HKIA/ARB PA Paper 3 cheat sheet

Case study answers are marked on structured analysis: identify the client's brief, statutory constraints, site conditions, and stakeholder interests before proposing options.

Hong Kong building plan approval sequence: AP/RSE submission to BA, BA response within 60 days (Buildings Ordinance s.16), then commencement after consent; any material amendment restarts the process.

For a case-study question on adaptive reuse, first establish the existing building's lease conditions, approved use, and structural capacity, because change of use may trigger a new plan submission under s.14 BO.

Occupant capacity for means of escape in a case study is derived from the MOE Code: calculate population from floor area divided by occupancy factor, then verify exit width at 5 mm per person and travel distance limits.

When a case study involves a slope or retaining structure, the Geotechnical Engineering Office's guidance and the Building (Construction) Regulations require a geotechnical assessment by a registered geotechnical engineer.

Heritage case studies: Grade 1/2/3 buildings are not statutorily protected until declared monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance; adaptive reuse must respect the Antiquities Advisory Board's conservation principles.

A common case-study trap is ignoring the lease: even if planning permission is granted, a change of use may breach the Government lease and require a waiver or modification.

In a case study, distinguish 'permitted development' from 'planning permission': in Hong Kong, most building works still need BA approval even when planning permission is not required.

Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) s.4: building plans must be prepared by an Authorized Person (AP) and, for structural elements, a Registered Structural Engineer (RSE); supervision of works is by a Registered Contractor (RC).

AP/RSE/RC registration is administered by the Buildings Department under the Architects Registration Ordinance and Engineers Registration Ordinance; practising certificates are renewed annually.

Under the Architects Registration Ordinance (Cap. 408), the Architects Registration Board handles registration and discipline; 'architect' is a protected title.

Professional indemnity insurance is not mandatory for all APs but is commonly required by clients; the HKIA recommends adequate cover, and claims are typically time-barred after 6 years (contract) or 15 years (deed) in Hong Kong.

The Buildings Ordinance s.16(1) requires the Building Authority to approve or refuse plans within 60 days; deemed approval does not apply, so silence is not consent.

Occupation permit (OP) application: BA must be satisfied that works comply with approved plans and that essential services (fire, drainage, structural) are complete; a temporary occupation permit (TOP) may be granted for early occupation.

Under the Professional Code of Practice, an architect must not accept commissions where a conflict of interest exists without full disclosure; fee-cutting that compromises safety is a disciplinary matter.

Site supervision: the AP must visit the site at intervals appropriate to the stage of works; under the Site Supervision Plan, supervision frequency is specified by the BA depending on the complexity of the works.

In Hong Kong, the HKIA Standard Form of Building Contract is commonly used; it operates on a lump-sum basis with provisional sums and a nominated sub-contractor mechanism.

Variation valuation under the HKIA form: work is valued at BOQ rates if applicable, otherwise at fair rates; dayworks apply only where agreed in advance.

Liquidated damages must be a genuine pre-estimate of loss, not a penalty; Hong Kong courts apply the Cavendish/Universe Tanks test.

Extension of time: the contractor must give notice within a specified period (often 28 days) of the delaying event; late notice can bar the claim under the contract.

Interim payments: the HKIA form requires the architect to certify payment within the stated period; non-payment may trigger suspension or termination rights.

Under the Construction Industry Council's guidelines, project management should include a risk register reviewed at design and construction stages; safety planning is a statutory duty under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance.

The 'Security of Payment' provisions are not yet fully enacted in Hong Kong; parties rely on contractual adjudication or litigation, so contract drafting of payment terms is critical.

Programme analysis: use the critical path method; float ownership is typically assigned to the employer unless the contract states otherwise, affecting EOT entitlement.

Means of escape: the MOE Code requires travel distance from any point to a protected exit not exceeding 30 m in sprinklered buildings (varies by occupancy); exit width is 5 mm per person.

Fire resistance period (FRP) for elements of construction is determined by building height and occupancy; typical requirements range from 60 to 240 minutes under the Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings.

Barrier-free access: the Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 2008 requires accessible routes, ramps with a gradient not steeper than 1:12, and accessible toilets at specified intervals.

Structural design in Hong Kong follows the Code of Practice for the Structural Use of Concrete (and steel); wind loading is governed by the Code of Practice on Wind Effects, with a 50-year return period.

Energy efficiency: the Building (Energy Efficiency) Regulation and the Code of Practice for Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) set limits on OTTV for new buildings; compliance is demonstrated at plan submission.

Sustainable design: BEAM Plus is the voluntary green building assessment tool in Hong Kong; credits cover energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality.

Drainage: the Building (Standards of Sanitary Fitments, Plumbing, Drainage Works and Latrines) Regulations set minimum sanitary fitment numbers based on occupancy and use.

Natural lighting and ventilation: the Building (Planning) Regulations require prescribed window areas and open space; the Sustainable Building Design Guidelines further address building separation and permeability.