Iran Nezam Architecture Design Exam cheat sheet

Figure-ground ratio: measure built footprint vs. open space on the site plan; a higher built ratio raises density but reduces daylight and courtyard potential.

Golden section ratio ≈ 1.618; used to proportion plan rectangles, facade bays, and window openings for visual harmony.

Spatial hierarchy rule: sequence public → semi-public → private zones; place the most enclosed space at the deepest point of circulation.

Circulation efficiency: net usable area ÷ gross floor area; corridors and stairs typically consume 15–25% of gross area in residential blocks.

Promenade architecturale: design the path as a sequence of framed views; each turn or threshold should reveal a new focal element.

Module coordination: set a base planning grid (commonly 3.00 m or 3.60 m in Iranian residential work) so structure, partitions, and cladding align.

Open-plan depth rule: rooms deeper than about 6 m from a window require secondary light or mechanical ventilation.

Threshold articulation: use level change, canopy, or floor material shift to mark the transition between outside and inside.

Concrete characteristic strength f_ck is the 28-day cube strength; design strength f_cd = α_cc·f_ck/γ_c with γ_c ≈ 1.5.

Steel design yield f_yd = f_y/γ_s with γ_s = 1.15; partial safety factors follow the national loading code.

Reinforced concrete beam minimum cover depends on exposure class; typical interior beams use 25–30 mm, exterior 35–40 mm.

Brick masonry: compressive strength of fired clay brick commonly 10–20 MPa; mortar strength governs the composite wall capacity.

Thermal expansion coefficient: steel ≈ 12×10⁻⁶/°C, concrete ≈ 10×10⁻⁶/°C, aluminum ≈ 23×10⁻⁶/°C; mismatches need movement joints.

Slenderness check for columns: λ = l_eff/i; higher slenderness increases second-order moment and reduces axial capacity.

Water/cement ratio controls concrete strength and durability; lower w/c raises strength but reduces workability.

Seismic detailing: confined masonry requires tie columns and horizontal bond beams at corners and openings.

Sensible heat load Q_s = 1.2 × L/s × ΔT (W) for air at standard conditions; latent load follows moisture difference.

Illuminance targets: offices 300–500 lux, corridors 100–150 lux, classrooms 300–500 lux; uniformity ratio ≥ 0.6 on the task plane.

Water supply pressure: typical fixtures need 100–200 kPa at the outlet; pressure-reducing valves protect fittings above 500 kPa.

Stack venting: each drainage stack needs a vent extending above roof; trap seal depth is typically 50–75 mm.

Voltage drop limit for branch circuits is usually 3–5%; feeder drops up to 2–3%, keeping total under 5%.

Fire alarm zoning: detectors cover roughly 80 m² per detector for smoke type, subject to ceiling height and beam obstructions.

Air change rate: kitchens 6–10 ACH, bathrooms 5–8 ACH, parking garages 6 ACH minimum for ventilation design.

Elevator traffic: handling capacity 12–15% of population in 5 minutes is a common design target for office buildings.

Occupant load factors: offices ≈ 9 m²/person, classrooms ≈ 2 m²/person, assembly seating by fixed seats; egress width derives from these.

Means of egress: two exits required when occupant load exceeds threshold values (commonly 50 for single-exit rooms); travel distance limits apply per occupancy.

Stair width minimum for egress generally 1.10 m; handrail height 850–1000 mm above nosing line.

Fire resistance ratings are expressed in minutes (e.g., 60, 120); structural elements must match the required compartment rating.

Building permit sequence: site plan approval → architectural/structural drawings → technical inspection → occupancy certificate.

Professional liability: the architect's supervision duty covers conformity with approved drawings; deviations require written instruction.

Accessibility: ramps maximum slope 1:12 with landings every 9 m of run; door clear width ≥ 850 mm.

Setback and floor area ratio (FAR) are fixed by the local detailed plan (tarh-e tafzili); verify before massing design.

FAR = total gross floor area ÷ plot area; building coverage = footprint ÷ plot area; both are capped by zoning.

Solar orientation: in Iranian latitudes, long axis east–west with south-facing glazing maximizes winter gain and allows summer shading.

Street hierarchy: local streets ≤ 6 m carriageway, collector 7–9 m, arterial ≥ 11 m; block length 80–150 m supports walkability.

Wind shadow rule: a building casts a downwind recirculation zone roughly 3–5 times its height; avoid placing open plazas there.

Pedestrian catchment: 5-minute walk ≈ 400 m, 10-minute ≈ 800 m; use for siting schools, clinics, and transit stops.

Permeability: site coverage above ~60% increases runoff; permeable paving and bioswales reduce discharge.

Density vs. amenity: higher plot ratio requires proportional open space; check the local plan's per-capita green space requirement.

View corridors and qanat lines: existing underground water channels constrain foundations and must be preserved in site layout.

Four-iwan plan (chahar iwan): a central courtyard with four vaulted halls on each axis; canonical in Seljuk and later mosques and madrasas.

Gonbad: a domed tomb tower; the double-shell dome (as in Soltaniyeh) reduces weight and improves interior proportions.

Muqarnas: three-dimensional stalactite corbelling used for corner transitions, vaults, and portals from the 11th century onward.

Chahar bagh: four-part garden divided by orthogonal water channels, symbolizing paradise; applied at Pasargadae and later Safavid gardens.

Wind catcher (badgir): tower with internal partitions that captures prevailing wind and exhausts warm air; common in Yazd and Kashan.

Pishtaq: the tall framed portal preceding an iwan; a hallmark of Timurid and Safavid monumental architecture.

Jameh mosque evolution: hypostyle Arab plan → Seljuk four-iwan → Safavid domed and tiled ensembles with elaborate tilework.

Structural logic: brick vaulting with pitched brick (tavizeh) technique allows construction of domes and arches without centering.

Classical orders: Doric (no base, simple capital), Ionic (volute capital), Corinthian (acanthus capital); proportion rules set by Vitruvius.

Vitruvian triad: firmitas (firmness), utilitas (commodity), venustas (delight) - the traditional basis of architectural value.

Modernism principles: form follows function, truth to materials, absence of applied ornament; expressed in the 1920s–30s International Style.

Le Corbusier's Five Points: pilotis, free facade, open plan, ribbon windows, roof garden.

Postmodernism (1970s–80s) reintroduced historic reference, ornament, and irony in reaction to modernist austerity.

Phenomenology in architecture emphasizes bodily experience, materiality, and light rather than abstract geometry.

Critical regionalism: uses local climate, materials, and tectonics while engaging modern technique - relevant to Iranian practice.

Space syntax and figure-ground analysis are analytical tools for reading urban and architectural form.

Scale: a 1:100 drawing means 1 cm on paper equals 1 m in reality; choose scale so the smallest detail is legible.

Orthographic projection: plan, section, and elevation are linked - a section line on the plan must match the section drawing.

Line weights: cut elements thickest, secondary elements medium, background/thin lines lightest; hierarchy conveys depth.

BIM (Building Information Modeling): a federated model with object attributes; supports clash detection, quantities, and coordination.

CAD layers should separate structure, walls, openings, MEP, and annotations for clean plotting and coordination.

Perspective vs. axonometric: perspective uses vanishing points; axonometric keeps parallel lines and preserves true measurements along axes.

Rendering workflow: model → material assignment → lighting setup (sun and sky) → render → post-production for presentation.

Dimensioning rule: dimension to structural grid and finished faces consistently; avoid conflicting chains on the same drawing.

Iranian climate zones: hot-dry (central plateau), hot-humid (Persian Gulf coast), cold (northwest), and moderate (Caspian).

Degree-days: heating degree-days (HDD) and cooling degree-days (CDD) quantify climate severity and size HVAC loads.

Orientation rule for hot-dry climates: minimize east/west glazing; use south glazing with overhangs and thermal mass.

Thermal mass: heavy walls with a diurnal time lag of 6–10 hours flatten indoor temperature swings in hot-dry climates.

Shading coefficient (SC) and U-value govern glazing performance; low-e coatings reduce solar gain while retaining daylight.

Natural ventilation: stack effect driven by temperature difference; requires inlet low and outlet high, with a vertical height difference.

Evaporative cooling: effective in hot-dry air (low wet-bulb); ineffective when relative humidity exceeds about 40–50%.

Passive solar design: south-facing glazing area sized to the collector-to-floor ratio, with night insulation and thermal storage mass.

Bending moment for a simply supported beam under uniform load: M = w·L²/8; deflection δ = 5wL⁴/(384EI).

Shear force for a simply supported beam under uniform load: V = w·L/2 at supports.

Column buckling: Euler load P_cr = π²EI/(KL)²; effective length factor K depends on end restraint.

Concrete mix: cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, water, admixtures; aggregate occupies roughly 60–75% of volume.

Steel sections: I-beams resist bending efficiently; hollow sections resist torsion and are used for exposed columns.

Load types: dead (self-weight), live (occupancy), wind, and seismic; combinations follow the national loading code.

Foundation choice: shallow footings for competent soil; piles or rafts where bearing capacity is low or settlement is a concern.

Masonry arch thrust must be resisted by abutments or tie rods; otherwise walls require thickening or buttressing.

Proportion systems: modular (Le Corbusier's Modulor), golden section, and simple integer ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:3) for facade rhythm.

Daylight factor (DF) = interior illuminance ÷ exterior horizontal illuminance × 100; a target of 2% is common for habitable rooms.

Room depth rule of thumb: usable daylight depth is about 1.5–2 times the window head height above the work plane.

Acoustic separation: place noisy zones (kitchens, lifts) away from bedrooms and studies; buffer with corridors or storage.

Flexibility: a structural grid with non-load-bearing partitions allows future plan changes without structural intervention.

Courtyard typology: a central open space provides light, ventilation, and privacy; depth-to-height ratio around 1:1 to 2:1 balances both.

Universal design: level thresholds, 1500 mm turning circles, and lever handles support accessibility for all users.

Massing rule: break large volumes above roughly 20–25 m length to reduce visual bulk and improve daylight penetration.

HVAC load: Q = U·A·ΔT for conduction; add solar gain through glazing using the shading coefficient.

Chiller COP = cooling output ÷ electrical input; higher COP means lower energy use and operating cost.

Duct sizing: velocity method keeps main ducts at 5–7 m/s and branches at 3–5 m/s to limit noise and pressure loss.

Pipe sizing: hot water supply velocity typically ≤ 1.5 m/s to limit noise and erosion; cold water ≤ 2 m/s.

Lighting power density (LPD) targets: offices roughly 8–10 W/m² with efficient LED and controls.

Daylight-linked controls and occupancy sensors reduce lighting energy by 20–40% in perimeter zones.

Earthing and protection: residual current devices (RCD) rated 30 mA protect socket circuits against electric shock.

Rainwater harvesting: collect from roof area × rainfall × runoff coefficient; storage sized to dry-period demand.

Fire compartmentation limits spread; openings between compartments require fire-rated doors with self-closing hardware.

Smoke control: natural smoke vents or mechanical pressurization of stairs and lobbies; pressurization typically 50 Pa differential.

Contract types: lump-sum, unit-price, and cost-plus; each allocates risk differently between client and contractor.

Variation orders must be documented in writing and priced before execution to preserve the contractor's claim rights.

Retention: a percentage of each payment withheld until defects liability period ends; commonly 5–10%.

Professional ethics: disclose conflicts of interest, avoid misrepresentation of qualifications, and maintain confidentiality.

Site supervision records: daily reports, inspection requests, and non-conformance notices form the evidence trail for disputes.

Handover: as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and the occupancy certificate are required before beneficial use.

Transit-oriented development: density and mix within 400–800 m of a station; parking reduced near high-frequency transit.

Street enclosure: a width-to-height ratio of 1:1 to 1:2 creates a comfortable pedestrian scale; wider ratios feel exposed.

Solar envelope: a volume within which construction does not shade neighbors beyond a permitted duration; derived from sun angles.

Urban heat island: vegetation and high-albedo surfaces reduce surface temperature; street trees cool air by 1–3 °C locally.

Stormwater: runoff coefficient C ≈ 0.9 for impervious paving, 0.2 for lawns; Q = C·i·A for peak flow.

Mixed use: vertical mixing (retail below, housing above) supports street life and reduces car dependence.

Accessibility of public space: provide level routes, seating every 50–100 m, and shade along pedestrian paths.

Heritage context: new buildings should respect scale, rhythm, and material of the historic fabric without literal imitation.

Sassanid legacy: the iwan and the squinch transition to the dome influenced later Islamic architecture.

Seljuk innovations: four-iwan mosque layout, brick muqarnas, and the development of the tomb tower (gonbad).

Ilkhanid period: monumental portals and the double-shell dome, exemplified at Soltaniyeh (early 14th century).

Timurid architecture: large-scale tile mosaic, ribbed domes, and axial symmetry in madrasas and mosques.

Safavid Isfahan: Naqsh-e Jahan square integrates mosque, bazaar, palace, and madrasa around a single urban space.

Qajar architecture: introduction of European elements, mirror work, and taller residential blocks in Tehran.

Pahlavi era: adoption of international modernism alongside revivalist (neo-Achaemenid) monumentality.

Contemporary Iranian architecture: synthesis of climate-responsive vernacular (badgir, courtyard) with modern structure.

Gothic structure: pointed arch, rib vault, and flying buttress concentrate loads and allow tall, thin walls with large windows.

Renaissance: revival of classical orders and centralized plans; perspective drawing as a design tool.

Baroque: dynamic curves, dramatic light, and spatial continuity; ornament used for theatrical effect.

Industrial Revolution: iron and glass (Crystal Palace) enabled large-span, prefabricated structures.

Bauhaus: unification of art, craft, and industry; emphasis on standardized components and functional design.

Brutalism: exposed concrete, monumental massing, and honest expression of structure (1950s–70s).

Deconstructivism: fragmented geometry and destabilized form, challenging structural and compositional conventions.

Sustainability theory: life-cycle assessment and embodied carbon extend architectural theory beyond form and function.

Plan conventions: door swings, window symbols, stair direction arrows, and section markers must be consistent across sheets.

Section drawing: cut line thickness heavier than background; poché (solid fill) distinguishes cut material from space.

Elevation: shows external materials, levels, and openings; hidden structure is not shown but grid lines may be indicated.

Detail scale: 1:5 or 1:10 for construction details; 1:50 for general sections; 1:200 for site plans.

BIM levels: LOD 200 schematic, LOD 300 coordinated design, LOD 400 fabrication; specify LOD in the contract.

Parametric design: rules and parameters drive geometry; useful for facade panels, shading devices, and repetition.

Laser scanning and point clouds support as-built documentation and heritage recording.

Presentation graphics: use consistent color palette, north arrow, scale bar, and legend on every drawing sheet.

Olgyay bioclimatic chart: plots comfort zone against temperature and humidity; indicates heating, cooling, or ventilation needs.

Givoni chart: extends the comfort analysis to passive strategies such as evaporative cooling and thermal mass.

Psychrometric chart: reads dry-bulb, wet-bulb, humidity ratio, and enthalpy; used to size passive and active systems.

Embodied carbon: total emissions from material extraction, manufacture, and construction; concrete and steel dominate.

Net-zero energy: annual on-site renewable generation equals annual consumption; requires demand reduction first.

Green roof benefits: reduces heat gain, manages stormwater, and extends roof membrane life.

Solar photovoltaic sizing: annual yield ≈ installed capacity × peak sun hours × system efficiency.

Water efficiency: low-flow fixtures and greywater reuse reduce potable demand by 30–50% in residential buildings.

Reinforced concrete: steel carries tension, concrete carries compression; balanced design uses both efficiently.

Shear reinforcement: stirrups resist diagonal tension; spacing tightens near supports where shear is highest.

Seismic design: ductile detailing with closely spaced confining hoops in beams and columns improves energy dissipation.

Steel connections: bolted (slip-critical or bearing) vs. welded; specify inspection and torque requirements.

Timber: strength depends on grain direction; moisture content changes cause shrinkage and movement.

Masonry infill: contributes stiffness but can cause soft-story failure if irregularly placed in frames.

Soil bearing capacity: verify with geotechnical investigation; allowable pressure typically 100–300 kPa for competent soil.

Retaining walls: lateral earth pressure increases with depth; drainage behind the wall prevents hydrostatic buildup.

Balance: symmetrical (mirror) or asymmetrical (visual weight offset by mass, color, or detail).

Rhythm: repetition of bays, windows, or columns at regular intervals creates visual order.

Scale: relate element size to human dimensions; oversized elements signal monumentality, undersized ones intimacy.

Contrast: juxtapose materials, light, or geometry to emphasize focal points and hierarchy.

Unity: use a consistent module, material palette, or color scheme to bind disparate parts.

Proportion: the ratio of width to height in a facade should be deliberate; 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 are common.

Circulation clarity: a legible path from entry to destination reduces wayfinding confusion.

Threshold and transition: gradual change of light, level, or material eases the psychological shift between spaces.

Water supply system: storage tank → booster pump → distribution risers → fixtures; pressure maintained by gravity or pump.

Drainage slope: horizontal soil pipes fall 1–2% (10–20 mm per meter) to maintain self-cleansing velocity.

Trap and vent: each fixture needs a trap; vent pipes equalize pressure and prevent siphonage of the seal.

Electrical distribution: main panel → sub-panels → branch circuits; separate circuits for lighting, sockets, and HVAC.

Load calculation: sum connected loads × demand factor; size the main breaker and cable accordingly.

Cable sizing: cross-sectional area chosen for current-carrying capacity, voltage drop, and short-circuit withstand.

Emergency lighting: exit signs and escape route lighting on a separate circuit with battery backup.

Metering: separate metering for tenant spaces supports fair billing and energy management.

Fire resistance of structural elements: beams, columns, and slabs must achieve the required rating in minutes.

Escape route: maximum travel distance to an exit depends on occupancy; assembly and industrial uses have shorter limits.

Exit width: total egress width = occupant load × width factor; stairs and doors must satisfy the minimum.

Fire doors: self-closing, with a rating matching the compartment; hold-open devices must release on alarm.

Detection: smoke detectors in circulation and sleeping areas; heat detectors in kitchens and plant rooms.

Sprinklers: design density and coverage area depend on hazard classification; residential and office differ.

Emergency signage: illuminated exit signs visible from any point in the escape route.

Assembly occupancy: additional requirements for panic hardware, aisle width, and seating density.

Topography: contour lines show slope; slope = vertical interval ÷ horizontal distance; steep sites require terracing or retaining walls.

Drainage: site grading should direct water away from buildings; minimum fall 1–2% on paved surfaces.

Solar path: use sun path diagrams for the site latitude to determine shadow length and orientation.

Noise: buffer with landscape, walls, or building massing; place bedrooms away from the noise source.

Access: vehicle entry, pedestrian entry, and service access should be separated to avoid conflict.

Vegetation: existing trees influence microclimate and should be preserved where possible; root zones constrain foundations.

Views: orient living spaces toward desirable views; screen undesirable ones with planting or screens.

Utilities: locate water, sewer, and power connections early; easements constrain building placement.

Iwan: a vaulted hall open on one side to a courtyard; a central element of Iranian mosque and house design.

Courtyard (hayat): provides privacy, microclimate moderation, and a social focus in traditional houses.

Wind catcher (badgir): a tower with internal partitions that captures and circulates air; a passive cooling device.

Qanat: an underground aqueduct that supplies water to settlements and gardens; a major Iranian hydraulic innovation.

Caravanserai: a roadside inn for travelers; typically a square plan with a central courtyard and cells around it.

Bazaar: a covered market street with domed bays and shops; an economic and social spine of Iranian cities.

Hammam: a public bath with a sequence of cold, warm, and hot rooms; often domed with skylights for humidity control.

Tilework: glazed tile (kashi) used for decoration and durability; blue-and-turquoise palette is characteristic.

Classical Greek: proportion and symmetry; the Parthenon exemplifies optical refinements and column rhythm.

Roman: arch, vault, and concrete enabled large interior spaces such as the Pantheon.

Gothic: pointed arches and flying buttresses allowed tall naves with large stained-glass windows.

Renaissance: perspective, centralized plans, and classical orders; Brunelleschi's dome revived Roman techniques.

Modernism: functionalism, open plan, and industrial materials; the International Style spread after 1930.

Postmodernism: historic quotation and ornament; reaction against modernist austerity.

Parametricism: algorithmic design and continuous differentiation; enabled by digital tools.

Sustainable design: passive strategies, renewable energy, and life-cycle thinking shape contemporary practice.

Plan: horizontal cut at about 1.2 m above floor; shows walls, openings, stairs, and fixtures.

Section: vertical cut through the building; shows structure, levels, and materials.

Elevation: exterior view showing materials, openings, and roofline; no perspective distortion.

Axonometric: parallel projection preserving scale along axes; useful for construction and presentation.

Perspective: uses vanishing points; one-point for interiors, two-point for exteriors.

Rendering: material, lighting, and shadow simulation; used for design communication.

CAD standards: layers, line weights, and text styles ensure consistency across drawings.

BIM: object-based modeling with data; supports coordination, quantities, and facility management.

Passive solar heating: south-facing glazing with thermal mass stores heat during the day and releases it at night.

Shading devices: overhangs, louvers, and trees reduce summer solar gain while allowing winter sun.

Natural ventilation: cross-ventilation and stack effect reduce cooling loads; requires openings and height difference.

Thermal mass: heavy walls and floors moderate temperature swings; effective in hot-dry and cold climates.

Evaporative cooling: effective in low-humidity climates; uses water evaporation to cool air.

Green roof: reduces heat gain and stormwater runoff; requires structural capacity and waterproofing.

Daylighting: windows, skylights, and light shelves reduce electric lighting; control glare with shading.

Renewable energy: photovoltaic panels and solar water heaters reduce fossil fuel use.

Concrete: strong in compression, weak in tension; reinforced with steel to resist tension.

Steel: high strength in tension and compression; requires fire protection and corrosion protection.

Masonry: strong in compression, weak in tension; requires adequate thickness and buttressing.

Timber: renewable, light, and strong along the grain; requires moisture and fire protection.

Glass: transparent but brittle; used in facades with structural framing and safety glazing.

Aluminum: light and corrosion-resistant; used for window frames and cladding.

Composites: fiber-reinforced polymers offer high strength-to-weight ratios for specialized applications.

Recycled materials: reduce embodied energy and support sustainability goals.

Heating: boilers, heat pumps, or solar systems supply heat to radiators or underfloor heating.

Cooling: chillers, split units, or evaporative coolers remove heat from spaces.

Ventilation: mechanical or natural; supplies fresh air and removes pollutants.

Air distribution: ducts carry conditioned air; sizing depends on flow rate and pressure loss.

Controls: thermostats and building management systems optimize energy use.

Energy efficiency: high COP and low LPD reduce operating costs.

Maintenance: filters and coils require regular cleaning to maintain performance.

Indoor air quality: adequate ventilation and filtration reduce pollutants and improve comfort.

Contract documents: drawings, specifications, and conditions of contract define the scope.

Bills of quantities: itemized list of work for pricing and payment.

Variations: changes to scope must be documented and priced.

Payment: progress payments based on measured work; retention withheld until completion.

Defects liability: period after completion during which defects are corrected.

Insurance: professional indemnity and construction all-risk policies protect parties.

Dispute resolution: negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation.

Ethics: integrity, confidentiality, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.

Public space: accessible to all; supports social interaction and recreation.

Street design: balance movement and place; consider pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

Green infrastructure: parks, trees, and water features improve microclimate and stormwater management.

Accessibility: level routes, seating, and shade support use by all ages and abilities.

Safety: lighting, visibility, and active frontages reduce crime and improve comfort.

Heritage: preserve historic fabric and scale in new development.

Density: supports transit and services; requires open space and infrastructure.

Community engagement: involve residents in planning decisions for better outcomes.

City structure: bazaar, mosque, and citadel form the core of traditional Iranian cities.

Neighborhood (mahalle): residential unit with a mosque, bath, and water supply.

Street network: narrow, shaded lanes connect neighborhoods to the bazaar.

Courtyard houses: introverted design provides privacy and climate control.

Water system: qanats and cisterns supply water; gardens (bagh) integrate water and shade.

Defensive walls: protect the city; gates mark entry points.

Urban squares (maydan): public spaces for gathering, commerce, and ceremony.

Modernization: grid plans and wide streets introduced in the 20th century changed traditional form.