recovery ventilation
Passivhaus is a rigorous performance standard originating in Germany that dramatically reduces energy demand through super-insulation, triple-glazed windows, airtight construction, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR).
What is the purpose of an 'energy model' in sustainable building design?
Answer: To simulate a building's energy performance using software to predict consumption and optimize design decisions
Building energy modeling uses software (such as EnergyPlus or eQUEST) to simulate heating, cooling, lighting, and plug loads, allowing designers to compare design alternatives and predict energy use.