Architectural Design and Planning
This domain tests whether you can turn a client brief into a design that is legal, buildable and safe under the Iranian National Building Regulations (مقررات ملی ساختمان), mainly Mabhas 4 (general building requirements) read with Mabhas 3 (fire), plus the zoning envelope granted in the building permit (پروانه ساختمانی).
The four controlling layers
- Use and occupancy: each space is classified by use; occupant load drives the number, width and travel distance of exits.
- Habitability: habitable rooms need direct daylight and openable ventilation; lightwells and courtyards (پاسیو) have minimum plan dimensions and setbacks.
- Urban envelope: surface occupancy ratio (سطح اشغال), floor area ratio, setbacks and height limits come from the detailed plan (طرح تفصیلی) and municipal bylaws - the national code alone does not authorise a massing.
- Accessibility: public buildings need ramps, accessible toilets and clear door widths.
Worked example
A habitable room measures 4.00 × 3.50 m = 14.0 m². Where the applicable rule requires glazed area of at least one-eighth of floor area, the minimum is 14.0 / 8 = 1.75 m² net. A 1.20 × 1.50 m window gives 1.80 m² gross; deduct roughly 15% for frame and sash, leaving about 1.53 m² net - non-compliant. Resize to 1.40 × 1.50 m = 2.10 m² gross, about 1.79 m² net - compliant. Always state whether you are measuring gross or net; that single distinction decides the answer.
Traps that cost marks
Approving a massing that satisfies Mabhas 4 but breaches the detailed plan's setback. Counting a mezzanine as non-occupiable and under-sizing stairs. Measuring corridor width from one floor when the cumulative occupant load of upper floors governs. Forgetting that basements and parking levels count toward exit provision.