RE

EXAM GUIDE

Overview 2
Knowledge / Skills
3

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Sample Multiple-Choice Answers

5
11

Site Grading Vignette

Sample Passing Solution
Sample Failing Solution

12
13
14

Site Design Vignette

Sample Passing Solution
Sample Failing Solution

15
18
19

Copyright 2015

Site Planning & Design

References 20

This document, effective August 2015, supersedes all previous

editions of the ARE4.0 Exam Guide: Site Planning & Design.
Please check NCARBs web site, www.ncarb.org, regularly
for updates to the ARE 4.0 ExamGuides and for the
most current information regarding the ARE.

Site Planning
& Design

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

65 MC Questions

2 Vignettes

Overview

OVERVIEW

Knowledge/
Skills

DIVISION STATEMENT

Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette

The application of knowledge and skills of site planning and design including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and
practice management.

Content Areas

Vignettes

1. PRINCIPLES

SITE GRADING

2. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Site Design
Vignette
References

(22-30 percent of scored items)

(24-32 percent of scored items)

3. CODES & REGULATIONS

(18-26 percent of scored items)

4. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY

5. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

Modify a sites topographical characteristics responding to

programmatic and regulatory requirements.

SITE DESIGN

Design a site, including building placement, parking, and vehicular

and pedestrian circulation, responding to programmatic, functional,
environmental, and setback requirements utilizing general site
planning principles.

(16-20 percent of scored items)

(4-8 percent of scored items)

August 2015 ARE 4.0

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

The division has been broken down into a listing of knowledge and skills directly related to each major content area
1. PRINCIPLES

(22-30 percent of scored items)

A. Review and assess sites. Incorporate the implication of
human behavior, historic precedent, and design theory in
the selection of systems, materials, and methods related to
site design and construction.
1. Site Planning
Use physical, contextual, and regulatory characteristics, in
combination with programmatic requirements, to evaluate
project sites.
2. Site Design and Design Principles
Use site evaluation data and programmatic requirements to
develop and evaluate alternative site designs.
3. Implications of Design Decisions
Use architectural, engineering, and construction principles and
procedures to evaluate site design.
4. Adaptive Reuse of Buildings and/or Materials
Apply principles for adaptive reuse of facilities and materials to
site design.
5. Architectural History and Theory
Analyze and evaluate the project site with respect to its
regional, local, and site-specific historical context.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
(24-32 percent of scored items)

A. Interpret site and environmental conditions. Assess and

apply systems, materials, and construction methods.
Incorporate principles of sustainability. Assess design
impact on human behavior.
1. Interpreting Existing Site/Environmental Conditions and Data
Assess site layout and proposed materials and systems with
respect to environmental context.
2. Design Impact on Human Behavior
Assess site layout and proposed materials and systems with
respect to human behavior, safety, and security.
3. Hazardous Conditions and Materials
Assess the site with respect to the presence of hazardous
conditions and materials, and identify mitigation options.
4. Sustainable Design
Identify and apply sustainable strategies and technologies to
site layout and selection of materials and systems.
5. Alternative Energy Systems and New Material Technologies
Identify and apply alternative energy systems and new
material technologies to site layout and selection of
materials and systems.

August 2015 ARE 4.0

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

3. CODES & REGULATIONS

(18-26 percent of scored items)

A. Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, zoning

and other regulatory requirements in site design
and construction.
1. Government and Regulatory Requirements and
Permit Processes
Identify and apply relevant land use, building codes, and
regulations into the site design, and assist in permitting.
2. Accessibility Laws, Codes and Guidelines
Identify and apply relevant specialty codes and regulations
into the site design, and assist in permitting.

4. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY

(16-20 percent of scored items)

A. Analyze the implication of design decisions in the selection

of systems, materials, and methods incorporated in site
design and construction.
1. Construction Details and Constructability
Incorporate appropriate materials into site details, systems,
and assemblies.
2. Construction Materials
Evaluate and select appropriate site products, materials,
and systems based on programmatic, performance, and
sustainability requirements.

3. Fixtures, Furniture, Equipment, and Finishes

Evaluate and select appropriate site fixtures, furniture,
equipment, and finishes based on programmatic and
performance requirements.
4. Thermal and Moisture Protection
Manage the impact of temperature, water, and climatic
conditions on site design.
5. Natural and Artificial Lighting
Apply principles of natural and artificial lighting in site design.
6. Implications of Design Decisions
Use architectural, engineering, and construction principles and
procedures to evaluate site materials, assemblies, and systems.

5. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

(4-8 percent of scored items)

A. Assess and administer site design, including construction

sequencing, scheduling, cost, and risk management.
1. Construction Sequencing
Determine site phasing based upon prioritized programmatic
requirements and anticipated construction sequencing.
2. Cost Estimating, Value Engineering, and Life-cycle Costing
Analyze site development costs relative to programmatic and
budgetary requirements.

August 2015 ARE 4.0

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 11 for answers.

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

1. Which of the following pieces of information are typically

included in a subsurface investigation report?
Check the four that apply.

o A. Results of field tests

o B. Results of laboratory tests

o C. Recommended types of foundations

o D. Soil sieve analysis

o E. Boring location plan

o F. Recommended treatment for contaminated soil
2. Which of the following defines the sudden loss of
shearing resistance in a cohesionless soil?

o Plasticity

o Liquefaction

o A collapsing soil

o An expansive soil

4. The diagrams above indicate which of the following

about the relationship between wind and the mass of
high-rise buildings?

o Wind acts the same on all vertical surfaces regardless
of mass and material differentiation.

o More wind turbulence is created at the street level
of wide, smooth-surfaced facades.

o Wind turbulence is increased at street level by
stepped building forms.

o Wind turbulence is of minimum concern in the
relationship between high-rise buildings and the street.

3. The purpose of the element X in the diagram above is to

o increase hydrostatic pressure on the wall

o reduce hydrostatic pressure on the wall

o maintain uniform hydrostatic pressure on the wall

o decrease vapor pressure in the basement room

August 2015 ARE 4.0

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 11 for answers.

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette

5. Building failure can often be traced to unstable subsoil

conditions. Which of the following subsurface conditions
is likely to cause differential settlement of building
foundations?

o Large beds of clay contained in gravel

o Small boulders dispersed in gravel

o Stratified rock

o A deep layer of dry sand and gravel

8. Assume a project site of 50,000 square feet of land area

and 10,000 square feet of gross building floor area.
At a ratio of 3 square feet of parking area to 1 square foot
of gross building area, how many parking spaces are
required at 400 square feet per car?

6. In a residential development composed of large building

lots, on-site sewage disposal for each lot is permitted
subject to the suitability of the soil. Which of the
following soil investigations should the architect request?

o Percolation test

o Evaporation test

o Test for soil alkalinity

o Test for soil density

9. Easements are generally placed on private property

to accommodate which of the following?

o Daylight

o Landscaping

o Access

o Setbacks

spaces

References

7. Which of the following would be the best design-withclimate strategy in the layout of a new town in a cool
region such as Winnipeg or Minneapolis?

o The town structure should be densely grouped; larger
building units may be grouped close together but
spaced to utilize sun-heat effects, and the layout
should provide a sheltering effect against winds.

o The preferred design is an open and free layout
of buildings that tend to merge with nature.

o The town structure should be dense and provide
shade, and unit dwellings or groups of buildings should
create court-like areas.

o Buildings should be separated to utilize air movements,
and the character of the town fabric should be loose
and scattered.

10. The characteristic of an existing structure that will

directly affect the thermal environment of adjacent
new construction is its

o mechanical systems

o texture

o shadow pattern

o footprint

August 2015 ARE 4.0

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 11 for answers.

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

11. Costs for cutting and filling earth on site are typically
calculated by which of the following?

o Square yards

o Cubic yards

o Acres

o Tonnage

12. The most important factor for locating a new retail

center is

o accessibility to market area traffic

o the availability of utilities

o a well-drained level site

o its proximity to employment zone areas

13. In cold climates, vapor barriers are desirable below attic
insulation because they

o minimize moisture migration

o serve as secondary waterproofing

o support the insulation

o provide protection from insect infestation

15.

Local government authorities impose which of the

following land use restrictions? Check the four that apply.
o A. Setbacks
o B. Covenants
o C. Height and area limitations
o D. Accessibility Acts
o E. Parking requirements
o F. Zoning

16. Foundation design in northern climates can require

footings to be as deep as 5 feet below
grade for which of the following reasons?

o Protect against snow drifts

o Rest on undisturbed soil

o Be below frost level

o Resist earthquakes

17. The practice of balancing cut and fill is used in

o site grading

o sediment control

o land reclamation

o footing excavation

14. The process of stripping existing vegetation from a site

can cause

o pollution

o disorientation

o defoliation

o erosion

August 2015 ARE 4.0

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 11 for answers.

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

18. A roof overhang on which of the following faades of a

building built in the northern hemisphere will provide
seasonal adjustment for solar radiation?

o North

o South

o East

o West
19. Assuming a constant slope between the two contour lines
shown, what is the elevation of point A?

o
o
o
o

70.25 ft
71.25 ft
72.50 ft
73.25 ft

21. Since contamination in soil typically leads to groundwater

contamination, which of the following cleanup
technologies can be used to remediate the
unsaturated zone?

o Vapor extraction

o Biodegradation

o In situ incineration

o Photolysis

22. Which of the following technologies is most commonly

used in groundwater remediation projects?

o Extraction/treatment

o In situ aeration

o Biological barriers/filters

o Gas chromatography

23. Which of the following site conditions affects the

development potential of a parcel of land?
Check the four that apply.

o A. Economic climate

o B. Wetlands

o C. Endangered species

o D. Acid rain

o E. Hazardous waste

o F. Existing infrastructure

20. What is the term for the boundaries, property lines, or

limits of a parcel of land, as defined by distances and
compass bearings?

o Chaining

o Datum

o Benchmarks

o Metes and bounds

August 2015 ARE 4.0

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 11 for answers.

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

24. Zoning ordinances promote social vitality within a city

when they include

o strict zoning by land-use category

o high-rise buildings in a park-like setting

o mixed use and overlay zoning

o flexible car-parking ratios

28. A nonconforming but legal structure that existed prior

to the enactment of a land use ordinance is said to be

o an easement

o dedicated

o aggrieved

o grandfathered

25.

29. Which of the following principles should guide residential

zoning adjacent to a central business district?

o It should be prohibited because land costs are
too high.

o It should be maintained as a viable community asset.

o All substandard existing units should be converted to
commercial use.

o Future units should be available to low-income and
elderly families only.

26.

Which of the following site orientation factors is critical

for residential units?
o Bedrooms should face away from harsh winds.
o As many units as possible should be entirely masked
from breezes.
o West facing units are at a premium.
o Each unit should receive sun for at least part of a
winter day.

Restrictive covenants are typically developed on behalf of

o property owners
o city officials
o design professionals
o civil engineers

30. Topography is the most critical criterion when routing

which of the following utility lines?

o Water

o Electrical

o Natural gas

o Storm sewer

27. The term right-of-way is used to describe

o the right to have first opportunity to purchase real
estate when it becomes available

o the right of taking of land by entering on it in a
peaceable manner

o a right belonging to a party to pass over land of
another

o a right to cross a picket line during a strike

August 2015 ARE 4.0

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 11 for answers.

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions

33. Which of the following environmental impacts should be

considered in a site analysis? Check the four that apply.

o A. Reflections

o B. Air movement

o C. Archeological finds

o D. Pedestrian access

o E. Sun and shadow patterns

o F. Topography

Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

34. Increased moisture content in bearing soils can have which

of the following effects? Check the three that apply.

o A. Change in volume

o B. Reduction in bearing capacity

o C. Increased cohesion

o D. Excess surface runoff

o E. Decreased compatibility

o F. Sewer backups

31. On which of the proposed sites would the use of solar
energy be most limited?

o Site A

o Site B

o Site C

o Site D

32. Water-detention areas are used primarily for which of

the following?

o To create swimming and recreation areas

o To provide aesthetically pleasing vistas

o To control surface water runoff

o To act as reservoirs in periods of drought

35. Methods to reduce potential vertical movement to a

proposed building due to expansive clay soil conditions
would include the following? Check the four that apply.

o A. Over-excavate below footing grade and fill with
compacted gravel.

o B. Waterproof the foundation to reduce filtration

o C. Extend footings and foundations to a depth of
consistent ground moisture

o D. Drain surface water away from building foundation

o E. Plant trees near the building to stabilize the ground

o F. Control roof water runoff

August 2015 ARE 4.0

10

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SAMPLE
QUESTIONS
SAMPLEMULTIPLE-CHOICE
MULTIPLE-CHOICE
ANSWERS

Go to page 11 for answers.

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

References

8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.

 , B, C, E
A
Liquefaction
reduce hydrostatic pressure on the wall
More wind turbulence is created at the street level of
wide, smooth-surfaced facades.
Large beds of clay contained in gravel
Percolation test
The town structure should be densely grouped; larger
building units may be grouped close together but spaced
to utilize sun-heat effects, and the layout should provide a
sheltering effect against winds.
75
Access
shadow pattern
Cubic yards
accessibility to market area traffic
minimize moisture migration
erosion
A, C, E, F
Be below frost level
site grading
South
71.25 ft
Metes and bounds
Vapor extraction
Extraction/treatment
B, C, E, F
mixed use and overlay zoning

25. Each unit should receive sun for at least part of

a winter day
26. property owners
27. a right belonging to a party to pass over land of another
28. grandfathered
29. It should be maintained as a viable community asset.
30. Storm sewer
31. Site C
32. To control surface water runoff
33. A, B, E, F
34. A, B, D
35. A, C, D, F

August 2015 ARE 4.0

11

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SITE GRADING VIGNETTE

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions

General Tips for Taking Site Grading

Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References
Use sketch
lines to lay
out swales.

Directions

On the work screen you will see a topographic representation of an existing site that is to have a built object placed on
it and the site regraded. The tools available will allow you to
place the built object and manipulate and identify contour
lines. Your completed work should show the placed built object
and should show the site plan with contours that will successfully allow water to flow from the site in accordance with the
program and site conditions.

Program

A steam engine Locomotive Display is to be located within a

fenced area in a city park. The park is surrounded by private
properties on all sides.
1. Place the Locomotive Display on the site within the
building limit lines.

uR
 egrade the site to create a level area for the
Locomotive Display.

u Indicate the finish floor elevation of the Locomotive
Display. The finish floor elevation must be 6 above
the nearest contour line.
2. Regrade the site so that water will flow around and
away from the Locomotive Display.

uT
 he slope of the regraded portions of the site shall be
at least 2 percent and no more than 20 percent.

uC
 ontour lines between property lines and building
limit lines may be manipulated.
3. The existing smokestack, rocks, and trees shall not
be disturbed.
4. Changes in site topography not required for proper
drainage should be avoided.

Before beginning your solution, you should review the program

that can be accessed through the Vignette Index screen and
familiarize yourself with the site plan on the work screen.

August 2015 ARE 4.0

12

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

Procedural Tips
SITE GRADING VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette

E rase affects all changes that have

been made to a contour. Undo
affects the last action only.

W
 hen elements overlap, you
may have trouble selecting a
particular element. If this happens,
keep clicking (without moving
the mouse) until the desired
element highlights.

Water flows away

from Locomotive
Display into swales.

Site Design
Vignette
References

Swales correctly divert

water around the
Locomotive Display.

Sketch lines
used to layout
swales is useful.

Finish floor is
properly identified.

This solution shows a clean, simple answer to the problem

presented. The program requires that water be directed around
and away from the Locomotive Display, while leaving the
smokestack and trees undisturbed. The candidate has created a
level pad for the Locomotive Display and properly set the finish
floor elevation. The sketch tool was used here to lay out the

swales (not required, but a good method for locating swales).

Using the sketch lines as a guide, the existing contours were
altered to provide a level pad for the Locomotive Display and
swales to divert the water running downhill from the east side
of the site.

August 2015 ARE 4.0

13

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SITE GRADING VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References
Swales are actually
berms in this solution.
Be careful of the direction
of the slope of the site.

This solution is laid out similarly to the passing solution, except

that the swales are drawn as berms. While berms may prevent
some surface water from reaching the Locomotive Display,

they also direct water that falls between the berms toward the
Locomotive Display. Additionally, the candidate has not created
a level pad for the Locomotive Display.

August 2015 ARE 4.0

14

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SITE DESIGN VIGNETTE

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions

General Tips for Taking Site Design

Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
Use a sketch circle to
lay out setbacks for
driveway locations.

References

Directions

You have been assigned the task of developing a schematic site

plan based on a program that includes legal requirements and
other site influences.
The plan on the screen presents a site on which to place
buildings, related site elements, and vegetation in relation to
orientation and environmental conditions. You are to use the
tools provided to develop your solution. On the plan you are
required to draw and locate:
uT
 wo

buildings
outdoor space
uV
 ehicular access and service drives
uR
 equired parking spaces
Only spaces drawn with the Handicap Spaces tool
will be counted as universally accessible spaces.
uP
 edestrian walkways
uV
 egetation
uA
n

The shortest road

segment you can
draw is 20-0.

Before beginning your solution, you should review the program

that can be accessed through the Vignette Index screen and
familiarize yourself with the site plan on the work screen.

20-0

August 2015 ARE 4.0

15

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SITE DESIGN VIGNETTE

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

Program

8.

A developer plans to build a 5-story, 60 ft high Office Tower; a

1-story, 20 ft high Restaurant; a Pedestrian Plaza; and parking to
serve the new buildings.

1.

Design an environmentally responsive site plan that meets all of

the clients requirements given below.

 he Office Tower and the Pond shall be no more than

T
125 ft apart.
uT
 he main entrance shall be visible from Bentley Avenue.

9.

Draw a total of 33 parking spaces.

u 30 standard (9 ft x 18 ft) parking spaces are required.
u3
 universally accessible (12 ft x 18 ft) parking spaces
are required.
uL
 ocate the universally accessible parking spaces within
100 ft of the main entrance of the Office Tower.
uA
 ll parking spaces shall be perpendicular to the
traffic aisles.
u No parallel parking is permitted.
 raw all traffic aisles and drives required to connect
D
parking to the street.
u Drive-through circulation is required.
u Dead-end parking is prohibited.
u Parking along the service drive is prohibited.
uA
 ll drives and traffic aisles are automatically drawn
at a width of 24 ft.
uT
 he intersection of the access drive with the street
must be perpendicular to the street for at least the first
20 ft of the drive.

2.

 he Restaurant and the Office Tower shall be at least

T
210 ft apart.

3.

The Pedestrian Plaza is to be 8,000 ft.

u Locate the Pedestrian Plaza within the building limit lines
so that the main entrance to the Office Tower opens
directly onto the Pedestrian Plaza.

4.

 he view of the service entrance on the Restaurant shall

T
be blocked from the Pedestrian Plaza.
u The view of the service entrance shall be blocked by
buildings and/or trees, as appropriate.

10. P rovide only one 24 ft wide curb cut located no closer

than 120 ft from the intersection of the centerlines of the
two existing public streets.

5.

The Restaurant shall have a view of the Pond.

11.

6.

 he Pedestrian Plaza shall receive the noonday

T
summer sun.
u Assume a 45 solar altitude angle.

7.

 raw vehicular circulation to access the parking and

D
service entrance.
uA
 service drive shall attach to the service entrance of
the Restaurant.
uA
 turnaround or drive-through circulation is not
required for the service drive.

 he Pedestrian Plaza shall be blocked from the prevailing

T
winter winds.
uT
 he wind shall be blocked by buildings and/or trees,
as appropriate.

August 2015 ARE 4.0

16

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

SITE DESIGN VIGNETTE

Knowledge/
Skills
Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

12. C
 onnect the Pedestrian Plaza, the universally accessible
parking spaces, and the main entrances of the two buildings to each other and to the existing public walk with a
continuous walkway system.

uT
 he Pedestrian Plaza may be considered part of the
walkway system.

DECIDUOUS TREE

CONIFEROUS TREE

13. A
 dhere to the following general conditions:

uP
 aving on the site shall be minimized.

uD
 rives, traffic aisles, and parking spaces shall be no
closer than 5 ft to a building.

uB
 uildings must be separated by a minimum of 20 ft.

uP
 rovide a 30 ft setback from the Pond for all construction or built improvements.

uN
 o more than 6 existing trees may be removed
or disturbed.

uN
 o construction or built improvements of any kind shall
occur over any other existing site feature.

uN
 o construction or built improvements of any kind shall
occur outside the building limit line except for direct
vehicular and pedestrian access.

uB
 uildings shall not overlap the Pedestrian Plaza
or parking.

August 2015 ARE 4.0

17

Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

Procedural Tips

Knowledge/
Skills

Sketch circles used to establish

set back from pond.

Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette

T
 he driveways and walkways are
polylines. Use the move group
tool to move them; use the move,
adjust tool to adjust them.

C
 heck to see how many trees
you have cut down while you
are drawing, and again before
you leave the vignette.

W
 hen elements overlap, you may
have trouble selecting a particular
element. If this happens, keep
clicking (without moving the
mouse) until the desired
element highlights.

T
 o move a bank of parking spaces,
we suggest you use the move
group tool.

If you have groups of spaces laid

out in relation to each other, but
want to move them all to another
place on the site, use the move
group tool.

F or precise measurements, lay out

your parking spaces orthogonally,
then rotate if needed.

If you have trouble adjusting

your road (which is a polyline),
you may find it easier to erase
the road and begin again than
to keep trying to adjust it.

SITE DESIGN VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution

Noonday solar
access.

Compact,
logical layout.

Site Design
Vignette
References

Acceptable
coordination of
Pedestrian Plaza and
entry pad to the
Office Tower.
Only six trees
are removed.
Good location of accessible
parking spaces.

Good-drive through
circulation pattern; all
spaces are reachable in
both directions.

This solution incorporates all of the program requirements into

a workable design. The Office Tower is located near the Pond
with the main entrance visible from Bentley Avenue. The Restaurant is located an appropriate distance away from the Office
Tower and has a view of the Pond. The service entrance of the
Restaurant is shielded from the Pedestrian Plaza by the addition
of evergreen trees. The Pedestrian Plaza receives full noonday
summer sun as required. The Pedestrian Plaza also connects

Separation of parking
and service entrance.

to the main entrance of the Office Tower and connects the

Tower, the Restaurant, parking area and other walkways. The
curb cut for the driveway is located far enough from the intersection of the roads and the required setback from the Pond is
maintained. One of the most important program items in this
vignette is the requirement for a drive-through circulation pattern. This solution shows a well-designed, efficient layout that
adequately meets that requirement.

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Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

Warnings
SITE DESIGN VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution

In order to connect your driveway

to any other driveway or road,
the dashed centerline of your
road must connect to the dashed
centerline of the other road.

W
 alkways must be attached to
elements where a connection
is required.

O
 nly spaces drawn with the
Handicap Spaces tool will
be counted as universally
accessible spaces.

Knowledge/
Skills
Driveway is not
perpendicular to
street.

Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

Tools You Might

Find Useful
Building is too
close to pond.

Handicap spaces
created with
wrong tool.

Z
 oom to adjust driveways
or walkways

S ketch line tool to align and

measure spaces and to determine
clearances since the length of the
line is displayed in the element
information area at the bottom of
the work screen

Seven trees
removed.

This solution generally follows the program requirements, but

falls short in a few critical areas. First, the corner of the Office
Tower is located within the required 30-foot setback from the
Pond. The building locations and paved areas also require the

removal of seven trees, which exceeds the programs general

conditions. The accessible parking was not created with the
Handicap Spaces tool. Another problem is the missing
perpendicular segment of the entrance drive.

August 2015 ARE 4.0

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Site Planning
& Design
65 MC Questions

SITE PLANNING & DESIGN

2 Vignettes

Overview

REFERENCES
REFERENCES

Knowledge/
Skills

The references are presented as a guide in preparing for the examination. It was developed by the committee that prepares the
examination. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible reference materials for the subject area of any given
division. NCARB makes no guarantee that the various references are currently in print.

Sample Multiple
Choice Questions
Site Grading
Vignette
Site Design
Vignette
References

The Architects Handbook of Professional Practice

Joseph A. Demkin, AIA, Executive Editor
The American Institute of Architects
John Wiley & Sons, latest edition

Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings

Walter T. Grondzik, Alison G. Kwok, Ben Stein,
and John S. Reynolds, Editors
John Wiley & Sons, latest edition

Architectural Graphic Standards

The American Institute of Architects
John Wiley & Sons, latest edition

Site Engineering for Landscape Architects

Steven Strom, Kurt Nathan, and Jake Woland, Editors
John Wiley & Sons, latest edition

Cracking the Codes: An Architects Guide

to Building Regulations
Barry D. Yatt
John Wiley & Sons, 1998

Site Planning, Third Edition

Kevin Lynch and Gary Hack
MIT Press, 1984

Dictionary of Architecture and Construction

Cyril Harris
McGraw-Hill, latest edition
Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards
Leonard J. Hopper, Editor
John Wiley & Sons, 2007

Site Planning & Design Handbook

Thomas H. Russ
McGraw-Hill, latest edition
Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery
Charles J. Kibert
John Wiley & Sons, 2005

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