BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which grading technique is used to direct stormwater away from a building's foundation?
- Positive drainage slope (Correct answer)
- Inverted crown
- Swale centering
- Berm impoundment
Correct answer: Positive drainage slope
Positive drainage slope directs water away from structures by grading the ground surface to fall at least 2% away from the foundation.
Question 2: The concept of 'genius loci' in landscape architecture refers to:
- Optimal plant placement based on sun angles
- The spirit or distinctive character of a place (Correct answer)
- A Roman method of aqueduct engineering
- A GIS mapping algorithm for site analysis
Correct answer: The spirit or distinctive character of a place
Genius loci, Latin for 'spirit of place,' describes the unique atmosphere and identity that defines a specific location and informs sensitive design responses.
Question 3: Which soil texture has the highest water infiltration rate?
- Clay
- Silt
- Sandy loam (Correct answer)
- Silty clay loam
Correct answer: Sandy loam
Sandy loam has large pore spaces that allow water to infiltrate quickly, whereas clay soils have fine particles with low permeability.
Question 4: In the context of landscape construction, a 'batter board' is used to:
- Measure soil compaction resistance
- Establish reference lines and elevations during layout (Correct answer)
- Support erosion control fabric on slopes
- Calculate cut-and-fill volumes
Correct answer: Establish reference lines and elevations during layout
Batter boards are temporary wooden frames erected at corners of a construction layout to hold strings that define building lines and elevations.
Question 5: Which organization administers the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) in the United States?
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) (Correct answer)
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
- Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB)
Correct answer: Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB)
CLARB administers the LARE, which is the standardized exam required for landscape architecture licensure across most U.S. states.
Question 6: What does the term 'hydric soil' indicate in a site assessment?
- Soil with high sand content ideal for drainage
- Soil formed under saturated, anaerobic conditions indicating wetland presence (Correct answer)
- Soil treated with hydrated lime for stabilization
- Soil horizon with elevated pH from irrigation
Correct answer: Soil formed under saturated, anaerobic conditions indicating wetland presence
Hydric soils form under prolonged saturation and anaerobic conditions and are a key indicator used to delineate wetland boundaries.
Question 7: The 'hardscape-to-softscape' ratio in a landscape design primarily affects which of the following?
- Plant species selection and biodiversity
- Site stormwater runoff volume and heat island effect (Correct answer)
- Sight line calculations for safety
- Soil amendment budgets
Correct answer: Site stormwater runoff volume and heat island effect
Higher hardscape ratios increase impervious surface coverage, which raises stormwater runoff volumes and contributes to urban heat island effects.
BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture 2
Which grading technique is used to direct stormwater away from a building's foundation?