N C A R B

RE EXAM GUIDE
Programming, Planning
& Practice

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Sample Multiple-Choice Answers
Overview 1

2
8

Site Zoning Vignette 9

Sample Passing Solution 10
Sample Failing Solution 11

References 12

This document, effective July 2010, supersedes all

previous editions of the ARE 4.0 Exam Guide: Programming,
Planning & Practice Division. Please check NCARB’s web site,
www.ncarb.org, regularly for updates to the ARE 4.0 Exam
Guides and for the most current information regarding the ARE.
Copyright © 2010
Programming
Planning &
Practice
RE
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview

Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions

Site Zoning DIVISION STATEMENT

Vignette
The application of project development knowledge and skills relating to architectural programming; environmental,
References social, and economic issues; codes and regulations; and project and practice management.

Content Areas
1. PROGRAMMING & ANALYSIS 4. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Assess client needs and requirements to develop Develop scope of services and project delivery
master plan and program. Document design method. Assess project budget and financing.
objectives including site characteristics, spatial and Identify project team members including consultants.
functional relationships, and building systems Document project meetings. Manage project
considerations. Establish preliminary project scope, schedule and design progress. Assist with construc-
phasing, budget, and schedule. tion procurement. Manage legal issues relating to
practice including fees, insurance, and professional
2. ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, services contracts.
& ECONOMIC ISSUES
Obtain and review site and building surveys. Assess
physical, environmental, social, and economic issues Vignette
and project impact. Develop project concepts utiliz- Site Zoning
ing sustainable principles, alternative energy systems, Delineate areas suitable for the construction of buildings
and new material technologies. Apply basic design and other site improvements responding to regulatory
principles and historic precedent. restrictions and programmatic requirements. Define a
site profile and maximum buildable envelope based on
3. CODES & REGULATIONS zoning regulations and environmental constraints.
Identify, analyze, and incorporate building codes,
specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory
requirements. Manage regulatory approval process.

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 1

Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 8 for answers.
Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions

Site Zoning 1. After the contract for construction has been awarded, the 4. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Vignette contractor shall next prepare which of the following for which of the following is true about lead-based paints in
the architect's review? an existing building that is being renovated as housing for
References A request for payment the elderly?
A list of materials The lead content concern is less for buildings
A schedule of construction constructed after 1960.
A lien release Occupant health risks are less of a concern if no
children will be living in the facility.
The lead paint must be completely removed in areas
2. According to AIA Document C141-1997 [NPP 9], the being renovated.
consultant's services should be performed in a Contractor health risks are a concern only if the lead
coordinated sequence with the paint is sawed, ground, or sandblasted.
owner
contractor
architect 5. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
construction manager [CSA-B651-04] Accessibility Guidelines, curb ramp slopes
shall NOT exceed which of the following ratios?
1:10
3. Which of the following consultant engineers typically 1:12
consumes the greatest percentage of project fees on 1:20
school projects? 1:24
Civil
Electrical
Mechanical 6. Which of the following creates the majority of indoor air
Structural quality problems?
Inside contamination
Inadequate ventilation
Construction materials
Contamination from the outside

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 2

Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 8 for answers.
Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions

Site Zoning 7. Which of the following types of estimates is the 10. Outline specifications written during the programming
Vignette most accurate? phase of a project are generally broken down by
Order of magnitude rooms
References Square foot and cubic foot divisions
Assemblies system costs
Unit price takeoff products

8. Two professional design firms join together for a project in 11. Which of the following client categories most often
which both firms are parties to the contract with the requires the architect to transfer ownership of the
owner. This arrangement is known as architect's construction documents to the owner/client?
an associated firm Corporate
a joint venture Health care
partnering Commercial
a multiple prime Governmental

9. When the architect is analyzing the choice between 12. Bid alternates to choose between concrete block and clay
renovating an existing library or demolishing it and masonry, wood and plastic windows, and slate and
constructing a new library, the architect should first asphalt shingles are most likely the architect's attempt to
recommend that incorporate energy-saving options
a feasibility study be prepared control construction costs
renovation costs be compared with costs for anticipate neighborhood covenants
new construction accommodate various climatic conditions
the owner obtain community input
the local historical society be consulted
13. According to The Architect's Handbook of Professional
Practice, a project manager's first key challenge is to
meet profitability goals
meet contractual obligations
clearly identify the client's expectations
manage the team members' judgments and creativity

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 3

Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 8 for answers.
Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions

Site Zoning 14. Which of the following plazas in identical urban settings 17. An architect is asked to design a county courthouse and
Vignette would encourage active public use? government center. The architect should advise the client
that a detailed program for this project is likely to result in
References a more aesthetically pleasing building
a more efficient building
a longer construction duration
higher life-cycle building costs

18. Blocking and stacking within the programming process is

most critical when considering
space requirements
special equipment
site limitations
building systems

19. STC ratings as applied to buildings represent the

specified thermal comfort zone
15. The threshold for sound levels that cause fatigue after sound transmission class
prolonged exposure is approximately summer temperature conditions
20 db secure territory controls
50 db
80 db
110 db 20. In order to provide the most effective coordination of the
engineering consultant's work during the construction
documents phase of the work, the architect should
16. Geotechnical observation reports are usually paid for call the consultant daily to make sure that progress is
by the being made
structural engineer meet with the consultant at the beginning and the
contractor end of the work period
architect hold regular weekly or monthly meetings to review the
owner consultant's progress
send memos of telephone conversations as needed

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 4

Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 8 for answers.
Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions

Site Zoning 21. Which of the following is the most important considera- 25. According to standard owner/architect agreements, a
Vignette tion when the architect/owner contract is negotiated? presentation model for the client's promotional use is
Client background check part of the design process
References Type of consultants standard practice
Construction delivery method not a basic service
Scope of services not reimbursable

22. The object of the programming process is to establish 26. Zoning ordinances [by-laws] are used by municipalities as
aesthetics a means of controlling all of the following EXCEPT
evaluation of materials density of development
realistic requirements project costs
project financing flood impact
land usage

23. A municipal impact fee [sewer development fee] assessed

on a proposed project 27. The cost for asbestos removal in a building to be
pays for the building permit renovated must be borne by the
offsets local infrastructure improvement costs local regulatory agency
is distributed to the owners of neighboring properties general contractor
ensures speedy planning board review and approval owner
federal government

24. To resolve contractual disputes with clients, an architect

should 28. Which of the following is the most frequently used
resign the contract method of estimating construction cost when
refund the fees programming is completed?
amend the contract Unit-area cost
consider mediation Contractor estimate
Construction loan value
Capitalization ratio

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 5

Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 8 for answers.
Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions

Site Zoning 29. The most appropriate strategy for predicting and 32. The architect for a new shopping center has been told
Vignette preventing conflicts between architectural and that the city has a "ponding" requirement for the site.
engineering documents is to This means that the architect must provide
References hold regular coordination meetings a decorative water pond as part of the parking-lot
have the owner review drawings landscaping
schedule peer review of documents a French-drain system in the parking areas to pond
use in-house engineers water
an area where excess rainwater can be retained and
discharged into a storm sewer
30. Buildings in urban cores, which have been permitted to a system for the underground collection and disposal
achieve floor area ratios and heights in excess of those of rainwater
permitted by zoning, may have been awarded these
bonuses because they
are clad in materials specified by the city 33. Production management is an important element in the
have excess vertical transportation capacity success of an architectural firm. Which of the following is a
include street-level functions that are regarded as major ingredient for improvement of production?
public amenities Employee benefits
are on sites that can take advantage of the potential for Communication with employees
superior views Office renovation
Purchase of reproduction equipment

31. A deed restriction includes which of the following?

Topography 34. Which of the following is NOT normally governed by
Utility locations zoning regulations?
Benchmarks Densities
Covenants Setback and height requirements
Parking requirements
Life-safety requirements

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 6

Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 8 for answers.
Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions

Site Zoning 35. The size and/or configuration of public rest room facilities
Vignette is regulated by which of the following?
Deed restrictions
References Building codes
Zoning ordinances [bylaws]
Life-safety codes

36. During the programming phase, building construction cost

estimates are normally based on which of the following?
Itemized materials takeoffs
Operating proformas
Cubic-foot [cubic-meter] costs of similar buildings
Square-foot [square-meter] costs of similar buildings

37. Finding mold on pipe insulation is a sign that which of the

following is present? Check the three that apply.
A. Excess moisture 39. The diagram above is an example of a type of project
B. Poor soils scheduling known as the
C. Improper ventilation critical path method (CPM)
D. High water table program evaluation and review technique (PERT)
E. Organic feedstock Gantt chart
F. Insufficient light levels project cycle method (PCM)

38. An architectural program should contain which of the 40. Governmental bodies regulate the development of
following? Check the four that apply. projects through which of the following? Check the
A. Budget limitations two that apply.
B. Soils bearing capacity A. Regional master plans
C. A statement of the owner's goals B. Zoning ordinances [bylaws]
D. An inventory of spaces required C. Enterprise zones
E. Statements of functional relationships D. Restrictive covenants
F. Determination of the structural system E. Tax incentives
F. Sewer permits

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 7

Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE ANSWERS
Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions

Site Zoning 1. A schedule of construction 30. include street-level functions that are regarded as
Vignette 2. architect public amenities
3. Mechanical 31. Covenants
References 4. Occupant health risks are less of a concern if no children 32. an area where excess rainwater can be retained and dis-
will be living in the facility. charged into a storm sewer
5. 1:12 33. Communication with employees
6. Inadequate ventilation 34. Life-safety requirements
7. Unit price takeoff 35. Building codes
8. a joint venture 36. Square-foot [square-meter] costs of similar buildings
9. a feasibility study be prepared 37. A, C, E
10. divisions 38. A, C, D, E
11. Governmental 39. critical path method (CPM)
12. control construction costs 40. A, B
13. clearly identify the client's expectations
14.

15. 80 db
16. owner
17. a more efficient building
18. site limitations
19. sound transmission class
20. hold regular weekly or monthly meetings to review the
consultant's progress
21. Scope of services
22. realistic requirements
23. offsets local infrastructure improvement costs
24. consider mediation
25. not a basic service
26. project costs
27. owner
28. Unit-area cost
29. hold regular coordination meetings

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 8

Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview
SITE ZONING VIGNETTE
Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions

Site Zoning Directions

Vignette On the work screen, you will see a site plan of an existing 4. On the grid, draw the profile of the maximum building
property that has been divided into two new lots. The tools envelope for each lot at Section A-A. (Use the Building
References available will allow you to outline the area suitable for the Profile tool.)
construction of surface improvements and the area suitable
for construction of buildings only. Observe all of the following restrictions:
Surface improvements are prohibited within 5 ft of any

On the grid below the site plan, you are required to draw the property line.
profile of the existing grade and to draw the profile of the Construction of buildings is prohibited within the

maximum building envelope for each lot. following setbacks. (All setbacks are measured from
the property lines of the two new lots.)
Before beginning your solution, you should review the Front yard setbacks shall be considered only from

program that can be accessed through the Vignette Index Main Street.
screen and familiarize yourself with the site plan and the grid Front yard setbacks from property line
on the work screen. along Main Street: 25 ft
Rear yard setbacks: 30 ft
Your completed work should conform to the program and the Side yard setbacks: 10 ft
site conditions. Construction of buildings and other surface
improvements is prohibited within 25 ft of the lake
Program high water line.
An existing property has been subdivided to create two Construction of buildings is prohibited within the

new lots for the development of condominiums. You are existing drainage easement.
required to show the buildable areas in plan and in The maximum building height limit within 65 ft of the

section based on a variety of regulatory requirements and west property line in Lot A shall be 45 ft above the
developmental constraints. benchmark elevation.
The maximum building height limit between 0 ft and

1. On the plan, show the portion of the site where surface 40 ft of the east property line of Lot B shall be 20 ft
improvements are allowed. (Use the Secondary above the grade at the property line.
Construction Area tool.) Maximum building height limit shall be 80 ft above the
benchmark elevation.
2. On the plan, show the portion of the site where building The maximum building envelope is restricted to an

construction is allowed. (Use the Buildable Area tool.) elevation defined by a 30-degree line rising eastward
from a point at an elevation of 20 ft directly above
3. On the grid, draw the profile of the existing grade at the benchmark.
Section A-A. (Use the Grade tool.)

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 9

Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice Procedural Tips
Overview You might want to use the sketch
SITE ZONING VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution tools to lay out your solution first.

Sample Multiple- Draw the Secondary Construction

Choice Questions Area before you draw the
Shoreline restriction Buildable Area.
Site Zoning properly interpreted.
Vignette When elements overlap, you may
have trouble selecting a particular
References All restrictions are element. If this happens, keep
drawn correctly.
clicking (without moving the
mouse) until the desired element
highlights.

Sketch grid tool as one way to

measure setbacks
Large sketch circle
used to establish Tools You Might
the shoreline setback.
Find Useful
Zoom in quite closely to adjust
elements.

Sketch tools to measure setbacks

The angled restriction

is drawn correctly.
Ortho

While this layout has a few minor errors, none were serious and has been excluded from the construction envelope. The
enough to cause it to fail. Front, side and rear yard restrictions minor mistakes in this solution are in the depths of the Second-
have been located correctly. The Shoreline setback and the ary Construction Area setbacks along the center property line.
Easement are shown to be more restrictive than the side yard One side is measured at four feet and the other at six feet.
and rear yard setbacks. The horizontal and vertical setbacks and There are tolerances built into the scoring programs, but it
limits are maintained. The angled line is measured 30 degrees is advisable to try and create your solutions as accurately
from the horizontal and originates at the correct point. The as possible. Use the "Zoom" tool often to locate elements
easement in the middle of the site has been located properly more precisely. July 2010 ARE® 4.0 10
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview
SITE ZONING VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution
Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions

Site Zoning
Vignette

References

Secondary construction
is permitted over the
drainage easement.

Dimensional error. Use

“Zoom” tool to increase
accuracy.

Origin of angled
setback is in wrong
location.

Profile is not drawn at

the section cutline.

The solution shows a good technique for measuring offsets (setbacks, fall over the easement as permitted. Also, the angled solar access
easements, etc.) from a curved or angled line. The solution itself has a restriction has its beginning point located incorrectly. This creates a
few problems, however. The candidate mistook the easement down condition where the maximum building envelope, as drawn, is smaller
the middle of the site as being restrictive of non-building surface than allowed (vertically) and is therefore unacceptable.
improvements and did not allow the Secondary Construction Area to

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 11

Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Programming, Planning & Practice
Overview
REFERENCES
Sample Multiple-
Choice Questions
The references are presented as a guide in preparing for the examination. It was developed by the committee that
prepares the examination. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible reference materials for the
Site Zoning subject area of any given division. NCARB makes no guarantee that the various references are currently in print.
Vignette
The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice Modern Architecture
References Joseph A. Demkin, AIA, Executive Editor Alan Colquhoun
The American Institute of Architects Oxford University Press, 2002
John Wiley & Sons, latest edition
The New Urbanism
Architectural Graphic Standards Peter Katz
Charles G. Ramsey and Harold R. Sleeper McGraw-Hill, 1994
The American Institute of Architects
John Wiley & Sons, latest edition A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction
Christopher Alexander, Sarah Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein
Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects, Oxford University Press, 1977
Committee of Canadian Architectural Councils and
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, latest edition Programming for Design: From Theory to Practice
Edith Cherry
Design With Climate John Wiley & Sons, 1998
Victor Olgyay
Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1992 Sir Banister Fletcher’s A History of Architecture
John Musgrove, Editor
Design With Nature Butterworths-Heinmann, 1996
Ian L. McHarg
John Wiley & Sons, 1992 Site Planning, Third Edition
Kevin Lynch and Gary Hack
Designing Places for People MIT Press, 1984
C. M. Deasy, FAIA
Whitney Library of Design, 1990 Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the
Decline of the American Dream
A History of Architecture: Settings & Rituals Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zybeck,
Spiro Kostoff and Jeff Speck
Oxford University Press, 1995 North Point Press, 2001

The Image of the City Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings

Kevin Lynch National Practice Program
MIT Press, 1960 Canada, 2001

The Ultimate Project Management Manual

Frank Stasiowski and David Stone
PSMJ, 1994.

July 2010 ARE® 4.0 12