RE
Programming, Planning
& Practice
Overview a
Knowledge / Skills 1
Sample Multiple-Choice Questions 4
Sample Multiple-Choice Answers 10
Site Zoning Vignette 11
Sample Passing Solution 12
Sample Failing Solution 13
References 14
This document, effective July 2012 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 © 2012
EXAM GUIDE
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
OverviewOverview
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Zoning
Vignette
References
Knowledge/
Skills
OVERVIEW
aJuly 2012 ARE® 4.0
REProgramming Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Overview
Programming, Planning & Practice
Content Areas
1. PROGRAMMING & ANALYSIS
(24-30 percent of scored items)
2. ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL
& ECONOMIC ISSUES
(23-29 percent of scored items)
3. CODES & REGULATIONS
(10-13 percent of scored items)
4. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
(33-39 percent of scored items)
Vignette
SITE ZONING
Delineate areas suitable for the construction of buildings and
other site improvements responding to regulatory restrictions
and programmatic requirements. Define a site profile and
maximum buildable envelope based on zoning regulations
and environmental constraints.
DIVISION STATEMENT
Apply project development knowledge and skills to architectural programming; environmental, social, and economic issues; building codes and
regulations; project and practice management.
OVERVIEW
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Overview
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Zoning
Vignette
References
Knowledge/
Skills
1July 2012 ARE® 4.0
RE
1. PROGRAMMING & ANALYSIS
(24-30 percent of scored items)
A. Determine client needs and requirements to develop
a project plan and program. Content areas include
design objectives, site characteristics, spatial and
functional relationships, and building systems con-
siderations. Based on client needs and professional
knowledge establish a preliminary project scope,
phasing, budget, and schedule.
1. Architectural Programming
Assess client needs using meetings, surveys, and
interviews to determine functional relationships, adja-
cencies, flexibility, and phasing requirements. Review
this information and ascertain an overall scope, budget,
and project.
2. Interpreting Existing Site/Environmental
Conditions and Data
Determine existing site/environmental conditions by
compiling data from geotechnical investigations, site
surveys, rights-of-ways, roadways, topographic features,
utilities, easements, covenants, encroachments, existing
buildings, wetlands, archaeological sites, property de-
scriptions and other features as required for a complete
site analysis. Analyze the information provided and visit
site to ascertain suitability and establish site design and
master planning objectives.
3. Adaptive Reuse of Buildings and/or Materials
Determine whether an existing building should remain,
receive an addition, or be remodeled by reviewing exist-
ing plans (if available) and performing field documenta-
tion as required by the project program. Assess field
information and documentation against the program
to determine the potential for adaptive reuse, the suit-
ability of existing features and systems, the condition
and integrity of the structure, the value of finishes and
systems, and any potential code concerns.
4 . Space Planning and Facility Planning/Management
Review the architectural program, site, and existing
buildings (if any) and develop recommendations for
facility planning and management. Recommendations
should include at least spatial and functional relation-
ships, phasing and staging, and building system
consideration.
5 . Fixtures, Furniture, Equipment, and Finishes
Ascertain and document the client’s special needs re-
garding fixtures, furniture, equipment, special systems,
and finishes considering impact on space requirements,
functional relationships, acoustics, building volume,
budget, scheduling, utility requirements, and other
programming issues.
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS
The division has been broken down into a listing of knowledge and skills for each major content area.
Programming, Planning & Practice
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Overview
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Zoning
Vignette
References
Knowledge/
Skills
2July 2012 ARE® 4.0
RE
2. ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL &
ECONOMIC ISSUES
(23-29 percent of scored items)
A. Obtain and review site and building surveys, assess
physical, environmental, social, and economic issues
on project, and develop design concepts. Design
concepts should draw upon basic design principles
and historic precedent while responding to sustain-
able principles and new material technologies.
1. Regional Impact on Project
Determine the impact of regional climactic, ecologi-
cal, geotechnical conditions, transportation systems,
economics, public facilities, governmental services,
pollution (light, air, and noise), and issues related to the
project’s conceptualization and delivery.
2. Community-Based Awareness
Determine and consider local demographics, values and
traditions, future objectives, community fabric, future
growth pressures and other social issues that affect the
proposed project.
3. Hazardous Conditions and Materials
Assess the existing condition of the site and evaluate the
potential impact for hazardous materials by reviewing
hazardous materials surveys and remediation/mediation
recommendations. Consider the potential impact of
hazardous materials on the program, scope, and budget
of the project. Determine the suitability of the existing
site and structures for development, additions, remodel-
ing, or reuse, based on hazardous material issues.
4. Design Principles
Apply concepts such as form, scale, color, texture,
lighting, universal design, spatial organization, and
acoustics as well as theories of social interaction, human
behavior and visual perception to achieve program-
matic design goals.
5. Alternative Energy Systems, New Technologies,
and Sustainable Design
Incorporate concepts of sustainability and alternative
energy systems to minimize the environmental impact
of the project. Assess the impact of these concepts on
the program, budget, project schedule, and subsequent
service phases.
6. Architectural History and Theory
Assess local or regional historic context through prec-
edents of building types, preservation, stylistic forms,
scale, settlement patterns, materials, and other historical
issues to determine the effect on proposed project.
3. CODES & REGULATIONS
(10-13 percent of scored items)
A. Manage the regulatory approval process by
identifying, analyzing, and incorporating building
codes, specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory
requirements.
1. Government and Regulatory Requirements
and Permit Processes
Identify regional and local planning issues, design re-
views, zoning, building codes, and local ordinances that
affect the proposed project. Using these constraints
determine the conditions, restraints, and approval pro-
cesses that impact the project program, schedule, and
schematic design.
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette Programming, Planning & Practice
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Overview
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Zoning
Vignette
References
Knowledge/
Skills
3July 2012 ARE® 4.0
RE
2. Adaptive Reuse of Buildings and/or Materials
Identify the codes, restoration standards, and regula-
tions that apply to the project program and schematic
design when reusing buildings or materials.
3. Specialty Codes and Regulations including
Accessibility Laws, Codes and Guidelines
Assess the impact of codes and regulations such as the
Americans with Disabilities Act, seismic codes, life- safety
codes, Fair Housing Act, etc. on the project program and
schematic design.
4. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
(33-39 percent of scored items)
A. Develop scope of services and project delivery
method by assessing project budget and financing,
identifying project team members including consul-
tants, managing project schedule and design process,
assisting with construction procurement, and man-
aging legal issues relating to practice including fees,
insurance, and professional services contracts.
1. Project Delivery Methods
Determine effective project delivery method by explor-
ing qualification-based selections, partnering, multiple
primes, and other arrangements to assemble the ap-
propriate project team (architects, engineers, specialty
consultants, etc.).
2. Project Budget Management
Manage the project budget based on program require-
ments by applying principles of life-cycle costing, value
engineering, and other budgetary considerations that
affect the project.
3. Project Schedule Management
Manage the design team’s ability to execute the project
by developing a schedule that accounts for staffing re-
quirements, consultant capabilities, etc.
4. Contracts for Professional Services and
Contract Negotiation
Determine, negotiate, execute and manage the ap-
propriate professional services agreements, as well as all
interdisciplinary agreements.
5. Construction Procurement Processes
Evaluate the affects of applying various procurement
processes (e.g. design/bid, design/build, negotiated) to
the project and their impact on the program, budget,
and schedule.
6. Risk Management and Legal Issues Pertaining to
Practice and Contracts
Manage potential risk and legal issues pertaining to
practice and contracts. Analyze professional and general
liability and establish appropriate risk management pro-
cedures such as quality control, client selection, insur-
ance, conflict resolution, staff training, etc.
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette Programming, Planning & Practice
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS
1. After the contract for construction has been awarded, the
contractor shall next prepare which of the following for
the architect’s review?
o A request for payment
o A list of materials
o A schedule of construction
o A lien release
2. According to AIA Document C141-1997 [NPP 9], the
consultant’s services should be performed in a
coordinated sequence with the
o owner
o contractor
o architect
o construction manager
3. Which of the following consultant engineers typically
consumes the greatest percentage of project fees on
school projects?
o Civil
o Electrical
o Mechanical
o Structural
4. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
which of the following is true about lead-based paints in
an existing building that is being renovated as housing for
the elderly?
o The lead content concern is less for buildings
constructed after 1960.
o Occupant health risks are less of a concern if no
children will be living in the facility.
o The lead paint must be completely removed in areas
being renovated.
o Contractor health risks are a concern only if the lead
paint is sawed, ground, or sandblasted.
5. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
[CSA-B651-04] Accessibility Guidelines, curb ramp slopes
shall NOT exceed which of the following ratios?
o 1:10
o 1:12
o 1:20
o 1:24
6. Which of the following creates the majority of indoor air
quality problems?
o Inside contamination
o Inadequate ventilation
o Construction materials
o Contamination from the outside
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Programming, Planning & Practice
4July 2012 ARE® 4.0
Go to page 10 for answersOverview
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Zoning
Vignette
References
Knowledge/
Skills
7. Which of the following types of estimates is the
most accurate?
o Order of magnitude
o Square foot and cubic foot
o Assemblies system
o Unit price takeoff
8. Two professional design firms join together for a project
in which both firms are parties to the contract with the
owner. This arrangement is known as
o an associated firm
o a joint venture
o partnering
o a multiple prime
9. When the architect is analyzing the choice between
renovating an existing library or demolishing it and
constructing a new library, the architect should first
recommend that
o a feasibility study be prepared
o renovation costs be compared with costs for
new construction
o the owner obtain community input
o the local historical society be consulted
10. Outline specifications written during the programming
phase of a project are generally broken down by
o rooms
o divisions
o costs
o products
11. Which of the following client categories most often
requires the architect to transfer ownership of the
architect’s construction documents to the owner/client?
o Corporate
o Health care
o Commercial
o Governmental
12. Bid alternates to choose between concrete block and clay
masonry, wood and plastic windows, and slate and
asphalt shingles are most likely the architect’s attempt to
o incorporate energy-saving options
o control construction costs
o anticipate neighborhood covenants
o accommodate various climatic conditions
13. According to The Architect’s Handbook of Professional
Practice, a project manager’s first key challenge is to
o meet profitability goals
o meet contractual obligations
o clearly identify the client’s expectations
o manage the team members’ judgments and creativity
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Programming, Planning & Practice
5July 2012 ARE® 4.0
Go to page 10 for answersOverview
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Zoning
Vignette
References
Knowledge/
Skills
14. Which of the following plazas in identical urban settings
would encourage active public use?
o
o
o
o
15. The threshold for sound levels that cause fatigue after
prolonged exposure is approximately
o 20 db
o 50 db
o 80 db
o 110 db
16. Geotechnical observation reports are usually paid for
by the
o structural engineer
o contractor
o architect
o owner
17. An architect is asked to design a county courthouse and
government center. The architect should advise the client
that a detailed program for this project is likely to result in
o a more aesthetically pleasing building
o a more efficient building
o a longer construction duration
o higher life-cycle building costs
18. Blocking and stacking within the programming process is
most critical when considering
o space requirements
o special equipment
o site limitations
o building systems
19. STC ratings as applied to buildings represent the
o specified thermal comfort zone
o sound transmission class
o summer temperature conditions
o secure territory controls
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
o call the consultant daily to make sure that progress is
being made
o meet with the consultant at the beginning and the
end of the work period
o hold regular weekly or monthly meetings to review the
consultant’s progress
o send memos of telephone conversations as needed
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Programming, Planning & Practice
6July 2012 ARE® 4.0
Go to page 10 for answersOverview
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Zoning
Vignette
References
Knowledge/
Skills
21. Which of the following is the most important consider-
ation when the architect/owner contract is negotiated?
o Client background check
o Type of consultants
o Construction delivery method
o Scope of services
22. The object of the programming process is to establish
o aesthetics
o evaluation of materials
o realistic requirements
o project financing
23. A municipal impact fee [sewer development fee] assessed
on a proposed project
o pays for the building permit
o offsets local infrastructure improvement costs
o is distributed to the owners of neighboring properties
o ensures speedy planning board review and approval
24. To resolve contractual disputes with clients, an architect
should
o resign the contract
o refund the fees
o amend the contract
o consider mediation
25. According to standard owner/architect agreements, a pre-
sentation model for the client’s promotional use is
o part of the design process
o standard practice
o not a basic service
o not reimbursable
26. Zoning ordinances [by-laws] are used by municipalities as
a means of controlling all of the following EXCEPT
o density of development
o project costs
o flood impact
o land usage
27. The cost for asbestos removal in a building to be
renovated must be borne by the
o local regulatory agency
o general contractor
o owner
o federal government
28. Which of the following is the most frequently used
method of estimating construction cost when
programming is completed?
o Unit-area cost
o Contractor estimate
o Construction loan value
o Capitalization ratio
Programming
Planning &
Practice
85 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Programming, Planning & Practice
7July 2012 ARE® 4.0
Go to page 10 for answersOverview
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Zoning
Vignette
References
Knowledge/
Skills
29. The most appropriate strategy for predicting and
preventing conflicts between architectural and
engineering documents is to
o hold regular coordination meetings
o have the owner review drawings
o schedule peer review of documents
o use in-house engineers
30. Buildings in urban cores, which have been permitted to
achieve floor area ratios and heights in excess of those
permitted by zoning, may have been awarded these bo-
nuses because they
o are clad in materials specified by the city
o have excess vertical transportation capacity
o include street-level functions that are regarded as
public amenities
o are on sites that can take advantage of the potential for
superior views
31. A deed restriction includes which of the following?
o Topography
o Utility locations
o Benchmarks
o Covenants
32. The architect for a new shopping center has been told
that the city has a “ponding” requirement for the site.
This means that the architect must provide
o a decorative water pond as part of the parking-lot
landscaping
o a French-drain system in the parking areas to pond
water
o an area where excess rainwater can be retained and
discharged into a storm sewer
o a system for the underground collection and disposal
of rainwater
33. Production management is an important element in the
success of an architectural firm. Which of the following is a
major ingredient for improvement of production?
o Employee benefits
o Communication with employees
o Office renovation
o Purchase of reproduction equipment
34. Which of the following is NOT normally governed by
zoning regulations?
o Densities
o Setback and heig