The Louisiana
State Board of Architectural Examiners will review and approve
seminar topics based on the description of the knowledge and skills
required to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
The following
nine divisions of the ARE with their division statements and tasks
are reprinted from documents published by NCARB.
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PRE-DESIGN
DIVISION Division Statement |
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Environmental
Analysis
Application of principles of land use planning. Determination
of the interrelationship of intended land use with the natural and
built environment in which it exists. Evaluation of existing structures.
Architectural
Programming
Application of the principles of architectural programming to
meet client requirements including spatial, functional and building
system considerations. Methods of establishing project budget and
schedule. Applications of history and theory, psychology and symbolism.
Architectural
Practice
Knowledge and application of the methods of establishing and
managing an architectural practice, including relationships with
staff, consultants and clients. Organizing and managing a project
team.
- Existing
Structures
Survey, evaluate and document existing buildings.
- Existing
Community Facilities, Sociological Relationships, Utilities and
Transportation.
Evaluate and document the impact of sociological influences,
existing community facilities and utilities and transportation
on site selection and land use; the consequences of proposed project
on surrounding community.
- Physiographic
and subsurface characteristics, ecological issues and climate.
Evaluate and document the effect of physiographic and subsurface
characteristics and climate on the planned use of land area. Determine
the impact of the planned use on the ecology of the land area.
- Economics
and Cost Estimating
Develop construction cost estimates and budgets for building
site and development. Understand the impact of economic factors
in project development.
- Programming
Establish design objectives, constraints and criteria for
a project, including space requirements and functional relationships;
building systems and special equipment; and site requirements.
- Principles
of History and Theory, Psychology, Symbolism
Consider human behavior, symbolism and the principles of history
and theory in the development of a building program.
- Project
Schedule
Develop schedule for project programming design and construction.
- Land Use
Restrictions and Building Codes and Regulations
Interpret land surveys and the impact of legal restrictions
upon land development. Identify the impact of codes, ordinances
and governmental regulations on the architectural program, including
consultation with and presentations to, regulatory agencies, commissions
and/or boards.
- Architectural
Practice and Services
Establish and manage an architectural practice, to identify,
quantify, budget, schedule and manage the architectural services
appropriate for a project.
- Consultant
Coordination
Organize the responsibilities of consultants.
Division
Statement
Determination
of the interrelationship of intended site use with the environment.
Consideration of topography, vegetation, climate, geography aspects
and legal aspects of site development. The synthesis of programmatic
and environmental requirements into a coherent concept for the placement
of buildings and/or other improvements on a site.
Site
Design Vignette
The Site Design
Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of general site planning
principles.
The candidate
is given a program, a site plan and conceptual building footprints
for two buildings and is required to prepare a schematic site plan
that is responsive to the various programmatic, functional, orientation
and setback requirements provided in the program.
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for completeness and compliance with program
requirements, including the accommodation of pedestrian and vehicular
circulation, land utilization, views and other design considerations.
Site
Zoning Vignette
The Site Zoning
Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of cross-sectional
building area limitations imposed by zoning and other setback restrictions.
The candidate
is given a program, a site plan and a cross-sectional grid and is
required to draw a profile line that includes the existing site
grade and the maximum buildable envelope above grade.
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for completeness and compliance with program
requirements and regulatory restrictions as well as technical accuracy.
Parking
Vignette
The Parking
Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of site-related requirements
and limitations which influence the design and layout of vehicular
parking spaces and the attendant area required for circulation and
maneuvering.
The candidate
is given a program and a site plan indicating existing surface features
and including any buildings to be served. The candidate is required
to layout the required parking spaces and access drives to satisfy
the program requirements.
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for compliance with program requirements, completeness
and technical accuracy.
Site
Analysis Vignette
The Site Analysis
Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of site-related requirements
and limitations which influence the subdivision of land and the
delineation of areas suitable for the construction of buildings
or of other surface improvements.
The candidate
is given a program and an existing site plan and is required to
divide an existing lot into two lots and to indicate areas suitable
for the construction of buildings and of other surface improvements
based on the requirements of the program.
The Candidate's
solution is analyzed for compliance with the program requirements
and regulatory restrictions as well as technical accuracy.
Site
Section Vignette
The Site Section
Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of how site sections
or profiles are affected by site design requirements. Included in
these requirements are constraints imposed by site features, grading
and building placement restrictions as well as solar, wind or view
restrictions.
The candidate
is given a program and an existing site profile or cross-section
and is required to manipulate the profile and place three elements-two
structures and one other site element-to achieve the stated objectives.
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for conformance with an ideal profile/shape
and for proper placement of program elements.
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BUILDING
PLANNING DIVISION |
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Division
Statement
The synthesis
of programmatic and environmental requirements into a coherent and
aesthetic concept through the process of schematic design. The further
development of plan and section features through the process of
design development.
Block
Diagram Vignette
The Block Diagram
Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of the development
of a diagrammatic floor plan from a bubble diagram and related programmatic
constraints.
The candidate
is given a program, a bubble diagram and an existing site plan and
is required to arrange and place each programmed space on the site
plan and to indicate required access connections.
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for compliance with program requirements, functional
relationships and other design considerations.
Interior
Layout Vignette
The Interior
Layout Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of principles
of design and accessibility that govern basic interior space planning.
The candidate
is given a background floor plan showing the boundaries of the space
to be developed along with the program and code requirements.
The candidate
is required to layout the required spaces and furniture and to show
access to those spaces, in a manner which satisfies the requirements
of the program and the code.
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for completeness and compliance with program
and code requirements.
Schematic
Design Vignette
The Schematic
Design Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of the planning
processes involved at the schematic design phase of the architectural
development cycle.
The candidate
is given a program, a code and a site plan and is required to produce
a two-story floor plan for the building that fulfills the requirements
of the program and the code while addressing salient features and
limitations of the site.
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for compliance with program and code requirements
as well as other design considerations.
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BUILDING
TECHNOLOGY DIVSION |
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Division
Statement
The synthesis
of programmatic and environmental requirements into a coherent and
aesthetic concept through the process of schematic design. The further
development of plan and section features through the process
of design development.
Building
Section Vignette
The Building
Section Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of basic building
form and of the impact of structural, mechanical and lighting components,
as well as other constraints, on the vertical form of a building.
The candidate
is given a program along with a background floor plan indicating
architectural, structural and mechanical components and a
section cut line and is required to compose the building section
from an indicated datum with the supplied building components (i.e.
footing/foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, joists, decks).
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for accuracy and completeness based on the
program requirements and plans.
Structural
Layout Vignette
The structural
Layout Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of basic structural
framing concepts through the development of a conceptual framing
plan for a simple, single-story roof structure.
The candidate
is given a background floor plan along with the program requirements
for the development of the framing and is required to complete the
roof framing by locating and arranging basic structural elements-including
beams, joists, columns and bearing walls-to satisfy the requirements
and constraints of the program.
The candidate's
solutions are analyzed for completeness and compliance with the
program requirements in addition to the general efficiency of the
layout.
Accessibility-Ramp
Vignette
The Accessibility-Ramp
Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of accessibility requirements
as they relate to the design of ramp and stair systems.
The candidate
is given a program, a code and a base plan and is required to design
a stair and ramp system connecting the two floor elevations shown
on the base plan.
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for completeness, accuracy and compliance with
code and program requirements.
Mechanical
& Electrical Plan Vignette
The Mechanical
& Electrical Plan Vignette tests the candidate's understanding
of the integration of mechanical, lighting and ceiling systems with
structural and other building components.
The candidate
is given a program, a code, a lighting diagram and a background
drawing for a reflected ceiling plan and is required to complete
the reflected ceiling plan by placing the ceiling tile grid and
arranging the mechanical and lighting system components within it.
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for completeness, conformance to the program,
efficiency and adequacy of layout as well as compliance with specified
light intensity levels and code and air distribution requirements.
Solutions are also scored on the extent to which the placement of
fixtures complements the layout of the ceiling grid and the form
of the space(s).
Stair
Design Vignette
The Stair Design
Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of the three-dimensional
nature of stair design and of the basic functional and code issues
involved.
The candidate
is given a program, code requirements, two background floor plans
and a reference building section and is required to complete the
floor plans with a stair system that satisfies the program and code
requirements.
The candidate's
solution is analyzed for completeness and compliance with the given
program and code requirements.
Roof
Plan Vignette
The Roof Plan
Vignette tests the candidate's understanding of basic concepts related
to roof design through the development of a roof plan for a small,
relatively simple structure.
The candidate
is given a base plan indicating the boundaries of roof edges, a
background floor plan and a program and is required to complete
the roof plan by indicating roof slopes, directions and elevations
and by locating roof accessories and equipment to satisfy the requirements
of the program.
The canidate's solution is analyzed for completeness and compliance
with the given program requirements.
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GENERAL
STRUCTURES DIVISION |
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Division
Statement
The identification,
resolution and incorporation of structural systems and long-span
design on the technical aspects of the design of buildings and the
process of construction.
Tasks
- Basic Structural
Analysis and Design
Analyze and design basic structural elements and systems.
- Appropriate
Structural Components
Select the appropriate structural components for various building
types.
- Complex
Structural Systems
Select the appropriate building system based on proposed building
function and the structural properties of the system.
- Load Calculations
Identify and calculate the loads on buildings and determine
their impact on the integrity of the structural system.
- Code Requirements
Incorporate the requirements of building code standards in
the selection of structural systems.
- Connections
Identify and select devices for connection of various structural
elements used in the assembly of the various elements of the building.
- Soils Reports
Analyze soil reports and relate the soil properties to foundation
and retaining wall design.
- Economics
Relate the cost of structural systems, their materials and
methods of installation to the design of the building.
Division
Statement
The identification
and resolution of the effects of lateral forces on the design of
buildings and additions/renovations to existing buildings.
Tasks
- Lateral
Loads-General Concepts
Identify and calculate general lateral loads on buildings
and assess their effects on structural system selection, detailing
and building design.
- Wind Forces
Identify and calculate the wind loads on buildings and assess
their effects on structural system selection and building design.
- Seismic
Forces
Identify and calculate the seismic loads on buildings and
assess their effects on structural system selection and building
design.
- Non-Structural
Building Components
Identify and assess the requirements for non-structural building
components as they relate to requirements to resist lateral forces.
- Costs
Assess the impact of lateral forces on the cost of structural
systems and buildings.
- Wind Codes
Incorporate the requirements of building codes and standards
as related to design of buildings and building appurtenances for
resistance to wind forces.
- Seismic
Codes
Incorporate the requirements of building codes and standards as
related to design of buildings and building appurtenances for
resistance to seismic forces.
- Building
Additions and Renovations
Assess requirements and considerations to renovate, add to, or
modify existing structures to resist lateral forces.
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MECHANICAL
& ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS DIVISION |
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Division
Statement
The evaluation
and selection of mechanical, plumbing, electrical and acoustical
systems and their incorporation into building design.
Tasks
- Codes
Incorporate the requirements of building, life-safety and
barrier-free codes in mechanical, plumbing, electrical and acoustical
systems.
Identify
hazardous materials in building systems; understand methods
for proper handling and disposal.
- Plumbing
Evaluate, select, design and incorporate appropriate plumbing
systems.
- HVAC
Evaluate, select, design and incorporate appropriate HVAC
systems.
- Electrical
Evaluate, select, design and incorporated appropriate electrical
systems.
- Acoustics
Evaluate, select, design, and incorporate appropriate systems
for the control of sound.
- Heating/Cooling
Loads
Determine the general magnitudes, relationships and design
implications of external and internal building loads that affect
human comfort.
- Building
Envelope
Evaluate, select and incorporate elements of the building
envelope in relation to environmental control systems.
- Costs
Relate the cost of mechanical, plumbing, electrical and acoustical
systems, materials and methods to the design of buildings.
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MATERIALS
& METHODS DIVISION |
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Division
Statement
The evaluation
and selection of materials and methods of installation and the development
of details as related to the technical aspects of construction and
their incorporation into the design of buildings through the construction
document phase of services.
Tasks
- Site Work
Evaluate soils reports and site conditions. Establish the
underground and above ground parameters for the building erection
process.
- Environmental
and Human Context
Incorporate in the selection and detailing of building systems
the principles of architectural design and the social, cultural,
psychological, and environmental issues related to buildings.
- Concrete
Select and detail materials and installation systems for concrete
building construction.
- Masonry
Identify the properties and characteristics of various masonry
materials and detail the methods of their installation, including
mortar, accessories, and finishes.
- Metals
Identify the properties, processes of manufacture, and conventional
uses of structural and miscellaneous metals used in construction.
- Wood
Identify the properties and characteristics of wood used for
structural and rough carpentry, finish carpentry, and millwork;
select or detail various elements.
- Thermal
and Moisture Protection
Analyze, select, specify, and detail moisture protection and
thermal insulation systems.
- Doors and
Windows
Prepare or reveiw documents for the addition to, deletion from
or changes
to the scope of the work and/or the contract sum and/or the contract
time.
- Finishes
Evaluate, select, specify, and detail appropriate finish materials
and their systems of installation.
- Specialties
Analyze and select specialties, accessories, equipment, and
fittings for buildings.
- Conveying
Systems
Analyze and select conveying systems for buildings.
- Costs
Evaluate the cost of engineered and architectural systems,
materials, and methods.
- Codes
Incorporate the requirements of building life-safety and barrier-free
codes into the engineered and architectural systems and detailing
of specific buildings.
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CONSTRUCTION
DOCUMENTS & SERVICES DIVISION |
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Division
Statement
The conduct
of architectural practice as it relates to the preparation and use
of the contract documents, to the bidding/negotiating process and
to the contract administration, with special emphasis on the AIA
[CCAC/CCDC] documents.
Tasks
- Working
Drawings, Specifications
Prepare and review working drawings and specifications.
- Coordination
Coordinate all contract documents, including those of all
consultants. Incorporate consultants' studies, code requirements,
etc. Solve respective conflicts.
- Bidding/Negotiations
Prepare instruments for use in bidding/negotiating and evaluate
bids.
- Substitutions,
Cost
Evaluate substitutions and prepare estimates of probable construction
cost.
- General
Conditions-Miscellaneous
Interpret the general conditions of the contract for construction.
- Agreements
[Contracts]
Review standard agreements [contracts] between Owner
and Contractor; Owner and Architect; and Architect and consultant.
- Construction
Observation, Material Testing
Observe the progress of the work and determine its compliance
with the intent of the construction drawings and specifications.
Observe the taking of field samples and tests for compliance with
specifications and review analysis of results.
- Changes
Prepare or review documents for the addition to, deletion
from or changes to the scope of the work and/or the contract sum
and/or the contract time.
- Progress
Payments
Receive requests for progress payments from Contractor, review
for accuracy and conformance with cost of work executed to date
and make appropriate recommendations to the Owner.
Close-Out
Prepare final
inspection lists; process documents for project close-out; assess
the responsibility for and corrections required relating to failures
during the warranty period.
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