Overview
This lecture reviews the Programming and Analysis (PA) exam—its structure, key topics, and essential study tips for aspiring architects preparing for this ARE section.
PA Exam Overview
- PA (Programming and Analysis) is the first ARE design-oriented exam, emphasizing early project analysis and design parameters.
- The exam has 75 questions and lasts three hours.
Main Exam Sections
- Four major sections: Environmental and Contextual Conditions, Codes and Regulations, Site Analysis and Programming, Building Analysis and Programming.
Environmental and Contextual Conditions
- Focus on site’s environmental factors: sun, wind, topography, climate, and sustainability.
- Assess optimal layout and orientation for passive and sustainable design.
- Understand the influence of regional context (e.g., differences between Maine and San Diego).
Codes and Regulations
- In-depth focus on ADA, local zoning, and jurisdictional codes.
- Key topics: setbacks, floor area ratio, energy codes, and International Building Code (IBC).
- Critical IBC chapters: 3, 5, 6, and 10; table 503 is essential for construction types and occupancy.
Site Analysis and Programming
- Analyze site access, utilities (power, sewer, water), and feasibility for development.
- Evaluate roads, entry points, and infrastructure impacts on design options.
Building Analysis and Programming
- Analyze occupant loads, construction types, building materials, and code-compliant areas.
- Calculate allowable building area and footprints.
- Understand ADA access, frontage, fire protection, and historical building requirements.
- Awareness of hazardous conditions (asbestos, radon) and proper mitigation.
Supplemental Tips
- Learn to interpret soils reports and understand foundations, drainage, and liquefaction.
- Prepare for adjacency diagrams and test layout manipulation (e.g., rotating objects in digital diagrams).
- Practice calculation of parking requirements and space standards.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Programming — Determining project requirements and goals before design begins.
- Analysis — Assessing site and building constraints, context, and opportunities.
- Setback — Minimum distance a building must be from property lines.
- Floor Area Ratio (FAR) — Ratio of a building's total floor area to the size of its site.
- Occupant Load — Number of people a building code allows in a space.
- IBC Table 503 — Building code reference table for permitted floor area and height by construction type and occupancy.
- Adjacency Diagram — Diagram showing spatial relationships between program elements.
- Soils Report — Document analyzing subsurface conditions for proper foundation design.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Download and review the ARE handbook and PA resource guide.
- Study IBC chapters 3, 5, 6, and 10, focusing on table 503.
- Review ADA, zoning codes, and energy codes.
- Practice site and building programming scenarios and adjacency diagram tasks.
- Read related sections in Building Codes Illustrated and Building Construction Illustrated.
- Check blog for additional visuals, links, and study resources.