BArch Bachelor of Architecture Site Planning & Urban Design 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In site planning, what is the 100-year floodplain significant for in terms of building siting?
- Buildings are typically restricted or require elevation in this area due to flood risk (Correct answer)
- It designates the area safe for all construction types
- Only parking lots are prohibited in this zone
- It requires deep pile foundations regardless of soil
Correct answer: Buildings are typically restricted or require elevation in this area due to flood risk
The 100-year (1% annual chance) floodplain is designated by FEMA as a Special Flood Hazard Area where new buildings typically must be elevated above the base flood elevation or restricted entirely.
Question 2: What urban design concept proposes that street-level active uses (retail, restaurants) promote pedestrian safety and neighborhood vitality?
- Eyes on the street (Jane Jacobs) (Correct answer)
- Defensible Space (Oscar Newman)
- New Urbanism transit-oriented development
- CPTED principles
Correct answer: Eyes on the street (Jane Jacobs)
Jane Jacobs' 'eyes on the street' concept argues that street-level uses generating pedestrian activity create natural surveillance, promoting safety and community vitality in urban neighborhoods.
Question 3: Which site analysis diagram shows how shadows from existing buildings or proposed structures fall on adjacent properties at different times of year?
- Shadow/shade study (Correct answer)
- Visibility analysis
- Wind rose diagram
- Noise contour map
Correct answer: Shadow/shade study
A shadow or shade study uses sun angles for specific dates and times (typically solstices and equinoxes) to project shadow envelopes, revealing impacts on neighboring sites and outdoor spaces.
Question 4: In LEED v4 site credits, the 'Protect or Restore Habitat' credit primarily rewards projects that:
- Restore native vegetation or preserve existing natural areas on the site (Correct answer)
- Eliminate all impervious surface from the site
- Use only locally sourced landscape materials
- Install green roofs on 50% of the building footprint
Correct answer: Restore native vegetation or preserve existing natural areas on the site
This LEED credit rewards projects that restore disturbed areas with native or adapted plants or preserve undeveloped portions of the site to support local biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Question 5: What is the urban design principle of 'a sense of enclosure' in street design, and what is the ideal height-to-width ratio?
- Building height to street width ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:3 creates comfortable enclosure (Correct answer)
- Streets must be wider than adjacent buildings are tall
- Enclosure requires building heights over 10 stories
- Only solid walls create effective street enclosure
Correct answer: Building height to street width ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:3 creates comfortable enclosure
Street enclosure describes how building heights relate to street width; a 1:1 to 1:3 H:W ratio creates a comfortable 'outdoor room' feel, while ratios beyond 1:4 feel exposed and uncomfortable.
Question 6: In the US, a Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) is typically required when:
- A proposed development will generate significant new vehicle trips per the local traffic threshold (Correct answer)
- Any building permit is issued in a municipality
- A project includes underground parking
- A project is within one mile of a highway interchange
Correct answer: A proposed development will generate significant new vehicle trips per the local traffic threshold
Most US jurisdictions require a TIA when development generates trips exceeding a threshold (commonly 100 peak-hour trips) to assess impacts on surrounding road network and identify needed mitigation.
BArch Bachelor of Architecture Site Planning & Urban Design 2
In site planning, what is the 100-year floodplain significant for in terms of building siting?