Programming & Analysis

Programming & Analysis (PA) focuses on the evaluation of project requirements, constraints, and opportunities. You should be able to demonstrate an understanding of and abilities in project type analysis, the establishment of qualitative and quantitative project requirements, evaluation of project site and context, and assessment of economic issues.

Passed 11/15/21

Study Recommendations

  • The exam is 3 hours, and 75 questions.

  • There are less multiple choices than expected with lots of drag and place, hotspot, calculation, and case study questions. Plan your time well and don't spend too much time on each question.

  • There are two case studies and takes longer time to solve because you have to read the scenarios and analyze reports to get the correct answer. Plan at least 1hour 15minutes for the case studies.

  • The exam focuses on the general knowledge of programming and analysis, so don't spend too much time memorizing specific code requirements, i.e. IBC 1511.2 Structural and construction loads.

  • History, urban planning, structure concepts are rarely tested.


Suggested Readings

Site Planning and Design Handbook, Second Edition link

Chapter 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, Appendix A

Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming Primer 4th Edition link

Skim through the entire book, excellent content for designers

International Building Code 2018 link

Ch 3 occupancy, Ch 5 heights and areas, Ch 6 types of construction, Ch 10 means of egress

Exam Contents

SECTION 1: Environmental & Contextual Conditions

  • Orientation and Wind

      • Orient within 15-degree E or W of South

      • Always seek strategies to shield winds

      • Entry should be located in the south

  • Sun Angle

      • Solstice and Equinox

      • Shadow at time of day

  • Noise Mitigation

      • Trees

      • Berms

      • Walls near highway

  • Design for Climates

      • Cold: compact form, orient south, trees shade wind, dark color surface material, high thermal mass

      • Temperate: long face orient south, medium surface color, deciduous trees on south to block sun during summer

      • Hot Acrid: light color, high thermal mass, shade openings, use evaporative cooling

      • Hot Humid: high ceiling, ventilation, thin slab form, light color, low thermal mass

  • Topography Map

      • Identify drainage pattern and other site features

      • Identify the best location for a building

  • Bearing Capacity

      • bedrock > gravel > sand > silt > clay

  • ALTAS Map vs USCG Map

      • Easements, contours, site features

SECTION 2: Codes & Regulations

      • Zoning Regulation

          • Variation, exception, PUD, amendment

          • Setback, max height, number of loading/parking, landscape

      • Occupancy Types

          • Assembly(A), Business(B), Education(E),Factory(F), High Hazard(H), Institutions(I), Mercantile(M), Residential(R), Storage(S), Miscellaneous(U)

      • Exit requirements for a room/space

          • 1-49 1 exit

          • 50-500 2 exits

          • 501-1000 3exits

          • 1001+ 4min

      • ADA requirements

          • Slope 1:12 max, rise 30” max, run 30’ max

          • Width: min 36”

          • Turning space: 60”x60” min

          • Handrail: 34-38” mount height, projection 4.5” max

          • Door min clearance: 32”

          • Cane detection zone: 27” H rail if clear height under 80”

      • Department of Interior’s Standards of Rehabilitation

          • Preservation

          • Rehabilitation

          • Restoration

          • Reconstruction

SECTION 3: Site Analysis & Programming

  • Environmental Site Assessment

      • Phase 1: general condition, history, site find outs

      • Phase 2: lab results on focused area

  • Asbestos Treatment

      • Locations where asbestos might be present

  • Brownfield Remediation

      • Solidification, soil vapor extraction, bio-remediation, soil washing, incineration, solvent extraction, decholorination, phytoremediation, air sparging, passive treatment wells

  • Wetland, Waterbody Setback

      • Min 50’ setback usually

      • Check floor zone, 100 year typical

  • Storm Water Management

      • Detention Basin: detain water temporally for infiltration

      • Infiltration Basin: infiltrates soils and recharge the water table

      • Retention Basin: wet pond keeps water

      • Raingarden: integrated with landscape, for fast drainage/infiltration

  • Foundation Issues

      • Hydrostatic pressure

      • High ground water table

      • Liquefaction of soil

      • Settlement due to low bearing capacity


SECTION 4: Building Analysis & Programming

  • Bubble Diagram/Adjacency Matrix

      • Exam provide description of spaces, you move the spaces to the circles/boxes

  • Acoustic Performance

      • Reverberation time, Sound Transmission Class, Material, Program Layout

  • View analysis

      • Clients want to see mountain, trees, rock, etc

      • Use trees/topography to block unwanted views if necessary

  • Sustainability

      • Use permeable pavements, ponds, swales, green roof, etc. to control storm water runoff

      • Balance cut and fill, and avoid building on sleep slopes

      • Avoid heat island effect, use high reflectivity material

  • Phases of a Project

      • Expansion needed, consider expansibility, convertibility, and versatility.

      • Consider different scheduling types

  • Cost calculation/Unit Conversion

      • Given SF area or CF volume and calculate cost

      • 1Sq Yard=9SF

      • 1Cu Yard=27CF


PA handbook.pdf