BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When designing accessible pedestrian paths, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a maximum running slope of:
- 2%
- 5%
- 8.33% (Correct answer)
- 12%
Correct answer: 8.33%
The ADA requires accessible routes to have a maximum running slope of 1:12, which equals 8.33%, before the path must be treated as a ramp with handrails.
Question 2: Which design principle refers to the visual weight balance between the two sides of a central axis?
- Rhythm
- Symmetrical balance (Correct answer)
- Proportion
- Focalization
Correct answer: Symmetrical balance
Symmetrical balance (formal balance) occurs when both sides of a central axis mirror each other in mass, form, and texture, creating a sense of stability.
Question 3: A landscape architect reviewing a topographic survey notice a series of closely spaced contour lines. This indicates:
- A flat, low-lying area prone to flooding
- A steep slope or cliff face (Correct answer)
- A ridgeline running perpendicular to drainage
- A depression or closed basin
Correct answer: A steep slope or cliff face
Closely spaced contour lines represent a steep slope because the same elevation change occurs over a shorter horizontal distance.
Question 4: Which tree root zone guideline is most commonly used to protect trees during construction?
- Drip line only
- Critical Root Zone (CRZ) calculated as 1 ft radius per 1 inch of trunk diameter (Correct answer)
- Half the canopy spread on the prevailing wind side
- The full extent of the root system mapped by ground-penetrating radar
Correct answer: Critical Root Zone (CRZ) calculated as 1 ft radius per 1 inch of trunk diameter
The Critical Root Zone (CRZ) is defined as a circle with a radius of 1 foot per inch of trunk diameter (DBH) and is the standard protection zone used during construction.
Question 5: The Topos concept by Norberg-Schulz and its application in landscape architecture primarily concerns:
- Topographic mapping using GIS software
- The relationship between terrain, settlement patterns, and cultural identity (Correct answer)
- The use of topiary in formal garden design
- A grading method for earthwork optimization
Correct answer: The relationship between terrain, settlement patterns, and cultural identity
Norberg-Schulz's Topos refers to the meaningful connection between landform, natural features, and the cultural and historical patterns of human settlement.
Question 6: In landscape irrigation design, 'precipitation rate' of a sprinkler head is measured in:
- Gallons per minute (GPM)
- Pounds per square inch (PSI)
- Inches per hour (in/hr) (Correct answer)
- Cubic feet per second (CFS)
Correct answer: Inches per hour (in/hr)
Precipitation rate measures how much water is applied to a surface area over time, expressed in inches per hour, which must match the soil's infiltration rate to prevent runoff.
Question 7: Which phase of the landscape architecture design process involves preparing construction documents for contractor bidding?
- Schematic Design (SD)
- Design Development (DD)
- Construction Documents (CD) (Correct answer)
- Construction Administration (CA)
Correct answer: Construction Documents (CD)
Construction Documents phase produces the detailed drawings, specifications, and technical information contractors use to bid and build the project.
BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture 4
When designing accessible pedestrian paths, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a maximum running slope of: