Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

As building height increases, wind pressures acting on the building surfaces increase because wind

speed generally increases with elevation due to reduced friction from ground features (A).

Additionally, taller buildings experience larger lateral displacements (drift), requiring more complex

structural systems and stiffer frames to control excessive drift for occupant comfort and structural

safety (E). This requirement significantly increases structural costs.

Dead load (B) and live load (D) increase with stories but do not increase exponentially or primarily

affect wind resistance costs.

Snow and rain loads (C) mostly affect the roof, not height-related wind loads.

Choice of cladding materials (F) impacts cost but is not a primary reason for exponential wind

resistance cost increases.

Reference:

ARE 5.0 PPD – Environmental Conditions and Context, Structural Wind Design

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition – Wind Loads and Structural Costs

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Passive solar design in the northern hemisphere relies on maximizing solar gain during the winter

while minimizing overheating during summer.

Deciduous trees located on the south side provide shade during the summer (when they have

leaves), reducing cooling loads, and allow sunlight to penetrate in the winter after leaf fall,

enhancing solar heat gain. This seasonal shading improves comfort and energy efficiency.

Eliminating insulated glazing on the north walls (B) increases heat loss, which is undesirable in cold

climates.

Reducing heat storage capacity (C) lowers the building’s thermal mass, decreasing its ability to

moderate temperature swings, which is counterproductive.

Installing electric baseboard heating (D) is a mechanical solution and does not enhance passive solar

design.

Therefore, option A is the best strategy consistent with passive solar principles.

Reference:

ARE 5.0 PPD – Environmental Conditions and Context, Passive Solar Design

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition – Sustainable Design Strategies

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

To meet fire separation requirements, the following must be considered:

Occupancy type (B): Different uses have different fire hazard classifications influencing separation.

Wall assembly materials (D): Materials define fire resistance ratings.

Wall to structure connection (A): Proper connection maintains fire separation integrity.

Air changes (C) relate to ventilation, not separation.

Exit corridor length (E) and building orientation (F) affect egress and solar exposure, not fire

separation.

Reference:

ARE 5.0 PPD – Codes and Regulations, Fire Separation

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition – Fire-Resistive Construction

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Changing from a pier-and-beam system with an open crawlspace to a slab-on-grade floor has several

impacts:

Warmer floors in the evenings (A): Concrete slab-on-grade floors have high thermal mass, which can

absorb heat during the day and release it slowly, resulting in warmer floors at night, particularly

beneficial in cold climates.

Limited future plumbing flexibility (C): Plumbing embedded in or beneath slabs is difficult to access

or modify after construction, unlike crawlspaces that provide easier access to underfloor plumbing

for repairs or modifications.

More steel reinforcing (B): While slabs do require reinforcement, this is often comparable or less

than the framing required for pier-and-beam floors, so this is not necessarily an impact.

Flooring finishes (D): Slab floors can accommodate many finishes; thus, limitations are generally

minimal.

Better moisture control (E): Slabs require moisture barriers and careful detailing to control moisture;

crawlspaces can sometimes be easier to ventilate but may allow moisture intrusion if not properly

designed.

HVAC ductwork installation (F): Crawlspaces allow ducts to be located under the floor; slabs typically

require ducts to be placed above or within conditioned spaces.

Thus, the most significant impacts are warmer floors and reduced plumbing flexibility.

Reference:

ARE 5.0 PPD – Building Systems and Assemblies, Foundations and Floors

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition – Building Construction Systems

The northwest elevation faces the Pedestrian Access Easement as per site and plan documents.

Variances for facade non-compliance are typically granted where they impact the pedestrian

experience.

Therefore, the facade requiring the variance must face this easement to comply with PD and

planning conditions.

The other elevations (A, C, D) do not face the pedestrian access and thus do not qualify.

Reference:

Planned Development Document

City Planning Review Documentation

ARE 5.0 PPD – Codes and Regulations, Planned Developments

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When signage projects into corridors:

ADA requirements (A) ensure signage is accessible to all, including those with disabilities.

IBC exit width requirements (B) ensure projected signage does not reduce required egress widths.

Manufacturer installation information (F) guides proper, safe mounting and compliance with

structural requirements.

Zoning (D) is generally for exterior signage.

Energy code (E) is not related.

Material and finish (C) affect aesthetics but not code compliance.

Reference:

ARE 5.0 PPD – Codes and Regulations, Accessibility

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition – Signage Design

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Parking requirements in mixed-use developments governed by Planned Development (PD)

documents are typically calculated based on the total building area or gross floor area, especially

when multiple uses occur within the same building or floor.

This method simplifies administration and ensures adequate parking for all uses.

Determining parking based only on specific uses such as cafe or cooking classroom (A, B) can lead to

under or overestimation, especially with shared parking scenarios.

Thus, building area-based parking calculation is the most reliable and compliant approach.

Reference:

Planned Development Document

Local Zoning Ordinance Excerpts

ARE 5.0 PPD – Codes and Regulations, Parking Requirements

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Using natural light as a primary source of ambient lighting is a sustainable strategy to improve indoor

environmental quality and reduce energy consumption. However, careful control of daylighting is

essential to avoid glare and overheating.

Exterior shading devices (such as louvers, overhangs, and fins) are critical in managing solar heat

gain and glare by controlling direct sunlight before it enters the building envelope. They help

maintain visual comfort and reduce cooling loads, directly impacting energy costs and occupant

comfort.

Operable windows on opposite walls facilitate cross ventilation, which is beneficial for natural

ventilation but does not directly control daylighting quality or energy use related to lighting.

Clear glazing window wall systems maximize daylight penetration but can increase solar heat gain if

not properly shaded, thus increasing cooling loads.

Single switched lighting controls are a basic electrical feature and do not influence daylighting quality

or energy efficiency related to natural light.

NCARB's PPD guidelines emphasize integrating exterior shading as a passive design strategy to

optimize daylight use and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling and artificial lighting, improving

building performance sustainably.

Reference:

ARE 5.0 Project Planning & Design – Environmental Conditions and Context

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition – Sustainable Design and Daylighting

NCARB Guidelines on Daylighting and Energy Efficiency

The solar shade should be installed within the ceiling recess above the curtainwall, behind the

horizontal soffit—specifically in the void space between the top of the curtainwall glazing and the

structural ceiling soffit (the shaded area immediately above the curtainwall glass in the section).

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east side (Pine Street) Locating the service drive along the east side (Pine Street) minimizes disturbance to the wetlands area (northwest part of the site) and existing trees concentrated mostly in the southwest and northwest areas. This placement keeps the service drive away from the sensitive wetlands and the planned memorial garden on the northwest, preserving wildlife habitats and mature vegetation. It also provides convenient access for service vehicles without crossing or fragmenting critical site features. The east side is adjacent to an existing road (Pine Street), making it logical for service access and reducing new disturbance. This approach aligns with NCARB ARE 5.0 Project Planning & Design guidance for site design prioritizing environmental preservation and minimizing construction impact on sensitive natural areas.