CE-304 Building Planning and Architecture - Jun 2025 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
   aDraw the basic structure of a well foundation and discuss its main uses in building construction.
   How to answer

   • Sketch of well foundation cross-section labeling cutting edge, curb, steining, dredge hole, bottom/top plugs, and well cap.
   • Brief explanation of key components.
   • Primary applications: bridges, piers, waterfront structures, and buildings on deep alluvial or water-logged soils.
2. 7 Marks
   bExplain the purpose of lintels and arches in building design, with illustrations.
   How to answer

   • Definition and structural role of lintels (horizontal beam bridging openings).
   • Definition and structural behavior of arches (curved structure transferring loads primarily via compression to abutments).
   • Illustrative sketches of typical lintel and arch over a door/window opening.
   • Comparison of load distribution mechanisms.
3. 7 Marks
   aOutline the classifications of buildings according to the National Building Codes by giving examples for each category.
   How to answer

   • Listing of Group A through Group J classifications under NBC (Part 3).
   • Provide clear examples for each group (e.g., Residential - single family dwellings, Assembly - theatres/malls, Industrial - factories).
   • Mention basic fire and life safety significance of classification.
4. 7 Marks
   bDefine setbacks and FAR (Floor Area Ratio) and explain their significance in building planning.
   How to answer

   • Definition of setbacks (front, rear, side distances from plot boundary to building line).
   • Significance of setbacks: light, ventilation, fire safety access, privacy, road widening.
   • Definition and formula for FAR: (Total Covered Area on all floors / Plot Area).
   • Significance of FAR: controlling urban density, infrastructure load, skyline, and open spaces.
5. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the key elements required for an efficient fire-fighting system in commercial buildings.
   How to answer

   • Detection and alarm systems (smoke, heat detectors, manual call points).
   • Active fire suppression: automatic sprinkler system, wet risers, hose reels, hydrants, portable fire extinguishers.
   • Water storage: dedicated static fire tanks (underground and terrace) and fire pumps (main, standby diesel, jockey).
   • Passive elements and egress: fire doors, pressurized stairwells, compartmentalization, emergency exits, and signage.
6. 7 Marks
   bDescribe the standards and uses of elevators and escalators in high-rise buildings.
   How to answer

   • Standards for elevators: passenger handling capacity, waiting time / interval, travel speed based on building height, dimensions as per NBC/IS codes.
   • Safety devices: emergency braking, firemen lift, overload indicators, power backup.
   • Escalator standards and uses: inclination angles (typically $30^\circ$ to $35^\circ$), step width, continuous flow of high-volume pedestrians in lower retail/transit floors.
   • Comparison of use cases: continuous massive movement vs. point-to-point rapid vertical transit.
7. 7 Marks
   aDefine architecture and discuss the factors that influence architectural development with examples.
   How to answer

   • Definition of architecture (art and science of designing and constructing buildings).
   • Key influencing factors: climate and geography, socio-cultural conditions, available building materials and technology, religion/politics, and economic constraints.
   • Illustrative examples (e.g., sloping roofs in heavy rainfall regions, thick adobe walls in hot-arid climates, modern steel and glass skyscrapers).
8. 7 Marks
   bExplain the role of proportion, scale and rhythm in architectural composition.
   How to answer

   • Proportion: relationship of dimensions (width, height, depth) to each other and the whole; mentions of the Golden Ratio or Modulor.
   • Scale: relationship of building elements to a standard reference (primarily human scale/monumental scale).
   • Rhythm: patterned repetition and alternation of elements (columns, windows, openings, colors) creating visual movement and harmony.
9. 7 Marks
   aOutline the concept of energy-efficient buildings and list practices that promote energy efficiency.
   How to answer

   • Concept: designing buildings that minimize energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation without compromising occupant comfort.
   • Key practices: passive solar design and proper building orientation, high-performance building envelope/insulation, double/triple-glazed windows, energy-efficient HVAC and LED lighting, daylight harvesting, and use of renewable energy (solar PV/water heating).
10. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the key features of a master plan and structure plan in town planning.
    How to answer

    • Master plan features: long-term statutory document (20-25 years), detailed land-use zoning, allocation of utilities, roads, civic amenities.
    • Structure plan features: strategic and policy-oriented framework, broad development directions, socio-economic goals, more flexible.
    • Distinction between rigid land-use allocations versus strategic structural growth corridors.
11. 7 Marks
    aExplain planning standards for density distribution and traffic network in town planning.
    How to answer

    • Density distribution standards: Gross vs. Net density (persons/hectare), density zoning (high density at city center/transit hubs, medium/low in outer areas), open space ratios.
    • Traffic network standards: hierarchy of roads (arterial, sub-arterial, collector, local streets), right-of-way (ROW) standards, segregation of traffic modes (pedestrian, non-motorized, vehicular).
12. 7 Marks
    bExplain the role of architecture in providing protection from environmental elements.
    How to answer

    • Primary role of the building envelope as a barrier and filter.
    • Thermal protection: wall/roof insulation, overhangs/chajjas for solar shading, thermal mass.
    • Rain and moisture protection: sloping roofs, damp-proof coursing (DPC), proper drainage gutters.
    • Wind and natural ventilation: orientation towards prevailing breezes, aerodynamic forms for storm resistance.
13. 7 Marks
    aExplain the principles of internal and external drainage systems in buildings with a basic diagram.
    How to answer

    • Principles: quick removal of waste, self-cleansing velocity, proper gradients, water seals in traps, ventilation pipes to prevent siphonage, watertight joints.
    • Internal drainage components: soil pipe, waste pipe, vent pipe, traps (P, Q, S).
    • External drainage components: gully traps, inspection chambers/manholes, intercepting trap, connection to public sewer.
    • Schematic diagram showing internal to external pipework.
14. 7 Marks
    bExplain the building bye-laws concerning open area requirements and describe their importance for urban planning.
    How to answer

    • Bye-laws for open areas: minimum front, rear, and side yards proportional to building height and plot width; interior courtyards/light shafts.
    • Importance for urban planning: ensuring adequate natural light and ventilation, fire tender movement, privacy between adjacent plots, greenery, recreation, and preventing congested urban slums.
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on any two: a) Types of roofs and floors b) Land acquisition c) Fire-fighting systems d) Acoustics of buildings
    How to answer

    • Roofs and floors: pitched/flat/curved roofs; concrete, mosaic, tiled, timber flooring.
    • Land acquisition: legal process of acquiring private land for public infrastructure development, compensation, rehabilitation.
    • Fire-fighting systems: sprinklers, risers, detectors, extinguishers, emergency planning.
    • Acoustics of buildings: sound reflection, absorption, insulation, reverberation time, Sabine's formula, acoustic treatment of halls.