PA first try failed. Thoughts and Questions
I actually took this test two months ago and failed but felt really good before seeing the result.(I am sure I am not along) Indeed most of the questions or the knowledge required are mentioned in the ARE handbook. No question sounds unfamiliar but somehow the way they asked me still knocked me down. When I look back I realize the reason I didn't totally understand some of the concepts is because the reading list is so overwhelming and I was mainly trying to read through them but didn't spend enough time to ask why. Like so many of the terminology in the exam, I know what they do to our design but I forgot to ask why do we need this, or who made this rule and to whom does it benefit in what way. Or what happens if we don't have these rules.
I want to bring up a few questions(or the general knowledge type, not specific questions) I met in the exam and hopefully someone can guide me to the right chapter of the right book.
1. when do we need to make a project accessible? based on project type(new/old,private/public) or building type(occupancy/functionality)
2. how to compare the methods of preliminary budgeting of a project based on its type, when to use which
3. how does building efficiency affect a project based on its type. what kind of projects would value this more(not just commercial/residential/industrial, but more in details. like under one occupancy, there can be different subtypes. So I am looking for a general guidance to analyze each situation)
4. hazardous materials. where can I find more description of this from an architectural perspective? The site planning handbook talks a lot about its application under each situation but I didn't find some of the more "basic" knowledge
There are some topics I think I have found out why I got them wrong but I still want to put it here to remind everyone to really dig into the topic instead of just read it and think you got it(no you may not):
Covenant/boring report/water table/environmental site assessment(both phases and their relation)/storm water management and its placement/historic preservation and ADA compliance
These are the things I feel weak on. It probably doesn't apply to everyone and I know there are many other categories which weight more in the test and I didn't mention them but if you read through other people's post test thoughts, they are mostly correct.
So anyone can help me answer those 4 questions above? Many thanks!!
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Hi. PA is a different sort of exam, isn't it? My first question would be - what other exams have you passed? PA is not for beginners. I'd suggest taking it 5th or last.
I'd recommend reading both the PA and PPD sections in Ballast.
Public spaces - a shopping mall, a library, town hall - need to be accessible and comply with ADA 2010.
Fair Housing governs housing accessibility.
If a public space is currently not accessible (older building), when major renovations are planned, the entire building must be brought up to code during the renovation.
'Max development unit density' would mean just that - building a site to the max allowed capacity. Maximum square footage/maximum # of units. It would be determined both by the building code and zoning.
Architect's Studio Companion is a great resource for learning criteria for selecting structural systems and mechanical systems. Sun, Wind & Light is a good resource for environmental design - where to place the building on the site, building form, and how to optimize the design for wind, sound control, and solar.
You should also research brownfield sites. The government often has grants to help remediate them so they can be redeveloped. Typically they are 'capped' with a soil barrier and clean soil.
Info about historic preservation can be found here. https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/four-treatments.htm
I'd bounce around a read a few chapters from all the books on the matrix. Select exam topics or chapters on topics that you don't know much about.
Also, be prepared to do programming layouts.
Hope this helps.
Rebekka O'Melia, B.Arch, M. Ed, Registered Architect, NCARB, Step Up ARE Coaching
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Thank you Rebakka!
PA is my fourth test. I have PA PPD PDD left and I heard people talking about taking PDD before taking PA/PPD but since I have basically finished studying PA and 1/3 into PPD so I figured just finish these two first. And it's not like I have more CD experience then SD/DD so to me maybe this isn't a bad sequence?
One more ADA question following your answer:
If a building has certain part that is open to public but the other part is not, like it belongs to the owner and works as their private space, does it still have to be fully accessible?
Thanks!
Sam
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Hi Qisheng,
yes I agree PA is very fiexible in practice question.
I also have 2 questions:
1, for Detention Pond/Basin, should it put at low area on the site or high area on site. eg: low on Topographic map or High.
2. for the sound barrier between house and road ,which is better? a slope with trees or a solid berm? very tricky right, cause they both happen in real life
Glad to share with you more
Thanks
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Hi Zehua,
Wanna do a study group? I found some answers from the planning handbook but not sure cz it depends on the context.
thanks
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Qisheng,
If the project total cost exceeds a certain threshold of value of the existing building (generally 50%) then the ENTIRE project needs to be upgraded to meet current ADA regulations. Even if no one from the general public will ever use the space.
Per the ADA Acess Board:
In the private sector, the ADA Standards apply to places of public accommodation and commercial facilities. Places of public accommodation are facilities that affect commerce and that fall within twelve categories listed in the statute, including stores and shops, restaurants and bars, sales or rental establishments, service establishments, theaters, places of lodging, recreation facilities, assembly areas, private museums, places of education, and others. Nearly all types of private businesses that serve the public are included in the twelve categories, regardless of size. Commercial facilities include office buildings, factories, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other facilities whose operations affect commerce.
If you have a store where you sell t shirts, your store must be accessible even though the general public will never go back into your warehouse or receiving area.
Zehua - Detention ponds should be put in the best location that requires the least amount of site work / built impact. Likely, this will be at the LOW POINT of the site - as water flows downhill. If you must put a building in the location of a detention pond then you must come up with a low impact system to counter that. I.e. berms to redirect the water. However, if you put a building on top of where a detention pond should be, you are probably doing it wrong....
Here is a pretty good visual representation of what noise barriers do to highway / roadway sound. However it does not provide the answer you are looking for.
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I do think that taking PDD first is a better strategy.
Public spaces need to be ADA accessible. Back-of-house spaces do not. Also let's say you are working on renovating a brownstone in NYC. It's going to be an office and a cafe area for the staff and visitors. Let's say the brownstone is not accessible - no elevator - office is on the 3rd and 4th floors. Then no ADA accessibility is required.
Hope this helps!
Rebekka O'Melia, B.Arch, M. Ed, Registered Architect, NCARB, Step Up ARE Coaching
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