MArch Master of Architecture Environmental Systems & Sustainability

Question 1

In the US, which rating system is most widely used to certify the sustainability and energy performance of new commercial and institutional buildings?

Accepted Answer

LEED

Answer

BREEAM

Answer

WELL Building Standard

Answer

Passivhaus

Question 2

Passive solar design strategies orient buildings to maximize solar heat gain in winter while minimizing it in summer primarily through:

Accepted Answer

South-facing glazing with appropriate overhangs sized to the building's latitude

Answer

Installing photovoltaic panels on the roof

Answer

Placing mechanical equipment on the sun-facing facade

Answer

Using dark-colored exterior cladding on all facades

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a 'thermal mass' element such as a concrete slab or masonry wall in passive building design?

Accepted Answer

To absorb, store, and slowly release heat, moderating interior temperature swings

Answer

To provide structural support for the roof

Answer

To reduce acoustic transmission between spaces

Answer

To provide vapor barrier protection in wet climates

Question 4

In HVAC design, what does 'VAV' stand for, and what is its primary advantage in commercial buildings?

Accepted Answer

Variable Air Volume; it adjusts airflow to each zone based on demand, saving energy

Answer

Ventilated Air Valve; it controls fresh air intake to the central unit

Answer

Vacuum Assisted Ventilation; it uses negative pressure to move air

Answer

Variable Altitude Ventilation; it adjusts for building height pressure differentials

Question 5

The 'stack effect' in naturally ventilated buildings refers to which phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

The buoyancy-driven movement of warm air rising and escaping through high openings, drawing fresh air in at low openings

Answer

Heat buildup in stacked mechanical equipment rooms

Answer

Acoustic stacking of floors amplifying noise transfer

Answer

Structural load stacking from upper floors to lower columns

Question 6

In daylighting design, a 'light shelf' is a horizontal reflective surface placed in a window assembly primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Redirect deep penetration of daylight into a room while shading the area below it from glare

Answer

Block all direct sunlight from entering the interior

Answer

Support exterior shading louvers structurally

Answer

Reduce condensation on cold glass surfaces