BArch Bachelor of Architecture Architectural Design Studio Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'figure-ground' theory in urban and architectural design?
- A method for calculating load distribution on a foundation
- The relationship between solid mass (buildings) and void (open space) in the urban fabric (Correct answer)
- A color theory describing foreground contrast
- A topographic analysis technique
Correct answer: The relationship between solid mass (buildings) and void (open space) in the urban fabric
Figure-ground theory analyzes the relationship between built mass (figure) and open space (ground) to understand urban form, connectivity, and spatial hierarchy.
Question 2: Which term describes a primary organizing line or plane that elements in a design align to?
- Parti
- Datum (Correct answer)
- Module
- Fenestration
Correct answer: Datum
A datum is a reference element — line, plane, or volume — to which other design elements are ordered, providing visual continuity and coherence.
Question 3: What does 'program' mean in the context of architectural design?
- The computer software used for 3D modeling
- The list of required spaces, activities, and functional relationships a building must accommodate (Correct answer)
- The construction schedule and sequencing plan
- The structural system chosen for the project
Correct answer: The list of required spaces, activities, and functional relationships a building must accommodate
The architectural program is the client's brief describing all required spaces, their sizes, relationships, and performance requirements that the design must fulfill.
Question 4: What is 'tectonics' in architecture?
- The study of tectonic plate movement and seismic risk
- The art of making the structural and constructional logic of a building expressive and visible (Correct answer)
- A digital fabrication technique
- The science of thermal bridging
Correct answer: The art of making the structural and constructional logic of a building expressive and visible
Architectural tectonics refers to the poetic expression of structural and constructional truth — making the how of building into part of the aesthetic experience.
Question 5: In the design studio pin-up and critique process, what is the typical role of an 'external critic'?
- To grade the project pass/fail
- To provide fresh perspective and professional feedback outside the familiar studio dynamic (Correct answer)
- To check drawings for code compliance
- To represent the client's interests
Correct answer: To provide fresh perspective and professional feedback outside the familiar studio dynamic
External critics bring outside professional and academic perspectives to design reviews, challenging assumptions and broadening the conversation beyond the studio instructor.
Question 6: Which scale is most commonly used for site plans in architectural design practice in the US?
- 1/4" = 1'-0"
- 1" = 20'-0" or 1" = 40'-0" (Correct answer)
- 1/8" = 1'-0"
- 3/32" = 1'-0"
Correct answer: 1" = 20'-0" or 1" = 40'-0"
Site plans are typically drawn at scales such as 1"=20' or 1"=40' to show the relationship of the building to the property, landscaping, and adjacent streets.
BArch Bachelor of Architecture Architectural Design Studio Principles 2
What is 'figure-ground' theory in urban and architectural design?