AARE cheat sheet

Programming phase: identify client goals, functional requirements, budget, and schedule before design begins.

Area calculations: net assignable area (usable), gross area (including circulation and mechanical), and gross building area (exterior envelope).

Space adjacency matrix: quantifies required proximity between functional areas; higher values indicate stronger adjacency need.

Budget escalation: apply compound annual rate from design to midpoint of construction; formula: Future Cost = Current Cost × (1 + rate)^n.

Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA): sum of initial cost, operating, maintenance, and replacement costs over study period, discounted to present value.

Work breakdown structure (WBS): hierarchical decomposition of project scope into manageable work packages for scheduling and cost control.

Critical path method (CPM): longest path through network; zero float on critical activities; any delay extends project completion.

Project delivery methods: design-bid-build (sequential, low bid), design-build (single entity, faster), and CM at-risk (guaranteed maximum price).

Solar orientation: in northern hemisphere, south-facing facades receive maximum winter sun; north-facing receive diffuse light only.

Sun path diagram: plots solar altitude and azimuth for given latitude; used to size overhangs and shading devices.

Prevailing winds: determined from local climatic data; winter winds from prevailing direction increase heat loss; summer breezes aid natural ventilation.

Soil bearing capacity: minimum values for spread footings typically 1,500–4,000 psf for competent soil; verify with geotechnical report.

Stormwater management: pre-development vs. post-development runoff; use Rational Method Q = CiA (Q in cfs, C runoff coefficient, i intensity in in/hr, A area in acres).

Floodplain: 100-year flood elevation (1% annual chance); building codes restrict construction in flood hazard areas.

Slope analysis: slope (%) = (rise/run) × 100; slopes over 10% increase site development cost and erosion risk.

Environmental site assessment: Phase I (records review, site visit) and Phase II (sampling) for hazardous materials; required before acquisition.

Egress width: calculated per occupant load; means of egress capacity factor (e.g., 0.2 in per occupant for corridors) from model codes.

Occupant load: determined by function and floor area; e.g., business use 100 gross sq ft per occupant; assembly unconcentrated 15 net sq ft per occupant.

Travel distance: maximum allowed from most remote point to exit; typically 250 ft unsprinklered, 400 ft sprinklered for business occupancies.

Accessible route: at least one accessible route within site connecting public transportation, parking, and building entrance; min 36 in clear width.

Universal design: seven principles include equitable use, flexibility, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, size and space for approach and use.

Daylighting: rule of thumb for daylight factor (DF) = (window area / floor area) × transmittance × correction factors; target DF 2% for offices.

Acoustic separation: STC rating indicates airborne sound insulation; higher STC reduces sound transmission; party walls between dwelling units typically STC 50.

Building envelope: thermal transmittance U-value = 1/R-value; lower U-value indicates better insulation.

Dead load: permanent weight of structure and fixed materials; live load: occupancy and environmental loads (people, furniture, snow).

Load combinations: ASCE 7 provides factored combinations like 1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5(Lr or S or R) for strength design.

Beam deflection limit: typically L/360 for floors with brittle finishes, L/240 for roofs, to prevent cracking and discomfort.

Moment of inertia (I): measures resistance to bending; for rectangular section I = bd^3/12; stiffness proportional to depth cubed.

Column buckling: Euler buckling load Pcr = π²EI/(KL)²; K effective length factor (1.0 pinned-pinned, 0.5 fixed-fixed).

Concrete: compressive strength f'c typically 3,000–5,000 psi; reinforcing steel yields at fy = 60,000 psi; cover per exposure.

Steel: A992 steel Fy = 50 ksi; wide-flange shapes designated W; moment connections transfer moment, shear connections only shear.

Seismic design: base shear V = CsW; Cs seismic response coefficient; W effective seismic weight; detailing for ductility required in high seismic zones.

HVAC: sensible heat ratio (SHR) = sensible heat / total heat; indicates ratio of sensible to latent cooling load.

Psychrometrics: dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature, relative humidity, dew point, enthalpy; used to plot air conditioning processes.

Duct sizing: equal friction method maintains constant pressure drop per unit length; velocity method uses recommended velocities for noise control.

Electrical: Ohm's law V = IR; power P = VI (single phase) or P = √3 VI (three phase); demand factor reduces connected load for sizing.

Lighting: illuminance measured in footcandles (fc) or lux; 1 fc = 10.76 lux; recommended levels: offices 50 fc, corridors 10 fc.

Plumbing: fixture units (FU) quantify demand; 1 FU ≈ 1 gpm; water supply pipe sized from fixture unit tables and pressure requirements.

Fire protection: sprinkler density (gpm/sq ft) and design area per occupancy; standpipe and hose systems required in high-rise buildings.

Energy efficiency: ASHRAE 90.1 sets minimum requirements for building envelope, HVAC, lighting, and power; compliance via prescriptive or performance path.

Zoning: regulates land use, density (FAR = gross floor area / lot area), height, setbacks, and parking; nonconforming uses grandfathered.

Floor area ratio (FAR): maximum floor area allowed on a lot; e.g., FAR 2.0 on 10,000 sq ft lot permits 20,000 sq ft gross floor area.

Setback: minimum distance from property line to building; front, side, and rear setbacks vary by zoning district.

Accessibility: ADA Standards require 36 in minimum clear width for accessible routes; 60 in turning space for wheelchairs.

Accessible parking: one accessible space per 25 total spaces; van-accessible spaces require 96 in wide access aisle.

Ramps: maximum slope 1:12 (8.33%); maximum rise 30 in per run; landings required at top and bottom and every 30 in rise.

Fire resistance: type I construction (noncombustible, highest fire resistance) to type V (wood frame); hourly ratings for structural elements.

Means of egress: continuous and unobstructed path from any point to public way; includes exit access, exit, and exit discharge.

Concrete mix design: water-cement ratio (w/c) determines strength and durability; lower w/c increases strength but reduces workability.

Concrete curing: maintain moisture and temperature for 7 days (normal) or 3 days (high-early strength) to achieve design strength.

Steel erection: bolted connections use A325 or A490 high-strength bolts; welded connections require qualified welders and inspection.

Masonry: mortar joint reinforcement; brick expansion joints every 20–25 ft to accommodate movement.

Wood: moisture content affects shrinkage; kiln-dried lumber to 19% max for framing; preservative treatment for decay resistance.

Specifications: CSI MasterFormat organizes work into 50 divisions; SectionFormat includes Part 1 General, Part 2 Products, Part 3 Execution.

Submittals: shop drawings, product data, samples; reviewed by architect for design intent; contractor responsible for dimensions and quantities.

Quality control: mockups, testing (e.g., concrete cylinders, weld inspections), and commissioning verify compliance.

AIA A201 General Conditions: defines roles; architect administers contract, makes site visits, certifies payments, and interprets documents.

Site observation: architect visits site at intervals to observe quality and progress; not a continuous supervision nor guarantee of contractor's work.

Request for Information (RFI): contractor's written question; architect responds promptly; responses become part of contract documents.

Change order: written modification signed by owner, contractor, and architect; adjusts contract sum, time, or both.

Application for payment: contractor submits monthly; architect reviews and certifies amount due; owner pays within contract time.

Substantial completion: stage when work is sufficiently complete for owner occupancy; triggers warranty, retainage reduction, and punch list.

Punch list: list of incomplete or defective work; contractor must complete before final payment.

Record documents: contractor maintains as-built drawings and submittals; delivered to owner at completion.

AIA Code of Ethics: architects should hold paramount public health, safety, and welfare; avoid conflicts of interest; maintain confidentiality.

Standard of care: architect must perform with reasonable skill and care of ordinary professional; not a guarantee of perfection.

Professional liability: errors and omissions (E&O) insurance covers negligent acts; not a substitute for quality control.

Project management: triple constraint of scope, schedule, and budget; changes to one affect the others.

Contract types: lump sum (fixed price), cost plus fee, time and materials; each allocates risk differently.

Scheduling: Gantt charts show sequence and duration; critical path method identifies float and critical activities.

Quality assurance: peer review, constructability reviews, and checklists reduce errors and omissions.

Ethical dilemma: if safety hazard discovered, architect must report to owner and authorities; duty to public over client interest.