BArch Bachelor of Architecture Environmental Systems & Sustainability

Question 1

In HVAC design, what does the term 'psychrometric chart' help engineers determine?

Accepted Answer

Properties of air-water vapor mixtures including temperature, humidity, and enthalpy

Answer

The psychrometric chart graphically represents thermodynamic properties of moist air — dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature, relative humidity, dew point, and enthalpy — essential for HVAC system design.

Question 2

What does 'daylighting' in architectural design primarily aim to achieve?

Accepted Answer

Use natural light from the sky to illuminate building interiors, reducing electric lighting energy use

Answer

Daylighting is the controlled admission of natural light into a building to reduce dependence on electric lighting, improving occupant well-being and reducing lighting energy consumption.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a building's 'thermal mass' in passive solar design?

Accepted Answer

Absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night to moderate temperature swings

Answer

Thermal mass (concrete, masonry, water) absorbs solar heat during the day, moderating peak daytime temperatures, then releases stored heat at night when outdoor temperatures drop.

Question 4

In mechanical systems, what does a VAV (Variable Air Volume) system control to match heating and cooling loads?

Accepted Answer

The volume of conditioned air delivered to each zone while maintaining constant supply air temperature

Answer

VAV systems vary the quantity of conditioned air supplied to each zone through dampers, maintaining a relatively constant supply air temperature while matching the actual heating or cooling load.

Question 5

In architectural acoustics, what does the 'reverberation time' (RT60) measure?

Accepted Answer

Time for sound to decay 60 dB after the source stops

Answer

RT60 is the time in seconds for a sound to decay 60 decibels (a factor of one million in energy) after the source ceases, determined by room volume and total sound absorption.

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Practice Test

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Practice Test

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Environmental Systems & Sustainability