SUBJECT: ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND SITE PLANNING

PROJECT NO. 01

A. Title and General Description:

A Proposed Two-Storey, Single-Detached Residential Project Development, R-1, on
a Project Site with a 10% Slope

B. Statement of the Problem:

An owner has decided that his R1 zoned property with a TLA of 1934.72 square
meters and located in an urban area shall serve as an open market residential cluster
development. Individual lots shall have a twelve-meter depth. The project shall
include six (6) exclusive, semi-upscale structures each having a TLA of one hundred
thirty-twosquare meters (132.00 sqm.). The seventy-seven square meter (77.00
sqm.) total gross floor area (TGFA)are the enclosed areas only and excludes all other
floor area if being introduced in the future.

C. Project Site Features:

The project site is an inside lot, rectangular in shape, with a thirty-two meter (32.00
m) wide frontage facing east. The site uniformly slopes at one percent (1%), draining
south. The fifteen-meter (15.00 m) road right-of-way has a 1.80-meter-wide paver
block surface sidewalk on each side. The RROW is 0.00 elevation.

An eight meter (8.00 m) wide cluster street bisects the site at its long axis and
intersects the main RROW at a right angle. The road slopes at 10% from west to
east, which is also the direction of the cluster street that serves as direct access to
the 10 lots, 5 on each side of the cluster street. The two end lots on the western
portion shall be 31.45% wide than the adjacent lot at the center of the development.

D. Design Objectives:
a. To plan/design a project on an R-1 property
b. To plan/design a project that is a closely-knit residential cluster that will serve as
a model development in the area
c. To maximize the client’s profit
d. To design a project that could serve as a landmark in the area

1. According to the NBC, which is not part of the GFA?

a. Terrace
b. Courts or plazas
c. Maid’s room
d. Both A and B
2. According to the NBC, which is not part of the GFA?
a. Front lawn
b. Library
c. Toilet and bath
d. Hallway
3. According to the NBC, which is not part of the GFA?
a. Elevated water tank
b. Hallway
c. Kitchen
d. Foyer
4. aWhich is part of the GFA?
a. Walk-in closet
b. Driveway
c. Carport
 d. Swimming pool
5. Which is part of the BHL?
a. Steeple
b. Signages
c. Cable antenna
d. Parapet of a flat roof
6. Which is not part of the building footprint?
a. Trellis
b. Ground floor
c. Exterior walls
d. Utility room
7. Which is not part of the building footprint?
a. Ground floor
b. Vegetable garden
c. Storage room
d. Laundry area, roofed
8. Which is not part of the building footprint?
a. Courtyard
b. Driver’s quarters
c. Dirty kitchen
d. Covered carport
9. Which is most likely part of the building footprint?
a. Vegetable garden
b. Courtyard
c. Carport
d. Lawn
10. Which is not part of the RROW?
a. Sidewalk
b. Median
c. Curb
d. Front yard
11. In which stage of the regular design service should you consider site analysis?
a. Design development phase
b. Contract documentation phase
c. Construction phase
d. Schematic design phase
12. In which stage of the regular design service should programming be done?
a. Schematic design phase
b. Contract documentation phase
c. Bidding phase
d. Site analysis
13. Which is not included in the design development stage of the regular design service?
a. Roof plan
b. Ceiling plan
c. Technical specs
d. Floor plans
14. What is the prevalent sun path?
a. NE to NW and SE to SW
b. N to S and E to W
c. NW to NE and SW to SE
d. S to N and W to E
15. Which side of the structure will receive extreme sun exposure for approximately 4
months?
a. North
b. South
c. East
 d. West
16. Which side of the structure will receive extreme sun exposure for approximately 8
months?
a. North
b. South
c. East
d. West
17. Where does amihan blow from?
a. Northwest
b. Southwest
c. Southeast
d. Northeast
18. Where does habagat blow from?
a. Northwest
b. Southwest
c. Southeast
d. Northeast
19. Where do easterly winds generally blow from?
a. Northeast
b. Southwest
c. East
d. West
20. Which is the best natural buffer that can be provided on the southwest side of the
house?
a. Wide setbacks
b. Trees with broad canopies
c. Artificial wind buffers
d. Awning windows
21. Where would it be best to locate trees meant to serve as buffer against strong
habagat winds?
a. East, southeast, and southern part
b. North, northeast and eastern part
c. West, northwest, and northern part
d. West, southwest, southern part
22. For R1 developments, which sides of the lot may have firewalls?
a. None
b. One side only
c. Both sides
d. Side and rear
23. Which character would be recommended for R1 developments?
a. Mobile and active
b. Stationary and passive
c. Safe and relaxing
d. Formal and rigid
24. Which lines should be made prominent in R1 projects?
a. Vertical
b. Slanting
c. Curves
d. Horizontal
25. For typical residential developments, where are downspouts best located?
a. Center of the house
b. Front of the house
c. Sides of the house
d. No downspouts and gutters
26. Which is the best location for the service area?
a. Side of the lot
 b. Back of the house
c. Both sides of the house
d. Front of the lot
27. If the house owner values hygiene above anything else, which countertop finish
should be recommended?
a. Granite
b. Corian/Quartz
c. Tile
d. Marble
28. Recommended minimum distance from side of bathtub to front of water closet
a. 300mm
b. 450mm
c. 600mm
d. 900mm
29. The least efficient kitchen plan shape for the chef/cook
a. Single line
b. Galley/double line
c. L-shape
d. U-shape
30. If a home theater is going to be located next to the nursery, what can be done to
minimize sound transmission?
a. Use plywood for the drywalls instead of gypsum boards
b. Separate the two rooms with a drywall using gypsum boards, with
rockwool in between
c. Use earth colors for the nursery to create a relaxing atmosphere
d. Put earmuffs on the baby
31. The main meal preparation counter in the kitchen should be located
a. Between the sink of the stove
b. Between the sink and the ref
c. Between the ref and the stove
d. In front of the ref but not more than 1200mm away from the ref
32. Recommended lavatory height for children
a. 500mm
b. 700mm
c. 850mm
d. 900mm
33. A powder room does not have
a. A water closet
b. A lavatory
c. A shower
d. Both A and C
34. For dense, horizontal, low-cost housing projects, what is a good land slope?
a. 5%
b. 10%
c. 15%
d. 18%
PROJECT NO. 02

A. Title and General Description:

A Proposed Medium-Rise Apartment Building Project (i.e. A Development with a
Basement Component and on a Project Site with an Eight Percent Slope Towards the
RROW)

B. Statement of the Problem:

A private company has decided that its newly acquired property with a total lot area of
six thousand square meters (6,000 sqm.) shall be developed to host a medium-rise
apartment building. The project is located in a rural area, high-density (Division B1)
maximum R-3 lot. The dwelling units shall be of two types: 1) studio units each with a
GFA of 22 sqm., and 2) one-bedroom units each with a GFA of 50 sqm.

C. Project Site Features:

The site is rectangular in shape and is an interior lot, with a width of 50m. The front
part faces north. The two-lane RROW for access and drainage (to be negotiated with
the owner of the adjoining lot) is 80 meters dep and with direct access to the 20-
meter wide street.

The RROW slopes at 1/3 of 1.0%, uniformly draining west. The road has a 2.4m wide
sidewalk on each side. The site uniformly slopes at 8% towards the RROW and also
slopes at 8% towards the vacant lot in front. The surface of the sidewalk shall be
generally considered as elevation 0.0m.

To the left of the site is a vacant lot (as viewed from the RROW) and to the rear of the
project are 3-storey single-detached residences.

D. Design Objectives
a. To plan and design a medium-rise apartment building, marketable and
attractive to middle-income renters and lessees;
b. To plan/design the apartment building in a way that will maximize rentals and
leases for the developer. The ratio of saleable versus non-saleable spaces
based on GFA shall be 70:30 if the leasable 85% of the TGFA;
c. To plan/design a building that shall serve as a landmark in the area while
considering the least cost for the developer.

1. Which flooring material is not the most economical?

a. China granite tiles
b. Italian granite slab
c. Italian granite tiles
d. Locally manufactured granite tiles
2. Which of the following is not a good depth for a fixed countertop?
a. 400mm
b. 500mm
c. 600mm
d. 650mm
3. According to BP 344, what is the minimum width of a toilet stall?
a. 1400mm
b. 1500mm
c. 1700mm
d. 1800mm
4. According to BP 344, what is the minimum depth of a toilet stall?
a. 1400mm
b. 1500mm
 c. 1700mm
d. 1800mm
5. Which is not an equipment?
a. Exhaust fan
b. Walls
c. CCTV
d. Emergency lights
6. Which is not considered furniture?
a. Sofa
b. Table
c. Curtains
d. Ottoman
7. Which is not considered furniture?
a. Dresser
b. Couch
c. Divan
d. LED TV
8. Which is considered furniture?
a. Armoire
b. Curtains
c. Wallpaper
d. Carpet
9. Drapes, curtains, blinds, etc. are:
a. Furniture
b. Furnishings
c. Fixtures
d. Fittings
10. Which is not a furnishing?
a. Oil painting
b. Ceiling fan
c. Area rugs
d. Armoire
11. Which is not a furnishing?
a. Cornice
b. Blackout curtains
c. Bookcase
d. Chandelier
12. Which flooring material is the most resilient?
a. Vinyl sheets
b. Linoleum
c. Vinyl tiles
d. Ceramic tiles
13. Which flooring material is the least resilient?
a. Vinyl sheets
b. Linoleum
c. Vinyl tiles
d. Ceramic tiles
14. Which is the best location for bedrooms
a. North
b. South
c. East
d. West
15. Which amenity is generally expected to be provided for most high-rise condominium
projects?
a. An Olympic-size pool
b. A gym
 c. Valet parking
d. All these should be provided for high-rise condo projects
16. Which could be a dimension of a square bedside table?
a. 110mm
b. 2200mm
c. 330mm
d. 4400mm
17. Which dimensions best describe a single bed?
a. 90-96 x 200 cm
b. 70-75 x 200 cm
c. 80-85 x 200 cm
d. 75-80 x 200 cm
18. What floor finish is recommended for the play area for children located beside the
pool?
a. Wood decking
b. Non-skid tiles, same as those used around the pool
c. Rubber flooring
d. Rough concrete
19. For extremely high-end apartments, which floor finish is typically used for bedrooms?
a. Vinyl
b. Engineered wood flooring
c. Polished concrete with concrete hardener
d. Laminated wood flooring
20. Minimum dimension of one side of a square table for 8 persons
a. 400mm
b. 750mm
c. 900mm
d. 1200mm
21. Minimum dimension of one side of a square table for 4 persons
a. 400mm
b. 750mm
c. 900mm
d. 1200mm
22. Minimum clearance recommended in front of closets and drawers
a. 300mm
b. 600mm
c. 900mm
d. 1500mm
23. Minimum clearance recommended between side of bed and side of dresser adjacent
to bed
a. 0mm
b. 50mm
c. 150mm
d. 600mm
24. Dimensions of a twin-size mattress
a. 900mm x 1900mm
b. 990mm x 1900mm
c. 2000mm x 2000mm
d. None of the above
25. Dimensions of a California King-size mattress
a. 2000mm x 2000mm
b. 1800mm x 2100mm
c. 1500mm x 1980mm
d. 1350mm x 1980mm
26. Dimensions of a queen-size mattress
a. 2000mm x 2000mm
 b. 1800mm x 2100mm
c. 1500mm x 1980mm
d. 1350mm x 1980mm
27. How much minimum space should be provided on the side of the bed, for circulation
a. 12 inches
b. 22 inches
c. 36 inches
d. 48 inches
28. Clearance from edge of dining table to wall if there will be a chair and passage behind
the chair is required
a. 450mm
b. 600mm
c. 800mm
d. 950mm
29. Which feature are you likely not going to find in low-end or medium-priced
condominium units?
a. Balconies
b. Provisions for cable TV
c. Double-glazed windows
d. Swimming pool
30. Clearance from edge of dining table to wall if there will be a chair and only access to
chair is required (no passage behind chair)
a. 450mm
b. 600mm
c. 800mm
d. 950mm
31. Typical depth of bedroom closets
a. 500mm
b. 550mm
c. 600mm
d. 750mm
32. For low-end apartments, which closet finish will likely be used?
a. Natural wood veneer
b. PVC Laminate
c. Duco finish
d. Lacquer finish
33. Which is a possible length of a three-seat sofa?
a. 600m
b. 900mm
c. 1200mm
d. 1800mm
34. Recommended depth of a sofa including backrest
a. 450mm
b. 600mm
c. 900mm
d. 1350mm
35. To avoid warping, what is the typical maximum width of closet doors?
a. 300mm
b. 400mm
c. 600mm
d. 750mm
36. Which is a recommended depth for a study desk?
a. 400mm
b. 500mm
c. 750mm
d. 1350mm
37. For the studio units, which area would you locate close to the door, farthest away
from the windows?
a. Toilet
b. Dining
c. Library
d. Sleeping area
38. For the one-bedroom units, which area would you locate in the middle of the unit (not
beside the window but not adjacent to main door either)?
a. Kitchen
b. Dining
c. Laundry room
d. Sleeping area
39. Which would you not recommend for the layout of the studio units?
a. A U-shaped kitchen
b. Placing the sleeping area close to the balcony
c. Integrating the bathroom and the laundry area
d. Locating the kitchen far away from the windows
40. Which is not considered a utility provision?
a. STP
b. Genset room
c. Water tank room
d. Laundry room
41. How are master bedrooms typically differentiated from regular bedrooms?
a. By providing them with double lavatories
b. By placing windows only in the master bedroom
c. By providing a nightstand by the bed
d. By providing wood baseboards at the perimeter of the master bedroom
42. Where should the elevator bank be located for this project?
a. In the core of the building
b. On the north side
c. Outside of the building core
d. As close as possible to the largest and most expensive units
43. For a building 7 storeys (21 meters) tall, which would NOT be required by RA 9514?
a. Smoke protection for stairwells
b. Sprinkler systems
c. A Fire Command Center
d. All of these are already required once this height is reached
PROJECT NO. 03

A. Title and General Description:

A Proposed Medium-Rise Office Condominium Project with a Basement, Podium
(with Covered Parking), and Tower Component on a Project Site with a 2.50% Slope

B. Statement of the Problem:

A privately-owned company has decided that its C-3 zoned property with a total lot
area of 2,000 sqm. located in an urban area in Manila shall be developed into a
medium-rise office condominium. The project development shall consist of four types:
1) 30 sqm. GFA office units, 2) 60 sqm. GFA office units, 3) 90 sqm. GFA office units,
and 4) 120 sqm. GFA office units.

C. Project Site Features:

The project site is an inside lot with a 40m-wide frontage facing south. The project
site slopes at 2.5% towards the 16-meter wide RROW that is also at a slope of 1/3 of
1% draining towards the north and which has 1.80m-wide sidewalks on both sides.
The surface of the sidewalks at the center of the project site frontage is considered as
elevation 0.0m.

D. Design Objectives:
a. To plan/design a high-density commercial building, marketable and attractive to
small and medium-sized businesses;
b. To plan/design the project in a way that will maximize profits for the project
proponent, with a saleable vs. non-saleable ratio of 70:30;
c. To plan/design a building that shall serve as a landmark in the area.

1. Center to center distance of 1000mm x 1000mm columns in order for two cars to park
in between
a. 7.00 meters
b. 8.50 meters
c. 9.00 meters
d. 10.00 meters
2. In order to fit three vehicles per structural bay, which clear distances between
columns should not be recommended for the project?
a. 6.00 meters
b. 6.50 meters
c. 7.00 meters
d. All of the above should not be recommended
3. Which is a neutral color?
a. Pink
b. Beige
c. Cerulean
d. Gold
4. Which is not a neutral color?
a. Ivory
b. Brown
c. Taupe
d. Gray
5. Which is an earth color?
a. Taupe
b. Green
c. Fuchsia
d. Viridian
6. Which is not an earth color?
 a. Brown
b. Tan
c. Cool gray
d. Taupe
7. Which color is gives off a vibe that is fun and alive?
a. Blue
b. Yellow
c. Pink
d. Green
8. Which color can the human eye see the fastest?
a. Red
b. Yellow
c. Green
d. Violet
9. Which color signifies purity and authority?
a. Yellow
b. Beige
c. White
d. Brown
10. Best paint color for exterior walls
a. Dark grey
b. Dark beige
c. Light gray
d. Light beige
11. Worst color choice for the exterior side of a firewall
a. Off-white
b. Black
c. Brown
d. Beige
12. Which should not be located adjacent to the main lobby?
a. Guard post
b. Toilets
c. Information desk
d. Drivers’ lounge
13. Which slopes are considered unbuildable?
a. Only slopes beyond 10%
b. Only slopes beyond 12%
c. Only slopes beyond 18%
d. Only slopes beyond 22%
14. For medical offices, which parts of the office must the receptionist have a clear view
of?
a. The entrance and the examination room
b. The entrance and the waiting room
c. The waiting room and the X-ray room
d. The entrance and the changing room
15. Typical height of an office desk
a. 600mm
b. 750mm
c. 800mm
d. 900mm
16. A work surface that will primarily be used for typing (e.g. with keyboards or laptops)
should ideally be lower than the standard office desk. What is a good height?
a. 500mm
b. 680mm
c. 750mm
d. 775mm
17. In an office, main aisles are recommended to have a minimum width of:
a. 1700mm
b. 1500mm
c. 1200mm
d. 900mm
18. Although they come in different heights, the most common height of modular office
partitions, often used in open office plans like in BPOs, is
a. 600mm
b. 1200mm
c. 1800mm
d. 2100mm
19. What office space allowance does the Time Saver Standards recommend for a top
executive?
a. About 7.50 – 10.00 sqm
b. About 10.00 – 20.00 sqm
c. About 37.00 – 55.00 sqm
d. About 60.00 – 120.00 sqm
20. What office space allowance does the Time Saver Standards recommend for a junior
executive?
a. About 7.50 – 10.00 sqm
b. About 10.00 – 20.00 sqm
c. About 37.00 – 55.00 sqm
d. About 60.00 – 120.00 sqm
PROJECT NO. 04

A. Title and General Description

A Proposed Low-rise National Government Office i.e. a development with a
Basement, Podium (with optional parking) and Tower, on a Project Site with a 2%
Slope

B. Statement of the Problem:

The national government has decided to erect a building on its property with a TLA of
8,000 sqm. located in Metro Manila. The structure to be erected shall be a low-rise
national government office building.

C. Project Site Features:

The site is a rectangular through lot with an esplanade at its north side. The
esplanade is relatively flat, with a slope of 1/3 of 1%, draining towards the east. The
main axis is located at the 80-meter wide frontage facing south. The RROW is a 30-
meter wide street that drains east. The site is at a slope of 2% towards the esplanade
which has 1.20-meter sidewalk, 6-meter carriageway, and a 3-meter promenade.

The esplanade will be considered elevation 0.0m. The flood line is 0.50m lower than
the esplanade. The 30-meter RROW has 2.40m sidewalks on each side, but has
become an arcaded street by virtue of a city ordinance. The project uses green
building concepts. At the east of the lot are two government office complexes, and
across the lot are private low-rise office buildings.

D. Design Objectives:
a. To plan/design a high-density institutional building;
b. To plan/Design a building that will maximize services for the general public;
c. To plan/design a building that will serve as a landmark in the area.

1. Which is not an executive position at a government-owned and controlled

corporation?
a. Vice President
b. Director
c. Assistant Vice President
d. Division Chief
2. To achieve economy in design, where should most of the aesthetic features of an
office building be located?
a. Rear of the building
b. Front of the building
c. Center of the building
d. Sides of the building
3. Which type of road finish has the least traction when heavy rain is pouring?
a. Cast concrete
b. Asphalt
c. Gravel
d. Dirt
4. What would allow for the fastest surface runoff?
a. Dirt road
b. Concrete
c. Gravel
d. Asphalt
5. Which emits the most heat and reflects the most light?
a. Asphalt
b. Concrete
 c. Pavers
d. Dirt road
6. Which is the most pervious?
a. Lawn with macadam
b. Lawn with carabao grass
c. Lawn with flagstones
d. Lawn with pavers
7. Which is the most impervious?
a. Pavers with pockets for grass
b. Pavers with mortar in between
c. Pavers with gravel in between
d. Pavers with sand in between
8. Which tree is best to locate beside the building?
a. Palm tree
b. Coconut
c. Mahogany
d. Acacia
9. What tree is rigid, has medium-spread leaves, is shallow-rooted, has a small-
diameter root system, is not very resistant to strong winds, and may be a hazard if
planted very close to a building?
a. Palm tree
b. Coconut
c. Mahogany
d. Acacia
10. What tree has a medium trunk, has medium-spread leaves, is deep-rooted, has a
small-diameter root system, resistant to strong winds, and relatively safe to plant near
a building?
a. Palm tree
b. Coconut
c. Mahogany
d. Acacia
11. Which is not good for most sites because it can be easily blown down by the wind?
a. Palm tree
b. Coconut
c. Mahogany
d. Acacia
12. Which is good for most sites because it has deep roots and cannot easily be blown
down by typhoons?
a. Palm tree
b. Coconut
c. Mahogany
d. Acacia

13. What is best suited for the façade of a government building?

a. More concrete with less glass and steel
b. More glass and steel, less concrete
c. Combination of concrete and plastic
d. More steel
14. Where would you recommend that the downspouts of an office be located?
a. Rear of building
b. Sides of building
c. Center of building
d. Front of building
15. In a crowded and noisy hallway, which will you not provide as an acoustic treatment?
a. Glass
b. Carpet
 c. Gypsum boards
d. Curtains
16. Which will you not provide for an employee who works as a secretary?
a. Side table
b. Desk
c. An executive chair
d. A file cabinet
17. Which roof type is best for a building located in a forested area?
a. High-pitched
b. Low-pitched
c. Flat
d. Minimal practicable slope
18. Which should not be located in the basement?
a. MRF
b. Electrical room
c. Storage
d. Elevator pit
19. Where will you locate the sump pit in a building with basements?
a. Ground floor
b. Uppermost basement level
c. Lowermost basement level
d. Roof deck
20. Which should not be located at the basement?
a. Elevator lobbies
b. EE Room
c. Solid waste storage
d. Parking and ramps
21. For two cars to be able to park between columns, which clear distance between
columns should be discouraged?
a. 5.40m
b. 6.20m
c. 4.60m
d. 7.20m
22. Occupant load for places of assembly, less concentrated use based on RA 9514
a. 1.40 sqm per person
b. 11.10 sqm per person
c. 22.30 sqm per person
d. 18.60 sqm per person
23. Maximum door leaf width
a. 750mm
b. 900mm
c. 1100mm
d. 1200mm
24. Not an ideal height of the door knob
a. 820mm
b. 900mm
c. 1020mm
d. 1200mm

25. Which is not an architectural interior element?

a. Eaves
b. Elevated lobby ceiling
c. Unit party wall
d. Bathroom floor
26. What is the purpose of a zoning map?
a. To show the separation of land
 b. To show and regulate land use
c. The show the separation of districts
d. To show the subdivision of land into separate properties
27. What is the purpose of a cadastral map?
a. To show the separation of districts
b. To show the subdivision of land into separate properties
c. To show and regulate land use
d. To register real estate
28. What is the purpose of a topographic map?
a. It presents elevation
b. It shows the strata of the soil
c. It shows natural features only
d. Both A and C
29. What is not shown in topographic maps?
a. Contours of lots
b. Natural and man-made features
c. Elevation of adjacent buildings
d. All of these are not shown
30. Which should be used for the project if the lot is sloping upwards?
a. Retaining wall
b. Isolated footings
c. Trapezoidal footings
d. Rip-rap
31. Which has a 5-year warranty (asked repeatedly in the exam)?
a. Roof deck waterproofing
b. Floor laminate
c. Glass window
d. Toilet waterproofing
32. In a swampy area, what type of soil should the foundation rest on?
a. Hard to very hard
b. Very soft to soft
c. Medium to hard
d. Soft to medium
33. If the site is a converted rice field, what type of soil should the foundation rest on?
a. Soft
b. Medium
c. Hard
d. Very hard
34. If the site is located on a flood plain, what type of soil should the foundation rest on?
a. Soft
b. Medium
c. Hard
d. Very hard
35. Which foundation presents the least disturbance and the least damage potential to
neighboring lots?
a. Bored piles
b. Isolated footing
c. Footing with tie beams
d. Sheet piles
36. Which foundation presents the most disturbance and the most damage potential to
neighboring lots?
a. Bored piles
b. Isolated footing
c. Footing with tie beams
d. Sheet piles
37. Which may be used so that the construction would not affect the adjacent lots?
 a. Pile/caisson
b. Strip footing
c. Sheet pile
d. Mat foundation
38. Which should be specified for the ceiling?
a. 9mm thick chipboard
b. 12mm thick ficem
c. 12mm thick MDF
d. 25mm thick marine plywood
39. Which style would you recommend for this building?
a. Neoclassical
b. Modern
c. International style
d. Gothic
40. Which lines should be made prominent for his building?
a. Horizontal
b. Diagonal
c. Vertical
d. Curved
41. Which should be specified for the lobby flooring?
a. Granite
b. Ceramic tiles
c. Engineered wood
d. Vinyl
42. Which flooring material is an elegant choice for the lobby while being economical as
well?
a. Granite slab
b. Concrete slab
c. Carrara marble
d. Synthetic granite tiles
43. For this project, what is the minimum air space provision per person?
a. 3 cubic meters
b. 12 cubic meters
c. 14 cubic meters
d. 18 cubic meters
44. Which has the lowest carbon footprint?
a. Hand-cut natural stone
b. Baked clay tiles
c. High-pressure laminate flooring
d. Ceramic tiles
PROJECT NO. 05

A. Title and General Description

A Proposed Garment and Undergarment Factory Project on A Site with A 4% Slope

B. Statement of the Problem

A private corporation has decided to erect a building on its property in Caloocan City
with a TLA of 10,000 sqm. located in an industrial zone (I-2). The structure to be
erected shall be an industrial building.

C. Project Site Features

The site is a rectangular inside lot, with an 80-meter frontage facing west. The site
slopes at 4% towards a creek six meters at the east. The side facing west is a road
for regular access of container vans and trucks, on a 24-hour basis. The RROW is 30
meters wide with a slope of 2.3 of 1% draining north and which has 2.4 meter
sidewalks on both sides. The surface of the sidewalk at the center of the site frontage
is considered elevation 0.0m.

The primary RROW is intersected at right angles by two minor streets, each with six
meters (6.0m) RROW. The two corners have 6-meter chaflans with legs of 4.25
meters. To the left of the site is a private office building, to the right is a ceramics
factory, across the site are two karaoke bars and a restobar with live performances.
Across the creek are two-storey rowhouses.

D. Design Objectives
a. To plan/design a factory that maximizes profit through good vertical/spatial
relationships with good workflows and space planning
b. To plan/design the project using sustainable principles
c. To plan/design a building that shall serve as a landmark in the area

1. What type of lighting is best used for a factory?

a. Pendant
b. Troffer
c. CFL
d. Ambient
2. For a massive factory, which architectural lines should be prominent when viewed
from the street?
a. Vertical
b. Horizontal
c. Curves
d. Diagonal
3. Minimum parking slot size for an articulated truck
a. 3.60 x 18.00 m
b. 3.60 x 22.00 m
c. 3.60 x 12.00 m
d. 3.00 x 9.00 m
4. What is the ideal treatment for the façade of the warehouse?
a. Glass and concrete
b. Mostly steel
c. Mostly concrete
d. Concrete and plastic
5. Where should the first aid station be located?
a. Integrated with the admin office
b. At the entrance of the factory
c. As close as possible to the production area
d. Far from the production area so as not to obstruct workflows
6. For large factories with different activities on a single open floor, which should be
recommended?
a. Compartmentalize each activity using 150mm thick CHB walls because open
plans are not recommended
b. Color-code the floor according to the different activities and make the
workers wear uniforms corresponding the color of their assigned zone
c. Different activities should be interspersed with one another for flexibility
instead of compartmentalizing them
d. All of the above
7. What is the maximum height allowed for this project?
a. About 3 floors
b. About 5 floors
c. About 7 floors
d. About 10 floors
8. For the creek described in the problem, how much easement is required?
a. 3 meters minimum
b. 6 meters minimum
c. 20 meters minimum
d. 40 meters minimum
9. For a factory that only requires assembly of small products on benches or work
tables, what is the recommended ceiling height if there will be no projecting ducts
overhead?
a. 2.40m
b. 4.25m
c. 8.00m
d. 8.50m
Other Design Questions

1. Based on the NHA’s guidelines for site selection, what is the maximum allowable density per hectare for 2-storey
low-rise buildings?
a. 100 units/hectare
b. 125 units/hectare
c. 150 units/hectare
d. 192 units/hectare
e. 252 units/hectare
2. What is a reasonable efficiency target for an office building?
a. 40%
b. 55%
c. 65%
d. 85%
e. 95%
3. Which section of the gym should probably be visible from the attendants’ station/front desk?
a. Cycling area
b. Yoga room
c. Bench press area
d. Cable-operated machines
e. Treadmill area
4. The measurement of abilities related to the completion of tasks, such as reaching, maneuvering and motion, and
other aspects of space and equipment use.
a. Static anthropometry
b. Functional anthropometry
c. Kinetic anthropometry
d. Biomechanics
e. Human kinetics
5. What is a good floor finish for the general areas of homes for the elderly?
a. Carpet
b. Glossy tile
c. Rough cement
d. Vinyl
e. All of the above
6. In sloping lots, retaining walls will likely be higher if the long side of the building pad runs
a. Against the contour lines
b. Parallel to the contour lines
c. Diagonally against the contour lines
d. North to south
e. East to west
7. Site or building provisions to serve a particular function, facilitate the operational requirements of the building, and
to make movements in and out of a site or a building faster but also comfortable for the user
a. Amenities
b. Facilities
c. Services
d. Utilities
e. Provisions
8. Features intended to provide comfort and enjoyment to the user, and increases attractiveness or value of a site or
a building.
a. Amenities
b. Facilities
c. Services
d. Utilities
e. Provisions
9. An applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things
interact most efficiently and safely.
a. Ergonomics
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 b. Physiology
c. Biomechanics
d. Human kinetics
e. Anthropometry
10. Horizontal distance from the rearmost surface of the buttock to the back of the lower leg
a. Buttock-popliteal length
b. Thigh clearance
c. Hip breadth
d. Sitting height
e. Popliteal height
11. Which should be considered for signage placement and heights of privacy screens and partitions?
a. Eye height
b. Stature
c. Popliteal height
d. Sitting Height
e. Hip breadth
12. Which should be considered for allowances for table seating and row seating in theaters and auditoriums?
a. Stature
b. Shoulder Breadth
c. Elbow Height
d. Thumb Tip Reach
e. Eye Height
13. This pertains to the maximum portion of the lot that may be occupied by the building.
a. PSOmin
b. PSOmax
c. MACA
d. AMBF
e. Both B and D
14. This pertains to the sum of the maximum footprint and maximum paved open space.
a. PSOmin
b. PSOmax
c. MACA
d. AMBF
e. Both B and D
15. According to the Time Saver Standards, what angle should be considered for the ideal minimum distance from
the cinema screen to the front row? This angle is formed by drawing a line from the top of the cinema screen to
the eye of the seated person, then a horizontal line from the eye of the seated person to the bottom of the screen.
a. 15 degrees maximum
b. 33 degrees maximum
c. 37 degrees maximum
d. 45 degrees maximum
e. 60% degrees maximum
16. Maximum horizontal distance across the deltoid muscles
a. Shoulder Breadth
b. Elbow to Elbow Breadth
c. Side Arm Reach
d. Maximum Body Depth
e. Maximum Body Breadth
17. The transformer room is part of the
a. Amenities
b. Facilities
c. Services
d. Utilities
e. Provisions
18. The daycare is part of the
a. Amenities
b. Facilities
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 c. Services
d. Utilities
e. Provisions
19. Fountains with LED lighting synchronized to move along with music is part of the
a. Amenities
b. Facilities
c. Services
d. Utilities
e. Provisions
20. The sewage treatment plant is part of the
a. Amenities
b. Facilities
c. Services
d. Utilities
e. Provisions

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