Professional Practice Architecture Practice Test

When should an architect apply principles of location concerning natural hazards?

1. During Contract Documentation

2. Sometime during Design Development

3. At the Schematic Design Phase

4. Before commencing with construction

The correct answer is: Sometime during Design Development

An architect should apply principles of location concerning natural hazards during the Design Development phase. This phase is critical as it builds upon the initial ideas established during the Schematic Design phase. The Design Development phase allows architects to refine their design, ensuring that safety considerations, including those related to natural hazards like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, are integrated into the plans. At this stage, the architect works closely with engineers and consultants to evaluate the site’s characteristics and potential risks. This thorough analysis helps in making informed decisions about site orientation, material selection, and structural integrity in relation to specific hazards. By addressing these principles during Design Development, the architect can effectively incorporate mitigation strategies into the design, aiming to enhance the safety and durability of the building. Focusing on this aspect during earlier phases, like Schematic Design, could lead to design choices that may not adequately consider potential risks. Addressing these issues before construction could result in costly changes or challenges that could have been mitigated earlier in the design process. Therefore, Design Development is the appropriate phase for effectively integrating natural hazard considerations into the architectural design.