BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Urban Design 3 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: In urban design, 'figure-ground' analysis primarily reveals what aspect of a city?
- Traffic flow patterns
- The relationship between built mass and open space (Correct answer)
- Utility infrastructure networks
- Demographic distribution
Correct answer: The relationship between built mass and open space
Figure-ground diagrams show solid buildings (figure) against open voids (ground), revealing urban fabric structure and spatial patterns.
Question 2: Which zoning approach allows multiple usesâresidential, retail, and officeâwithin the same district?
- Euclidean zoning
- Mixed-use zoning (Correct answer)
- Agricultural zoning
- Industrial buffer zoning
Correct answer: Mixed-use zoning
Mixed-use zoning permits a combination of residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial uses within the same area, promoting walkability.
Question 3: What is 'complete streets' design primarily intended to achieve?
- Maximize vehicle throughput
- Accommodate all users including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders (Correct answer)
- Reduce street tree planting costs
- Standardize road widths nationally
Correct answer: Accommodate all users including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders
Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.
Question 4: A 'plinth' in urban building design refers to which architectural feature?
- The rooftop terrace
- The active ground-floor base of a building facing the street (Correct answer)
- An underground parking structure
- A structural load-bearing column
Correct answer: The active ground-floor base of a building facing the street
The plinth is the ground-level portion of a building, typically designed with transparent facades, retail, or active uses to engage pedestrians.
Question 5: Which urban design framework emphasizes preserving and restoring ecological corridors within cities?
- New Urbanism
- Green Infrastructure planning (Correct answer)
- Urban Renewal theory
- CPTED
Correct answer: Green Infrastructure planning
Green infrastructure planning integrates natural systemsâgreenways, wetlands, and habitat corridorsâinto the urban fabric to support biodiversity.
Question 6: The 'CPTED' acronym in urban design stands for what crime prevention approach?
- Community Planning Through Environmental Design
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (Correct answer)
- Comprehensive Planning for Traffic and Environmental Development
- City Planning Through Ecological Detailing
Correct answer: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) uses design strategies like lighting, sightlines, and territorial definition to deter crime.
Question 7: In streetscape design, what is the recommended minimum sidewalk clear zone width in most US urban standards?
- 2 feet
- 4 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 4 feet
Most US urban design standards require a minimum 4-foot unobstructed clear zone on sidewalks to meet ADA accessibility requirements.
BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Urban Design 3
In urban design, 'figure-ground' analysis primarily reveals what aspect of a city?