CE-304 Building Planning and Architecture - Dec 2024 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aExplain the various kinds of footing that are used when constructing buildings. Describe your answer with diagrams.
   How to answer

   • Definition and purpose of footings in building construction
   • Classification into shallow and deep footings
   • Explanation of isolated/pad footing, combined footing, strip/wall footing, strap footing, and raft/mat foundation
   • Neat illustrative sketches showing section/elevation of each footing type
   • Application conditions based on soil bearing capacity and column spacing
2. 7 Marks
   bExplain the functions of an open foundation by drawing and labeling its constituent parts.
   How to answer

   • Definition of open/shallow foundation
   • Primary functions: load distribution, stability against sliding and overturning, settlement minimization
   • Labeled drawing showing constituent parts (bed concrete/PCC, footing masonry/RCC, DPC, plinth wall, plinth level, ground level)
   • Role and function of each individual component
3. 7 Marks
   aGive examples to illustrate the concepts of architectural composition, such as balance, contrast and unity.
   How to answer

   • Define architectural composition and its core principles
   • Balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical balance with famous architectural examples (e.g., Taj Mahal, Fallingwater)
   • Contrast: shape, color, texture, and size contrast with examples
   • Unity: harmony of materials, forms, and style to achieve a cohesive whole with examples
4. 7 Marks
   bDraw a plan for a residential building and describing the importance of open spaces in the design.
   How to answer

   • Line/dimensioned architectural plan of a typical residential house (living room, bedrooms, kitchen, toilets, circulation)
   • Indication of doors, windows, courtyards, verandah, and setbacks
   • Importance of open spaces: natural light, cross-ventilation, microclimate regulation, psychological well-being, landscaping
   • Role of open spaces as per building bylaws (setbacks, courtyard planning)
5. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the fundamentals of air conditioning systems and their significance for smart buildings.
   How to answer

   • Fundamentals of air conditioning: temperature control, humidity control, air circulation, and air filtration
   • Basic refrigeration cycle components (compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator)
   • Integration with smart buildings: IoT sensors, automated thermostats, occupancy-based control
   • Significance: energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), occupant comfort, reduced carbon footprint
6. 7 Marks
   bExplain the specifications for thermal insulation in buildings by including the materials that are frequently used.
   How to answer

   • Concept and importance of thermal insulation in building envelope (walls, roofs, floors)
   • Key specifications: low thermal conductivity ($k$), high thermal resistance ($R$-value), low overall heat transfer coefficient ($U$-value), fire resistance, moisture resistance
   • Frequently used materials: glass wool, rock wool, expanded/extruded polystyrene (EPS/XPS), polyurethane foam (PUF), vermiculite, cork board
   • Installation methods on roofs and external walls
7. 7 Marks
   aExplain how to arrange architectural space using the symmetry and hierarchy principles.
   How to answer

   • Definition of architectural space arrangement
   • Principle of symmetry: axial balance, bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry, creating order, monumental feel
   • Principle of hierarchy: emphasizing dominance/importance by size, shape, placement/location
   • Combining symmetry and hierarchy to organize functional zones, entrance portals, and central spaces
8. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss how color, texture and shape impact architectural design with examples.
   How to answer

   • Role of color: psychological effects, visual temperature, accentuating forms, space enlargement/reduction effects with examples
   • Role of texture: tactile and visual qualities, light absorption and reflection, material authenticity (rough stone vs. polished glass) with examples
   • Role of shape: geometric vs. organic forms, dynamic vs. stable feelings, functional spatial envelope with examples
   • Integration of all three elements in creating architectural identity
9. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the elements of one-point perspective drawing with an example.
   How to answer

   • Definition of one-point (parallel) perspective
   • Key elements: Station Point (SP), Picture Plane (PP), Horizon Line (HL), Ground Line (GL), Vanishing Point (VP), Visual Rays
   • Characteristics: one vanishing point on the horizon, lines parallel to viewer remain parallel, receding lines converge
   • Illustrative example: looking down a long corridor, railway track, or rectangular room
10. 7 Marks
    bExplain the concept of two-point perspective with an example of a building interior.
    How to answer

    • Definition of two-point (angular) perspective: object viewed at an angle with two vanishing points ($VP_L$ and $VP_R$)
    • Key components: horizon line, station point, two vanishing points, vertical lines remaining vertical
    • Application to a building interior: viewing a room from a corner looking towards two intersecting walls
    • Step-by-step description of laying out the corner line, vanishing lines for walls, ceiling, floor, and furniture
11. 7 Marks
    aCompare and contrast different types of stairs and staircases. Include labeled diagrams for each type.
    How to answer

    • Classification of stairs based on geometry and material
    • Comparative description: straight, dog-legged (quarter-turn / half-turn), open well/open newel, spiral, circular, and bifurcated stairs
    • Tabular comparison based on space utilization, ease of movement, lighting/ventilation, and cost
    • Labeled plan and elevation diagrams for each major type
12. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the main steps involved in creating working drawings and presentation techniques for an institutional building.
    How to answer

    • Purpose and difference between presentation drawings and working drawings
    • Steps for presentation techniques: conceptual sketches, rendered site plans, 2D/3D colored views, walkthroughs/BIM models, scale models
    • Steps for working drawings: setting out/grid plans, architectural floor plans with full dimensions, elevations and detailed sections
    • Integration of structural, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire-fighting service drawings for institutional projects
13. 7 Marks
    aDescribe the components and layout of a water supply system for a multi-story building.
    How to answer

    • Overview of multi-story water supply distribution methods (direct system, overhead tank gravity system, hydro-pneumatic pumping system)
    • Key components: municipal connection, water meter, underground storage tank (sump), booster pumps, overhead storage tank (OHT), rising main, down-take pipes, pressure-reducing valves (PRVs)
    • Schematic layout diagram illustrating flow from mains to UG tank to OHT and branching to individual floors
    • Zoning of water supply to prevent excessive pressure on lower floors
14. 7 Marks
    bCompare positive and negative spaces in architecture by providing examples of each in design.
    How to answer

    • Definitions: positive space (solid mass, built forms, walls, columns) vs. negative space (void, circulation space, courtyards, plazas)
    • Figure-ground theory in architectural composition
    • Role in spatial experience: positive space defines enclosure while negative space accommodates movement and activity
    • Examples: positive space (structural mass of Greek temples, monoliths); negative space (Roman Pantheon interior, piazza, modern courtyards)
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on any three : a) Pollution control aspects b) Protection from climate and other elements c) Principles of planning d) Types of trusses
    How to answer

    • a) Pollution control: air, noise, and water pollution control in buildings, green buffers, soundproofing, waste treatment
    • b) Protection from climate: sun shading, rain protection, windbreaks, thermal insulation, orientation according to sun path
    • c) Principles of planning: aspect, prospect, privacy, grouping, roominess, circulation, sanitation, elegance, flexibility
    • d) Types of trusses: King post, Queen post, Howe truss, Pratt truss, Fink truss, Warren truss with brief sketches and applications