Architecture and Design Sustainable Design and Green Architecture

Question 1

What is 'passive solar design' in architecture?

Accepted Answer

Designing building orientation, glazing, and thermal mass to collect, store, and distribute solar energy without mechanical systems

Answer

Passive solar design uses architectural elements — south-facing glazing, thermal mass, overhangs, and natural ventilation — to heat and cool buildings without mechanical systems.

Question 2

A 'green roof' (vegetated roof) provides all of the following benefits EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Elimination of roof maintenance requirements

Answer

Green roofs require regular maintenance including irrigation, weeding, and inspection — they do not eliminate maintenance but provide significant environmental and performance benefits.

Question 3

What does 'net-zero energy building' mean?

Accepted Answer

A building that generates as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis

Answer

A net-zero energy building produces as much energy from on-site renewable sources (typically solar) as it consumes over the course of a year.

Question 4

The 'solar heat gain coefficient' (SHGC) of a window measures:

Accepted Answer

The fraction of incident solar radiation that enters the building as heat through the window

Answer

SHGC ranges from 0 to 1; lower values mean less solar heat enters, which is preferable for cooling-dominated climates while higher values benefit heating-dominated climates.

Question 5

Which LEED credit category rewards strategies that minimize site disturbance and protect natural features?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable Sites

Answer

The Sustainable Sites category in LEED rewards protection of undeveloped land, restoration of habitats, reduction of heat island effect, and stormwater management.

Architecture and Design Practice Test

Architecture and Design Practice Test

Architecture and Design Sustainable Design and Green Architecture