BArch Bachelor of Architecture Architectural Design Studio Principles 2

Question 1

What is 'figure-ground' theory in urban and architectural design?

Accepted Answer

The relationship between solid mass (buildings) and void (open space) in the urban fabric

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Datum

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The list of required spaces, activities, and functional relationships a building must accommodate

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The art of making the structural and constructional logic of a building expressive and visible

Answer

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'?

Accepted Answer

To provide fresh perspective and professional feedback outside the familiar studio dynamic

Answer

External critics bring outside professional and academic perspectives to design reviews, challenging assumptions and broadening the conversation beyond the studio instructor.

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Practice Test

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Practice Test

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Architectural Design Studio Principles 2