Architectural Design and Site Planning
What the domain tests
Architectural Design and Site Planning tests whether you can turn a written brief into a buildable, code-compliant scheme and prove that the site can carry it. Expect questions on area programming, circulation, orientation, setbacks, parking, accessibility, topography and the difference between floor area ratio and plot coverage.
Core rules
- Area program: separate net usable area from gross built area. An efficiency ratio of about 70-80% is common; the rest is circulation, walls, shafts and plant.
- Site capacity: coverage is building footprint divided by plot area; FAR is total floor area divided by plot area. Local bye-laws set both, together with front, rear and side setbacks, height and parking.
- Climate: in Pakistan's hot climates, a long east-west axis reduces west-facing glass; north light is preferred for studios and laboratories; service cores and staircases can buffer the west wall.
- Access and safety: separate pedestrian and vehicle entries, provide fire access and turning, and check accessible ramps at 1:12 with landings.
Worked example
A 500 sq m plot has a 60% coverage limit and an FAR of 1.5. Maximum footprint = 0.60 x 500 = 300 sq m. Maximum total floor area = 1.5 x 500 = 750 sq m. At a 300 sq m footprint the scheme needs 750/300 = 2.5 floors, so a ground plus two floors with a half-floor terrace is feasible. If the client asks for 900 sq m, the scheme fails the FAR test even if the footprint is legal.
Traps that cost marks
Confusing FAR with coverage. Applying one city's bye-laws to another. Drawing a plan before checking setbacks and parking. Treating orientation as decoration rather than an energy decision. Ignoring fire access and accessible routes.