One worked question for each of the 5 official subject areas of Architecture, from a bank built on ETEC’s academic standards. Work them here, then practise the full set — with spaced review and timed mocks — in the app, free.
During the design process, an architect must decide between two window types for a south-facing wall in a hot-arid climate. Window A has a shading coefficient (SC) of 0.25 and a U-value of 1.8 W/m²·K. Window B has an SC of 0.60 and a U-value of 1.8 W/m²·K. Both cost the same and provide the same daylight. Which window should the architect specify to reduce cooling loads, and why?
Window A, because its lower shading coefficient reduces solar heat gain while its U-value is identical to Window B.
BWindow B, because its higher shading coefficient allows more useful solar heat in winter.
CEither window, because with equal U-values the shading coefficient does not affect cooling loads.
DWindow B, because a higher shading coefficient means better shading.
WHY
With equal U-values, the difference is solar heat gain, governed by SC. Lower SC (A = 0.25) transmits less solar heat, reducing cooling load in a hot-arid climate; both give the same daylight, so A is specified.
Sample — the full set, with spaced review and mocks, is in the app.
Area 02 · History & theory of architecture
The Hypostyle Hall at Karnak was designed with a clerestory and closely spaced columns. Which cultural and religious force most directly shaped this spatial configuration?
The need to accommodate large processional gatherings while maintaining a dark, mysterious sanctuary for the deity.
BThe practical demand for a flat roof to collect rainwater in an arid climate.
CThe influence of Greek democratic assemblies requiring open sightlines for debate.
DThe structural limitations of mud-brick construction that forced thick columns and small spans.
WHY
The Karnak hypostyle hall was designed for processional gatherings while preserving a dark, mysterious sanctuary for the deity, which shaped its closely spaced columns and clerestory lighting.
Sample — the full set, with spaced review and mocks, is in the app.
Area 03 · Construction & building systems
In a region with a hot climate and high daily temperature variation, a low-rise building must be constructed using a material that achieves most of its strength within the first 24 hours so that formwork can be removed early. Which construction technology provides this rapid early strength gain?
AOrdinary Portland cement concrete
BLime mortar masonry
High-early-strength cement concrete
DTimber post-and-beam framing
WHY
High-early-strength cement concrete is formulated to achieve high early strength, typically most of its design strength within 24 hours, allowing early formwork removal. Ordinary Portland cement gains strength more slowly, and lime mortar and timber are not applicable. Therefore, C is correct.
Sample — the full set, with spaced review and mocks, is in the app.
Area 04 · Urban planning & design
A linear park along a 2,000 m urban corridor is to be designed with a planting strip on both sides. The design guideline requires one tree every 8 m on each side. How many trees are needed in total, and which principle of landscape design does this spacing primarily serve?
A250 trees — canopy closure for shade
500 trees — rhythm and spatial enclosure
C500 trees — wildlife habitat connectivity
D1000 trees — solar orientation control
WHY
2,000 m ÷ 8 m = 250 trees per side; × 2 sides = 500 trees. Regular spacing of street trees creates rhythm and spatial enclosure along the corridor.
Sample — the full set, with spaced review and mocks, is in the app.
Area 05 · Professional practice
A client hires an architect to design a new office building. During construction, the contractor proposes substituting a different cladding system that would reduce cost. The client asks the architect to approve the substitution. Under best international professional practice, which of the following is the architect's primary responsibility in this situation?
AApprove the substitution if it reduces the client's cost, because the architect must protect the client's financial interests above all.
BReject all substitutions, because the architect's original design is final and cannot be changed once construction begins.
Review the proposed substitution against the design intent, building codes, and specifications, and approve it only if it meets those requirements, while clearly documenting the decision for the client.
DRefer the decision entirely to the contractor, because the contractor is responsible for construction means and methods and the architect should not interfere.
WHY
Under best professional practice, the architect evaluates the proposed substitution against design intent, applicable codes and specifications, approves it only if it complies, and clearly documents the decision for the client. This protects the client's interests and the integrity of the design.
Sample — the full set, with spaced review and mocks, is in the app.
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