Free USGBC LEED AP BD+C Exam Prepartion

LEED AP BD+C Exam Prepartion

Few days ago, we discussed about the USGBC and LEED exam. 

Click for last posting: What is LEED and how to get you LEED credentials 

Since, I am preparing myself for LEED BD+C Exam, I like to share some resources with others.  I hope I can cover all 5 specialty exams and Green Associates during this resource sharing. 

Few days a week, I will starting to post free LEED exam questions, study guide, and other resources that might help you to prepare for the LEED exam. 

Today's LEED AP BD+C Exam 

1. A project is developing tenant design and construction guidelines as part of its LEED Certification efforts. Which LEED Rating System is it likely pursuing?

Choose one

• A. Commercial Interiors
• B. Tenant Interiors
• C. Schools
• D. New Construction
• E. Core and Shell

Answer is (E) - The LEED for Core and Shell Rating System includes a Credit for developing design and construction guidelines for future tenants. 

2. Which is true regarding FAR (Floor to Area Ratio)?

Choose one

• A. FAR cannot be zero
• B. FAR cannot be greater than 1
• C. FAR cannot be greater than 100
• D. Higher FARs are preferred by LEED

Answer is (D) - Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) is the ratio of the total floor area of buildings on a certain location to the size of the land of that location. As a formula: Floor Area Ratio = (Total covered area on all floors of all buildings on a certain plot)/(Area of the plot). With respect to LEED, in general the greater the Floor to Area Ratio the better since it typically corresponds with a more dense development. Also, building ‘up’ rather than ‘out’ may minimize the land needed for the building footprint, leaving the possibility for more open space.

3. Which is most affected by the LEED Site Boundary? (Choose 2)

• A. Location of bike racks & showers
• B. Exterior light pollution
• C. Size of underground parking garage
• D. Determining where site disturbance must stop

Answer is (B and D)

NCARB Discards “Intern” Title

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the governing body for much of the architectural profession in the US, is taking steps to take “intern” out of architectural vocabulary. In a press statement, NCARB president Dale McKinney, FAIA, NCARB, said that in the future, NCARB will only encourage regulatory language for post-licensure individuals

“Architects are those who have met all the requirements to become licensed in states and jurisdictions throughout the United States,” McKinney said. “Everyone else is not an architect. But their status also doesn’t need a regulatory title such as ‘intern’ or any similar reference. This has become a term that has been perceived as negative by many in the architecture community and a term that really does not fully value the work that aspiring architects bring to the profession.”

In 2014, McKinney formed the Future Title Task Force to begin a discussion on the importance of titles and guidelines for assigning them as the architecture profession expands to encompass new roles.  This group, made up of architects and interns alike, examined a wide variety of information including the implications of the term, and the potential ramifications of regulating titles for non-licensed individuals.

Based on recommendations from the Future Title Task Force, NCARB has decided to recommend that non-licensed architecture practitioners find descriptive titles that reflect the roles they fill in their jobs. “The new term? There isn’t one. Just don’t use ‘intern,’” states NCARB in a press release. The plan’s impacts on licensure requirements are still unclear, but NCARB acknowledges that the change in title would likely require a change to the name of the Intern Development Program.

Cite

http://www.archdaily.com/633696/ncarb-discards-intern-title/

Sketchup Tutorial Part 1 - Understanding the Basic

Customize your Toolbars

This tutorial is just covers the very basic elements in Sketchup.

You might have series of toolbar if you are using ruby plugins, but this time, we are only covering toolbar that is given to us from Sketchup.

How to add or remove your Toolbars

1. View > Toolbar
   : You can add many toolbar as you desires but many of them are redundant.

We will start off with showing how to customize and placing Sketchup toolbar for your personal preferences for modeling. You can always able to going back to your original setting by clicking Restore Toolbar Position.

Save your Toolbar Setting
View > Toolbars > Save Toolbar Positions

Restore your Toolbar Setting
View > Toolbars > Restore Toolbar Positions

* Note: If you have your preferable Toolbar setting before customizing, please Save your Toolbar setting by clicking Save Toolbar Position. It will take you to this saved setting if you clicking Restore Toolbar Position.

Now let's go over Toolbar selections, as I have stated, many of Toolbars are redundant. In addition,
we normally open up the all the Toolbars on the screen because it will take up your working spaces.
Since we are talking about the working space, I will show you the way to maximize your working spaces with simple click.

*Note: This will be only applies to who makes their Toolbars setup in "Large Buttons"

Make your Toolbar Buttons smaller
View > Toolbars > Large Buttons [maker sure Large Buttons are unchecked]

IMG.1 Large Buttons are Disabled

IMG.2 Large Buttons are enabled

IMG.3 Red box showing working space when Large Buttons are disabled 

As you can see it from above IMG.3, you can see working space is little bit bigger if you are disable the Large Buttons.


 Now, all the Toolbars can be moved and placed wherever you prefer. You simply have to click left mouse button and drag. This remove your Toolbar from the Menu and appear like a popup boxes (IMG.4).  You can place these Toolbars to the specific location or putting it into Menu. Overtime, base on your needs, you will be able to come up the best Toolbar setting just for yourself.

In this Tutorial covers:

1. How to add/remove Toolbars from Skecthup
2. How to save/restore Toolbars from Sketchup
3. How to maximize working space: Disable Large Buttons in Toolbars 
4. How to customize your Toolbars from Sketchup

It is very basic and seems not much important. However, it is very effective overtime especially if you are working big projects. Having customized setting will save you lots of time during working on the project. Therefore, build your own Toolbar settings overtime.

Contact us if you have any question. 

3 Student Projects Selected as Winners of ISARCH Awards @ Archdaily

Rethinking Biotope / Kyriaki Goti and Nikolaos Xenos. Image Courtesy of IS ARCH

IS ARCH has unveiled the winners of the fifth edition of its ISARCH Awards for architecture students. From a vast pool of submissions, three were selected by the combined evaluations of a jury and public opinion. The international competition promotes the efforts of young designers and encourages dialogue among students and emerging architects by showcasing work undertaken through university curricula. The winners will receive prizes ranging in value from €1,000 to €3,000.

Learn more about the winning projects after the break.

First Prize: “Crece Junto A La Naturaleza” / Alejandra Salvador (CEU San Pablo)

Crece Junto a la Naturaleza / Alejandra Salvador. Image Courtesy of IS ARCH

This project provides a controlled environment for children’s play and education. Bringing users through a sequence of transformative spaces, the children’s center incorporates a range of spatial qualities and materials, resulting in a multitude of distinct experiences. Through these environments, the space fosters imagination and exploration as children are encouraged to expand their games across multiple settings.

   

Second Prize: “Bookish Hills” / Yoshihito Tamba (Meiji University)

Bookish Hills / Yoshihito Tamba. Image Courtesy of IS ARCH

Located among a collection of parks and a residential area, this library employs a system of hilly floors to create a unique intellectual atmosphere that transitions smoothly from exterior to interior spaces. The hills house both the books and the seating, hybridizing floors and bookshelves to create informal areas to walk, sit, and lie down. To systematize the topographic layout, books are classified according to floor level, simplifying the process of finding a specific genre. Nods to the picturesque surroundings are achieved through a rooftop garden.

   

Third Prize: “Rethinking Biotope: The eutrophication case” / Kyriaki Goti and Nikolaos Xenos (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) 

Rethinking Biotope / Kyriaki Goti and Nikolaos Xenos. Image Courtesy of IS ARCH

This project addresses the problem of eutrophication (disruption of ecosystems due to elevated levels of phytoplankton) by using it as a viable source for research. A network of waterways through affected areas provides an aquatic highway with “stations” along it, each hosting an artificial reef made of nets that attract algae. As ships pass the stations, they harvest the algae for research and energy production purposes. The nets are then stored in the ships’ hulls where sun exposure fosters growth and creates new biotopes.

   

For more information on IS ARCH and to view all the submissions, visit www.isarch.org

Before we begin our First Sketchup Tutorial

After the Revit introduced to the Architectural world, many of us predicted that AutoCAD day is going to be over and Revit will be take that place. Well this prediction was part of true but not totally.

Rendering job in 2014 using Sketchup and Maxwell

We have been witness many of firms seeking Revit skills when they are hiring. However, many of firms still heavily replies on software like AutoCAD and Sketchup. It is because Sketchup is free or very affordable (if it is commercial version). In addition, many of their employees comfortable of using AutoCAD. It is not easy for them to learn new software and get use to it. Therefore, if you are like a master of these programs and pro-efficient, many of the firm will be hire you!

So Let's Begin our First Sketchup Tutorial!

Atlanta Bridgescape Competition Winners Announced

“(SIN)UOSITY” at Midtown’s 10th Street Bridge. Image Courtesy of Atlanta Bridgescape Competition

The winners of the Atlanta Bridgescape Competition were announced today at the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) National Convention. The urban design challenge sought proposals for creative interventions at two existing freeway overpasses in the city’s Midtown and Downtown districts, with a referential budget of $3 million per bridge. The winners were selected from five finalists by a panel of industry experts.

See the two winning proposals as well as the winners of the People’s Choice Award after the break.

“(SIN)UOSITY” at Midtown’s 10th Street Bridge: Designed by Max Neiswander and Luke Kvasnicka of Atlanta, GA

“(SIN)UOSITY” at Midtown’s 10th Street Bridge. Image Courtesy of Atlanta Bridgescape Competition

Project description courtesy of the competition organizer: Wrapping the bridge structure in a series of undulating steel ribs clads the bridge in a sculptural form while leaving the structure of the overpass intact. The sweeping curves of the ribs fold over into a canopy on each side which shield pedestrians and then peel away to allow breathtaking views of the Midtown and Downtown skylines. Serpentine sidewalks compliment the sense of movement and dynamism evoked by the bridge and separate pedestrians and cyclists from the busy thoroughfare of 10th Street.

“Organic Canopy” at Downtown’s Courtland/McGill Bridge: Designed by Roger DeWeese, AIA, with Peachtree Architects of Atlanta, GA

“Organic Canopy” at Downtown’s Courtland/McGill Bridge. Image Courtesy of Atlanta Bridgescape Competition

Project description courtesy of the competition organizer: The bridge would be reimagined as an organic canopy constructed of a steel frame with a tensile structure covered in an open stainless steel netting ‘mesh’ that is landscaped to create a sculptural shroud. The lower portions of the structure create a gateway tunnel on the Connector while the top would provide shade to pedestrians.

“Organic Canopy” at Downtown’s Courtland/McGill Bridge. Image Courtesy of Atlanta Bridgescape Competition

Over 3,000 people also voted online to select the winners of the People’s Choice Award. The two proposals selected were Arup and KAMJZ Architects’ Green City Spector proposal for 10th Street Bridge in Midtown and Roger DeWeese of Peachtree Architcts’ Organic Canopy for the Courtland/McGill in Downtown.

Cited @ Archdaily 

http://www.archdaily.com/631988/atlanta-bridgescape-competition-winners-announced/

The importance of havig your own image library for your rendering project

While you were working for the rendering, we often need some images that can be photoshopped into our rendering for save us time and also for the better results. However, some might argue getting images from online and crop the images also taking a time. It is very true only if you are not prepared. As I work, I always saving files I might be using next project and organize these files by categories. So whenever I need some components that I wanted to add on my rendering, I simply go to my library and bring it to my rendering. So it will be save you lots of time if you start creating library of images that can be used for your rendering.

If you planing to putting a 3D tree, people, cars, and so on, you most know that more you put into rendering engine, it will take longer time to be cooked. Most of us or firms doesn't want to wait hours and hours for trees to be rendered. These components are not required if you are working in the architecture firm. My point is don't putting too much efforts or times for the things that is not necessarily for your work.

So whenever you have time, or while working on the project, clean your image, save, and putting into organized folder in your computer for your next rendering project.

In my next post, I will introduce some of the sites providing free components to public.

B.A.L.E. 2015: A Mixed-Income Housing Design Competition

If you want to bright up your portfolio or your resume? 

or you have gap year after you graduated? or from your previous work? 

If you do, adding some competition projects into your portfolio is huge plus!

If you are interested in mix-used residential project, this might be the competition for you. 

In addition, if you awarded any of the competition, you definitely wants to add this award into your resume.

  

CALL FOR ENTRIES:
B.A.L.E. (Building Accessible & Liveable Ecologies) 2015: A Mixed-Income Housing DesignCompetition is being organized by the Bases Conversion & Development Authority (BCDA) of the Philippines as part of its Clark Green City (CGC) project. The Clark Green City is a 9,450-hectare development that is envisioned to be the first smart and sustainable city in the Philippines. Per the Clark Green City Concept Plan, the ideal employee/population ratio is 50-80%; hence the 800,000 projected employees for the CGC at full development in 50 years. In order to address the need, BCDA plans to provide mixed-income and affordable housing units, particularly for the low and middle income individuals/families who wish to live and work in the area.

To complement the Phase 1 development of 254 hectares, BCDA will be allotting an adjacent 25 hectares for a rental housing community. Another 5 hectares will be allotted as housing for the 200 families that will be affected by the Phase 1 development. These two non-contiguous pieces of land make up the competition site. B.A.L.E. 2015 calls for a design and business case proposal for BCDA’s Mixed-Income Housing Development at Clark Green City.

The competition will be a Two-Stage Process wherein all registered participants can submit for the First Stage of the Competition. Short-listed participants will be invited to proceed to the Final Stage of the Competition.

PRIZES:
The Grand Winner will receive (USD) $40,000.00 and the winning design will be considered for implementation. Short-listed entries will each receive (USD) $3,000.00 for further refinements for the Final Stage of the Competition.

ELIGIBILITY:
Maximum of five (5) team members per team. Each team must have at least one (1) Registered Architect in the Philippines as a member. Teams are encouraged to be multi-disciplinary.

REGISTRATION:
Registration is free. Deadline to register at the competition website is on June 5, 2015 at 12 noon(Philippine Standard Time, GMT +8:00). Only registered participants will be given access to theCompetition Kit.

TIMELINE:
Registration Deadline: June 5, 2015 at 12 noon (Philippine Standard Time, GMT +8:00)
First-Stage Submissions Deadline: July 3, 2015 at 3 PM (Philippine Standard Time, GMT +8:00)
Announcement of Short-listed Entries: July 13, 2015
Final-Stage Submissions Deadline: August 12, 2015 at 3 PM (Philippine Standard Time, GMT +8:00)
Announcement of Winner: August 14, 2015

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1.) Place Branding (10%)
2.) Responsiveness to Local & Community Needs (10%)
3.) Environmental Sensitivity (15%)
4.) Green & Smart Features (20%)
5.) Project Financing & Feasibility (20%)
6.) Operational Sustainability (15%)
7.) Innovation (10%)

COMPETITION WEBSITE:
www.clarkgreencityphils.com/competitions/bale