BArch Bachelor of Architecture Ultimate Bachelor of Architecture 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which structural system uses a series of arches extended along an axis to form a tunnel-like enclosure?
- Barrel vault (Correct answer)
- Groin vault
- Ribbed vault
- Fan vault
Correct answer: Barrel vault
A barrel vault is a continuous arch extended in depth to form a tunnel or wagon-vault shape.
Question 2: In sustainable design, 'embodied carbon' refers to:
- CO2 emitted during a building's operational energy use
- CO2 released during material extraction, manufacturing, and construction (Correct answer)
- Carbon stored within wood structural members
- Greenhouse gases from occupant activity inside buildings
Correct answer: CO2 released during material extraction, manufacturing, and construction
Embodied carbon encompasses all emissions associated with building materials and the construction process, excluding operational energy.
Question 3: The Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe exemplifies which design principle?
- Organic integration with a hillside terrain
- Universal space through a steel-and-glass open plan (Correct answer)
- Brutalist expression of raw concrete structure
- Postmodern historical reference and ornamentation
Correct answer: Universal space through a steel-and-glass open plan
The Farnsworth House epitomizes Mies's concept of universal space — a minimalist steel frame and glass enclosure with an unobstructed open interior.
Question 4: Which zoning designation typically allows a mix of residential units above retail storefronts?
- R-1 Single-family residential
- I-2 Heavy industrial
- MU Mixed-use (Correct answer)
- A-1 Agricultural
Correct answer: MU Mixed-use
Mixed-use (MU) zoning permits a combination of residential and commercial uses within the same building or district.
Question 5: What does 'fenestration' refer to in architectural terminology?
- The foundation drainage system below grade
- The arrangement and design of windows and openings in a building (Correct answer)
- A method of waterproofing flat roofs
- The decorative cornice at a building's roofline
Correct answer: The arrangement and design of windows and openings in a building
Fenestration encompasses the design, size, proportion, and placement of windows, doors, and other openings in a building envelope.
Question 6: In the context of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the maximum running slope for an accessible ramp is:
- 1:8 (12.5%)
- 1:10 (10%)
- 1:12 (8.33%) (Correct answer)
- 1:16 (6.25%)
Correct answer: 1:12 (8.33%)
ADA Standards require accessible ramps to have a maximum running slope of 1:12, meaning one inch of rise for every twelve inches of run.
Question 7: Which ancient Greek order is characterized by a capital with scroll-like ornaments called volutes?
- Doric
- Ionic (Correct answer)
- Corinthian
- Tuscan
Correct answer: Ionic
The Ionic order is distinguished by its capital featuring two opposing volutes (spiral scrolls) on each face.
BArch Bachelor of Architecture Ultimate Bachelor of Architecture 2
Which structural system uses a series of arches extended along an axis to form a tunnel-like enclosure?