Professional Practice Architecture Practice Test

At which stage must the Architect properly locate a building with respect to site topography and natural drainage?

1. During Contract Documentation

2. Sometime during Design Development

3. At the Schematic Design Phase

4. Answer not among the choices

The correct answer is: At the Schematic Design Phase

The correct choice is during the Schematic Design Phase because this is the stage where the fundamental design concepts are developed, including site layout, building orientation, and the relationship of structures to the surrounding environment. At this point, the Architect needs to carefully consider site topography and natural drainage to ensure that the building is positioned effectively, providing the best possible integration with the site. This analysis helps to avoid potential issues related to water drainage, which are vital for the long-term performance and sustainability of the structure. In contrast, Contract Documentation refers to the detailed preparation of plans and specifications to be used during construction, which would typically not involve substantial changes regarding the building's relation to site features. Design Development follows Schematic Design and is focused more on refining the selected design options rather than the initial positioning of the building. Proper site analysis ideally takes place early in the design process, making the Schematic Design Phase the most appropriate choice for addressing these important considerations.