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HKIA/ARB PA Paper 5 study materials
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HKIA/ARB PA Paper 5 practice questions

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Question 1Case Study

Under the Hong Kong Building (Planning) Regulations, what is the maximum permitted site coverage for a domestic building in Zone 1, as a general rule for a building of the specified class?

  1. 66.6% Correct answer.
  2. 50%
  3. 80%
  4. 33.3%

Explanation

The Building (Planning) Regulations set out maximum site coverage and plot ratio figures by zone and building class. For a domestic building in Zone 1 the general permitted site coverage is 66.6%, which together with the plot ratio controls the bulk of development on the site.

Question 2Case Study

In a Hong Kong PA Paper 5 case study, a project involves a composite building on a site zoned Residential (Group A). Which document should the architect check first to confirm the permissible plot ratio and site coverage for the site?

  1. The standard form of building contract
  2. The sales brochure of a comparable development
  3. The occupation permit of the neighbouring building
  4. The Outline Zoning Plan and the Building (Planning) Regulations Correct answer.

Explanation

Permissible bulk is governed by planning controls in the statutory Outline Zoning Plan together with the Building (Planning) Regulations. The architect must reconcile both, because the OZP may impose restrictions different from the general regulations.

Question 3Case Study

A case study describes a proposed building whose staircase discharge passes through a covered yard before reaching the street. Under the Building (Planning) Regulations, what is the key requirement for the discharge path?

  1. It may pass through a covered yard provided the yard is mechanically ventilated
  2. It may pass through a covered yard only where the yard is protected by a sprinkler system
  3. It may pass through a covered yard if the yard area is excluded from site coverage
  4. It must lead directly to a street or open air without passing through any other part of the building Correct answer.

Explanation

The means of escape provisions require a protected route that leads to a street or to open air at ground level. Passing through another part of the building, even a covered yard, generally breaches the requirement because the route is not a protected discharge.

Question 4Case Study

In a case study, a client asks the architect to certify that a building complies with the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance. Which statement best describes the architect's role?

  1. The architect may certify compliance without reference to the Fire Services Department
  2. The architect personally issues the fire safety certificate in place of the Building Authority
  3. The architect coordinates the fire safety strategy and submits the required plans, but compliance is ultimately determined by the Building Authority Correct answer.
  4. The architect's certification is conclusive and cannot be reviewed by any authority

Explanation

The architect prepares and coordinates the fire safety strategy and submissions, but the statutory determination rests with the Building Authority and the Fire Services Department. The architect's role is professional coordination, not final statutory certification.

Question 5Case Study

A case study site is affected by a 'Notices of Intention to Resume' registered against the land. What is the most appropriate action for the architect advising the developer?

  1. Advise that the resumption notice may affect title and programme, and recommend legal due diligence before proceeding Correct answer.
  2. Recommend immediate construction to defeat the resumption
  3. Proceed with the scheme because resumption notices do not affect design
  4. Assume the notice is void because it predates the current owner

Explanation

A resumption notice is a land title and programme risk that must be resolved by legal due diligence before design commitments are made. The architect should flag it rather than assume it is irrelevant or void.

Question 6Case Study

In a case study involving a development on a steep site, the architect must address stability. Which submission is central to demonstrating compliance with the Building (Construction) Regulations for the site formation works?

  1. A geotechnical assessment and site formation plans prepared with a geotechnical engineer Correct answer.
  2. A noise impact assessment for construction plant
  3. A landscape masterplan showing planting on the slopes
  4. A traffic impact assessment for the access road

Explanation

Steep sites require geotechnical input, and site formation plans supported by a geotechnical assessment are the core submission for slope stability. The other studies address separate statutory concerns.

Question 7Case Study

A case study project requires the architect to advise on the applicability of the Building (Energy Efficiency) Regulation to a new commercial building. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. The regulation applies only to government-owned buildings
  2. The regulation imposes design standards on the building envelope and services that the designer must incorporate and demonstrate in submissions Correct answer.
  3. The regulation is voluntary and has no statutory force
  4. The regulation applies only to buildings over 100 storeys

Explanation

The Building (Energy Efficiency) Regulation is a statutory instrument imposing design standards on the building envelope and certain services. The designer must incorporate and demonstrate compliance in the submission, not treat it as optional.

Question 8Case Study

In a case study, a building is to be converted from industrial to office use. Which approval route is most relevant before the change of use can proceed?

  1. Approval of the fire services department only
  2. Notification to the rating authority only
  3. Planning permission for change of use, followed by submission of building plans for the alteration works Correct answer.
  4. Submission of building plans only, because planning permission is automatic

Explanation

A material change of use generally requires planning permission, and the physical alteration works require building plan approval. Both routes are needed and neither substitutes for the other.

Question 9Case Study

A case study describes a project where the architect is appointed under a standard HKIA form of agreement. Which statement best describes the architect's duty regarding the contractor's work?

  1. The architect warrants that the contractor will complete on time
  2. The architect administers the contract and certifies, but does not guarantee the contractor's workmanship Correct answer.
  3. The architect must personally supervise every trade on site
  4. The architect is responsible for the contractor's site safety

Explanation

Under the standard appointment and building contract, the architect administers the contract and issues certificates but does not warrant the contractor's workmanship or programme. Site safety responsibility rests with the contractor.

Question 10Case Study

In a case study, a dispute arises over the valuation of variations. Which principle best guides the architect's assessment?

  1. Variations are valued under the contract's valuation rules, using rates and prices in the contract where applicable Correct answer.
  2. Variations are not valued until final completion in all cases
  3. Variations are always valued at the contractor's quoted price without reference to the contract
  4. Variations are valued at cost plus a fixed 50% mark-up

Explanation

The contract sets out how variations are valued, typically using contract rates and prices where applicable and fair valuation where they are not. The architect applies those rules rather than an arbitrary formula.

Question 11Case Study

A case study involves a residential development where the architect must consider the barrier-free access requirements. Which statement best reflects the applicable standard?

  1. The design must comply with the Design Manual: Barrier Free Access, including accessible routes and facilities Correct answer.
  2. Barrier-free access is required only in buildings over 40 storeys
  3. Barrier-free access is a voluntary best practice with no statutory backing
  4. Barrier-free access applies only to hospitals and schools

Explanation

The Design Manual: Barrier Free Access sets out the statutory requirements for accessible routes and facilities in the relevant building classes. Compliance is required, not optional, and is not limited to hospitals or schools.

Question 12Case Study

In a case study, the architect is asked to advise on the fire resistance period required for the structural elements of a proposed building. Which factor is most directly relevant to the required period?

  1. The colour of the external cladding
  2. The landscaping budget
  3. The building's purpose group and height Correct answer.
  4. The number of car parking spaces

Explanation

The required fire resistance period is determined by the purpose group and the height of the building under the Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings. Those two factors drive the period for structural elements.

Question 13Case Study

A case study describes a site where the architect must confirm the required number of accessible car parking spaces. Which approach is most appropriate?

  1. Provide one accessible space regardless of the total number of spaces
  2. Apply the ratio in the Design Manual: Barrier Free Access based on the total number of parking spaces Correct answer.
  3. Provide accessible spaces only in government buildings
  4. Provide accessible spaces only if requested by the client

Explanation

The Design Manual sets out a ratio of accessible spaces to total parking provision, and the architect applies that ratio to the scheme. A fixed single space or client preference is not the governing rule.

Question 14Case Study

In a case study, a dispute arises about whether a particular instruction constitutes a variation. Which test best distinguishes a variation from the contractor's ordinary obligation?

  1. Whether the instruction is given verbally or in writing
  2. Whether the instruction changes the scope, quality or quantity of work defined by the contract documents Correct answer.
  3. Whether the contractor agrees with the instruction
  4. Whether the instruction is issued on a Monday

Explanation

A variation is an instruction that alters the scope, quality or quantity of the works defined in the contract. The form of communication or the contractor's agreement does not by itself determine whether a variation has occurred.

Question 15Case Study

A case study involves a building with a large atrium. Which fire safety concept must the architect address for the atrium space?

  1. The removal of all detection from the atrium to avoid nuisance alarms
  2. The use of combustible materials for the atrium lining as a default
  3. Smoke management and the maintenance of a tenable environment along escape routes Correct answer.
  4. The exclusion of the atrium from all fire safety provisions

Explanation

Atria create smoke movement challenges, so the design must include smoke management to keep escape routes tenable. Combustible linings and removal of detection would increase risk rather than satisfy the code.

Question 16Case Study

In a case study, the architect must advise on the acceptability of a proposed single staircase in a building. Which consideration is decisive?

  1. The colour scheme of the lobby
  2. The availability of a lift
  3. The architect's personal preference for single staircases
  4. The building's purpose group, height and the applicable code provisions on single staircases Correct answer.

Explanation

Whether a single staircase is permitted depends on the purpose group, building height and the specific code provisions. Personal preference, lift provision and finishes are not the governing criteria.

Question 17Case Study

A case study describes a project where the architect is required to obtain a 'consent to commence work' before construction. Which statement best describes the purpose of this consent?

  1. It transfers ownership of the site to the contractor
  2. It certifies that the building is fit for occupation
  3. It confirms that the Building Authority has no objection to commencement based on the plans and documents submitted Correct answer.
  4. It replaces the need for any building plans

Explanation

Consent to commence work allows construction to start once the Building Authority is satisfied with the submissions. It is distinct from an occupation permit, which comes at completion, and it does not replace plan approval.

Question 18Case Study

In a case study, the architect must handle a request to use an alternative material that is not specified in the contract. Which procedure is most appropriate?

  1. Allow the contractor to proceed without documentation
  2. Refuse all alternatives as a matter of policy
  3. Evaluate the proposal and, if acceptable, issue an instruction as a variation with appropriate valuation Correct answer.
  4. Refer the matter to the neighbouring owner for approval

Explanation

An alternative material is a change to the specified works and should be evaluated, then instructed as a variation with valuation if accepted. Proceeding without documentation or a blanket refusal is not proper contract administration.

Question 19Case Study

A case study involves a building close to a slope feature. Which authority's input is typically required regarding the slope?

  1. The rating and valuation department
  2. The Geotechnical Engineering Office, through the relevant building submission process Correct answer.
  3. The consumer council
  4. The tourism board

Explanation

Slope safety falls within geotechnical expertise, and the Geotechnical Engineering Office provides input through the building submission process. The other bodies have no role in slope safety.

Question 20Case Study

In a case study, the architect is asked to advise on the fire safety strategy for a building with a change of use from office to hotel. Which factor most affects the revised strategy?

  1. The change in the marketing budget
  2. The change in purpose group, which alters escape, compartmentation and fire resistance requirements Correct answer.
  3. The change in the building's name
  4. The change in the owner's company

Explanation

A change of purpose group from office to hotel changes the applicable escape, compartmentation and fire resistance requirements. Naming, ownership and marketing have no bearing on the fire safety strategy.

Question 21Case Study

A case study describes a site with an existing building that the developer wishes to demolish. Which consideration is most important before demolition?

  1. Confirmation that the new building will be profitable
  2. Confirmation that the neighbours approve the design
  3. Confirmation that the demolition contractor has a marketing plan
  4. Confirmation that demolition does not require prior planning or building approval and that party wall and stability issues are addressed Correct answer.

Explanation

Demolition can require approvals and must address stability and party wall issues before work starts. Profitability and neighbour design approval are not the governing pre-demolition considerations.

Question 22Case Study

In a case study, the architect is required to advise on the validity of an occupation permit for a building that has been altered. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. The original occupation permit remains valid for all alterations without exception
  2. An occupation permit is issued by the contractor
  3. An occupation permit is never required for altered premises
  4. Alterations that affect the approved plans may require a new or amended occupation permit before the altered premises are occupied Correct answer.

Explanation

An occupation permit relates to the approved building as constructed, so alterations affecting approved plans generally require a new or amended permit. The permit is issued through the Building Authority, not by the contractor.

Question 23Case Study

A case study involves a building where the architect must specify the fire resistance of a compartment wall between different uses. Which principle applies?

  1. The compartment wall need only resist fire from one side in all cases
  2. The compartment wall must achieve the fire resistance period required for the more onerous of the adjoining purpose groups Correct answer.
  3. The compartment wall may be omitted where the uses are different
  4. The compartment wall must always be of glass

Explanation

Where different purpose groups adjoin, compartmentation is designed to the more onerous requirement so that the higher risk is contained. Omitting the wall or using glass as a default would not satisfy the code.

Question 24Case Study

In a case study, the architect is asked to advise on how a 'deemed-to-satisfy' approach differs from a performance-based fire engineering approach. Which statement best captures the difference?

  1. Deemed-to-satisfy follows prescribed code provisions, while performance-based design demonstrates equivalent safety through engineering analysis Correct answer.
  2. Performance-based design requires no justification or documentation
  3. Deemed-to-satisfy is always more expensive than performance-based design
  4. Both approaches are identical in every respect

Explanation

Deemed-to-satisfy applies the prescribed provisions of the code, whereas performance-based design uses engineering analysis to demonstrate equivalent safety. The latter requires documentation and justification, not an absence of it.

Question 25Case Study

A case study describes a project where the architect must confirm the required provision of vehicle parking. Which document is the primary reference?

  1. The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Correct answer.
  2. The sales brochure
  3. The building contract
  4. The contractor's method statement

Explanation

Parking provision is primarily guided by the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, which set out the ratios for different uses. Contract and contractor documents do not set statutory planning standards.

Question 26Case Study

A case study project is a composite building with a shopping mall podium and a residential tower above. The architect must decide the applicable fire safety approach for the whole building. Which principle best governs this decision?

  1. The composite building is exempt from compartmentation because the uses are vertically separated by a transfer structure.
  2. Only the residential tower needs a fire strategy, since the mall is regulated separately by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
  3. The building is assessed as a single composite building under the Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings, with the tower and podium each meeting the relevant provisions for their occupancies. Correct answer.
  4. The podium and tower are each treated as separate buildings, so the fire strategy for the tower need not consider the mall below.

Explanation

The Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings treats a building containing more than one occupancy as a composite building, and the fire strategy must address the interaction between the parts, not just each part in isolation. Vertical separation by a transfer plate does not remove the need to consider fire spread, escape and firefighting access across the whole structure.

Question 27Case Study

In a case study, the architect is preparing a submission for a new building and must state who is responsible for certifying that the structural works comply with the approved plans. Which statement reflects the statutory position?

  1. The Building Authority designs the structure and the Authorized Person merely supervises construction.
  2. The Authorized Person and Registered Structural Engineer submit the plans, and the Registered Contractor is responsible for carrying out the works in accordance with them. Correct answer.
  3. The developer's project manager certifies structural compliance because the developer funds the works.
  4. The Registered Contractor alone certifies the design, and the Authorized Person only witnesses completion.

Explanation

Under the Buildings Ordinance, the Authorized Person and Registered Structural Engineer are responsible for the design and submission of plans, while the Registered Contractor must carry out works in accordance with the approved plans and the Ordinance. Responsibility is distributed by role, and the developer or project manager does not take over the statutory certifying function.

Question 28Case Study

A case study involves a proposed temporary structure for a three-month exhibition on a site zoned for open space. The architect must advise the client on the approval route. Which route is most appropriate?

  1. Apply only to the District Lands Office, since the site is government land.
  2. Proceed because structures lasting under six months do not require any approval.
  3. Apply for temporary approval or a temporary structure permit through the Buildings Department before erection. Correct answer.
  4. Rely on the exhibition organiser's public liability insurance as the approval mechanism.

Explanation

Temporary structures still require approval under the Buildings Ordinance regime, typically through temporary approval or a permit for the specific structure and period. The duration of use does not create a general exemption, and land matters are dealt with separately from building approval.

Question 29Case Study

A case study describes a site where the architect must check whether the proposed building complies with the maximum site coverage and plot ratio under the Outline Zoning Plan. Which document is the primary source for those limits?

  1. The Outline Zoning Plan together with the Building (Planning) Regulations. Correct answer.
  2. The fire service installations proposal submitted to the Fire Services Department.
  3. The contractor's method statement for excavation.
  4. The occupation permit issued for the previous building on the site.

Explanation

Site coverage and plot ratio restrictions for a site derive from the statutory plan, principally the Outline Zoning Plan, read with the Building (Planning) Regulations and any notes attached to the plan. The previous building's occupation permit and construction documents do not set the current permissible limits.

Question 30Case Study

In a case study, the architect is asked to advise on the meaning of 'gross floor area' for a submission. Which description best matches the concept used in Hong Kong practice?

  1. The area of the site within the site boundary, measured at ground level only.
  2. Only the net lettable area of the building excluding all common areas and services.
  3. The area of all floors of a building measured to the external face of the external walls, including areas such as car parks and plant rooms, subject to the concessions and exemptions in the relevant practice note. Correct answer.
  4. The site area multiplied by the number of storeys, regardless of the building footprint.

Explanation

Gross floor area is generally the sum of the areas of all floors measured to the external face of external walls, with certain items counted, exempted or concessioned under the relevant practice notes. It is not the same as net lettable area, and it is not derived from site area alone.

Question 31Case Study

A case study describes an existing industrial building being converted to a hotel. The architect must advise on the need for a new plan submission. Which statement is correct?

  1. No submission is needed because the building already holds an occupation permit for industrial use.
  2. The conversion requires no approval provided the external walls remain unchanged.
  3. A new submission of building plans is required because the change of use and alterations affect compliance with the Building Regulations and the fire safety strategy. Correct answer.
  4. Only a submission to the Tourism Commission is required, and building plans are unnecessary.

Explanation

A change of use and the associated alterations require new building plans, because the applicable requirements, including means of escape and fire resistance, differ for the new use. An existing occupation permit for the former use does not cover the converted premises.

Question 32Case Study

In a case study, the architect is reviewing a tender return and finds an arithmetical error in the priced bills of quantities. Which action is most consistent with standard tender practice?

  1. Accept the tender as submitted and require the contractor to absorb the error without adjustment.
  2. Disqualify the tenderer automatically for any arithmetical error.
  3. Adjust the error in the tenderer's favour without informing the tenderer.
  4. Correct the error and notify the tenderer, giving the tenderer the opportunity to confirm or withdraw, in accordance with the tender conditions. Correct answer.

Explanation

Standard practice is to correct arithmetical errors, inform the tenderer of the correction, and allow the tenderer to confirm the corrected tender or withdraw. This protects the integrity of the tender process and avoids imposing an unauthorised adjustment on either party.

Question 33Case Study

A case study involves a contract where the architect is required to certify practical completion. Which statement best describes the effect of the certificate?

  1. It is issued by the contractor and countersigned by the client as a formality.
  2. It transfers all risk of defects to the contractor permanently and ends all obligations.
  3. It records that the works are complete except for minor outstanding items, and it triggers the defects liability period and the release of part of the retention. Correct answer.
  4. It confirms that the Building Authority has issued the occupation permit.

Explanation

A certificate of practical completion records substantial completion subject to minor items, and under typical Hong Kong contracts it starts the defects liability period and releases part of the retention. It does not extinguish the contractor's obligations for defects, nor does it certify statutory approvals.

Question 34Case Study

In a case study, the architect is asked to explain the role of a 'site supervision plan' under the contract. Which description is most accurate?

  1. It is the Building Authority's schedule of statutory inspections for the project.
  2. It is the contractor's programme for completing the works and is unrelated to inspection.
  3. It sets out the supervision arrangements, including the frequency and nature of inspections, to be provided by the contractor's management and the architect's site staff. Correct answer.
  4. It is a marketing document describing the quality of the development to purchasers.

Explanation

A site supervision plan describes how the works will be supervised, covering the inspection regime and responsibilities of the contractor's management and the architect's site staff. It is a quality-assurance document, not a construction programme or a statutory schedule.

Question 35Case Study

A case study describes a dispute over delay. The contractor claims an extension of time because of exceptionally heavy rain. Which approach should the architect take?

  1. Grant the full claimed period without checking the records.
  2. Refer the claim directly to arbitration without any assessment.
  3. Reject the claim automatically because weather is always the contractor's risk.
  4. Assess the claim against the extension of time provisions and the records, determining whether the event is a relevant event and whether it actually delayed completion. Correct answer.

Explanation

The architect must apply the extension of time provisions in the contract and assess causation using site records, deciding whether the event qualifies and whether it affected the completion date. Weather is not automatically the contractor's risk if the contract provides for it, and the architect's assessment comes before any referral to dispute resolution.

Question 36Case Study

In a case study, the architect must advise on the requirements for a proposed swimming pool within a private residential development. Which consideration is most directly relevant to the building approval?

  1. The pool and its plant room must be shown on the building plans and comply with the structural and drainage requirements, including the treatment of the pool as a structure. Correct answer.
  2. The pool requires no approval because it contains no habitable space.
  3. The pool is regulated only by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
  4. The pool may be built after occupation without any further submission.

Explanation

A swimming pool and its associated plant form part of the building works and must be included in the approved plans, with structural and drainage compliance addressed. The absence of habitable space does not remove the need for approval, and post-occupation additions require authorisation.

Question 37Case Study

A case study involves a building with a large number of occupants in a place of public entertainment. The architect must confirm the means of escape. Which factor is most important in determining the required exit capacity?

  1. The occupant capacity derived from the use and floor area, and the number and width of exits serving each part of the premises. Correct answer.
  2. The number of car parking spaces provided on site.
  3. The height of the building measured from the lowest ground level.
  4. The colour scheme used to identify escape routes.

Explanation

Exit capacity is governed by the number of occupants that may be present, derived from the use and area, and by the number and width of available exits. Parking provision, building height alone and signage do not determine exit capacity, although height affects other fire safety provisions.

Question 38Case Study

In a case study, the architect is asked to advise on the statutory requirement for a lift in a proposed commercial building. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. Lifts are optional in all buildings and are provided only for marketing reasons.
  2. The requirement for lifts derives from the Building (Planning) Regulations and depends on the building height and use, with the detailed provisions set out in the relevant code. Correct answer.
  3. Lift provision is determined solely by the Fire Services Department.
  4. Lifts are required in every building regardless of height or use.

Explanation

Lift provision is a planning requirement that depends on factors such as building height and use, with the detailed standards in the relevant regulations and code. It is not a universal requirement for every building, and the Fire Services Department is not the authority that sets lift planning standards.

Question 39Case Study

A case study describes a site adjacent to a nullah. The architect must advise on the implications for the building design. Which consideration is most relevant?

  1. The nullah has no effect because it is not on the site itself.
  2. The drainage reserve or maintenance access required by the Drainage Services Department may restrict the building footprint and require setbacks. Correct answer.
  3. The nullah only affects the landscape design and not the building line.
  4. The nullah is relevant only if the site is zoned for industrial use.

Explanation

Watercourses such as nullahs typically carry drainage reserves or maintenance access requirements that constrain the building footprint and impose setbacks. The effect is a planning and design constraint regardless of whether the watercourse lies within the site boundary, and it is not limited to industrial zoning.

Question 40Case Study

In a case study, the architect must advise on the procedure for obtaining an occupation permit for a new building. Which statement is correct?

  1. Occupation may begin once the architect issues the practical completion certificate.
  2. The occupation permit is issued automatically when the building plans are approved.
  3. The occupation permit is issued by the contractor on completion of the works.
  4. The occupation permit is issued by the Building Authority after satisfactory completion of the works and clearance of the required submissions, and the building must not be occupied before it is issued. Correct answer.

Explanation

An occupation permit is a statutory document issued by the Building Authority after the works are satisfactorily completed and the necessary clearances obtained. Practical completion under the contract is a separate matter, and plan approval at the start of the project does not authorise occupation.

Question 41Case Study

A case study involves a developer who wishes to start site formation works before the building plans are approved. Which advice is most appropriate?

  1. Site formation works may be carried out under a separate approval or consent where the works are covered by approved plans and the required consent to commence is obtained. Correct answer.
  2. Site formation may begin at any time because it is not building works.
  3. Site formation requires no approval if the site is privately owned.
  4. Site formation may begin only after the occupation permit is issued.

Explanation

Site formation works are building works and require approval of the relevant plans and consent to commence before they can start. They cannot begin simply because the land is privately owned, and the occupation permit comes at the end of the project, not the beginning.

Question 42Case Study

In a case study, the architect is reviewing a contractor's claim for additional payment arising from a prolonged period on site caused by the client's late instructions. Which principle best applies?

  1. The contractor bears all prolongation costs because time is at the contractor's risk.
  2. Prolongation costs are recoverable only if the contractor terminates the contract.
  3. Prolongation costs are never recoverable in Hong Kong construction contracts.
  4. The contractor may recover prolongation costs where the contract provides for them and the delay is attributable to the client's acts or instructions. Correct answer.

Explanation

Prolongation costs may be recovered where the contract provides a mechanism and the delay results from the client's acts or instructions. The allocation of time risk depends on the contract terms, and termination is not a precondition for recovering prolongation costs.

Question 43Case Study

A case study describes a project where the architect must advise on the requirements for a proposed canopy projecting over a public pavement. Which consideration is most relevant?

  1. The canopy requires approval only from the Highways Department.
  2. The canopy is permissible without approval because it improves pedestrian comfort.
  3. The canopy is exempt because it is a temporary lightweight structure.
  4. The canopy overhanging public land requires approval and may require a lease or licence from the Lands Department in addition to building approval. Correct answer.

Explanation

Structures projecting over or occupying public land generally require both building approval and a land interest such as a lease, licence or permission from the Lands Department. Improving pedestrian comfort does not create an exemption, and the Highways Department's interest does not replace the other approvals.

Question 44Case Study

In a case study, the architect must advise on whether a proposed alteration and addition to an existing building requires a new occupation permit. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. A new occupation permit or an amendment to the existing one is required where the alteration and addition affects compliance with the regulations or the use of the premises. Correct answer.
  2. No new permit is needed because the building already has one.
  3. A new permit is required only if the works exceed a stated cost threshold.
  4. A new permit is required only if the external appearance changes.

Explanation

Alteration and addition works that affect compliance with the regulations or change the use of the premises require a new or amended occupation permit. The existence of an earlier permit for the building does not cover subsequent works, and cost or appearance are not the tests.

Question 45Case Study

A case study involves a site where the architect must consider the impact of the building on a nearby declared monument. Which authority's input is most relevant?

  1. The Antiquities and Monuments Office, through the Antiquities Advisory Board and the relevant heritage provisions. Correct answer.
  2. The Buildings Department alone, because heritage is not a building matter.
  3. The District Council, because it owns the monument.
  4. The Fire Services Department, because monuments are fire risks.

Explanation

Works affecting a declared monument or its setting engage the heritage regime administered through the Antiquities and Monuments Office and the Antiquities Advisory Board. The Fire Services Department and District Council do not administer heritage protection, and heritage is a relevant consideration in the building approval process.

Question 46Case Study

In a case study, the architect is asked to advise on the requirements for a proposed basement car park. Which consideration is most important at the planning stage?

  1. The excavation and lateral support design, groundwater control, and the effect on adjacent structures and streets must be addressed in the submission. Correct answer.
  2. Only the car parking numbers need to be shown, with no geotechnical input.
  3. The basement requires approval only from the Transport Department.
  4. The basement is exempt from approval because it is below ground.

Explanation

Basement construction requires approval of excavation and lateral support, groundwater control and assessment of effects on adjacent structures and streets, typically involving geotechnical input. Being below ground does not exempt the works, and the Transport Department is not the approving authority for the structure.

Question 47Case Study

A case study describes a contract using a standard form where the architect is the certifier. The contractor disputes a certificate. Which statement best describes the architect's position?

  1. The architect may delegate certification to the contractor's quantity surveyor.
  2. The architect must always certify in the client's favour because the client pays the fees.
  3. The architect should decline to certify once a dispute arises.
  4. The architect must act independently and impartially in certifying, applying the contract rather than preferring the client's interest. Correct answer.

Explanation

Where the contract makes the architect the certifier, the architect is expected to act independently and apply the contract fairly, not as the client's advocate. Declining to certify or delegating the function to the contractor's staff would be inconsistent with that role.

Question 48Case Study

In a case study, the architect must advise on the fire resistance period for elements separating a car park from the accommodation above it. Which factor most directly determines the required period?

  1. The number of cars the car park can accommodate.
  2. The colour of the fire-rated board specified.
  3. The height of the car park ceiling above the floor.
  4. The type of the building and the occupancy of the parts being separated, as set out in the fire safety code. Correct answer.

Explanation

The required fire resistance period depends on the building type and the occupancies being separated, as prescribed in the fire safety code. Car park capacity, the appearance of the board and ceiling height do not determine the period, although the specified product must be capable of achieving it.

Question 49Case Study

A case study involves a project where the architect is asked to advise on the use of a performance-based fire engineering approach for a complex atrium. Which statement best describes the submission requirement?

  1. A performance-based approach requires no documentation because it replaces the code.
  2. A fire engineering report prepared by a qualified fire engineer must demonstrate that the design achieves the stated fire safety objectives, and it is submitted for acceptance by the Building Authority. Correct answer.
  3. A performance-based approach is permitted only for industrial buildings.
  4. A performance-based approach is accepted automatically once the architect signs the plans.

Explanation

A performance-based design must be supported by a fire engineering report showing that the fire safety objectives are met, and the report is submitted for acceptance by the Building Authority. It supplements rather than replaces the need for documentation, and it is not limited to industrial buildings or to the architect's signature.

Question 50Case Study

In a case study, the architect must advise on the provision of a refuge floor in a tall building. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. A refuge floor is required in every building regardless of height.
  2. A refuge floor may be omitted if the building has a sprinkler system.
  3. A refuge floor is required at specified intervals in buildings exceeding the height threshold in the fire safety code, and it must be designed to resist smoke and fire spread. Correct answer.
  4. A refuge floor is provided only for the use of firefighters and not for occupants.

Explanation

The fire safety code requires refuge floors at specified intervals in buildings above a height threshold, with design measures to resist smoke and fire spread. The requirement is not universal, and sprinkler protection does not generally remove the need for a refuge floor where the code requires one.