NCIDQ IDFX BALLAST EXAM 2025
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
In terms of the programming process, what are three limitations of behavior observation as a
technique for gathering information? - ANS It cannot address WHY people are behaving the
way they are.
It is only valid for 1 period of time.
It is accurate only when implemented by a skilled practitioner.
4 methods of gathering info used in the programming process are... - ANS 1: Client
interviews.
2: Questionnaires
3: Observation
4: Field Surveys
Common way to determine floor area required for an activity - ANS Multiply the area
required per person by the number of people
What range of percentages do space-planning efficiency ratios typically fall within? -
ANS Typically range from 60% - 80%
What is the net area or net assignable area of a building? - ANS The actual area needed to
accommodate specific functions, without taking into account primary circulation space or
support space
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,In a leased space, what is considered to be rentable area? - ANS The area available for
assignment to a tenant within the perimeter walls of a tenant space, as well as private
corridors, walls, and columns within the tenant space.
May also include a proportionate share of public corridors, restrooms, and elevator lobbies all
shared by tenants.
In a leased space, what is considered to be usable area? - ANS The area actually used for the
space's intended purpose, in addition to circulation spaces within the leased space and
partitions and columns within the space.
What is the efficiency of a leased space? - ANS The ration of net area to usable area in the
leased space.
What 2 things must a designer know about a space before the necessary number of exits can be
determined? - ANS 1: Floor Area
2: Occupancy Groups
What are 9 common biological contaminants often found in buildings? - ANS 1: Mold
2: Mildew
3: Bacteria
4: Viruses
5: Mites
6: Pollen
7: Animal Dander
8: Dust
9: Insects
5 common hazardous materials found in existing buildings. - ANS 1: Asbestos
2: Vermiculite
2 Copyright ©2025 SIRJOEL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
, 3: PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
4: Lead
5: Radon
What is adaptive reuse? - ANS Practice of reusing existing buildings and materials from
buildings as much as possible
What is programming? - ANS Process undertaken before design during which all pertinent
information about a project is collected and analyzed
5 Steps in the Programming Process according to Problem Seeking by William Pena - ANS 1:
Establish goals
2: Collect facts
3: Uncover concepts
4: Determine needs
5: State the problem
Difference between programmatic concept and design concept - ANS 1: A performance
requirement that is related to general methods of solving a problem or satisfying a need
2: Specific physical response that is an attempt to satisfy the first
Programming Process - 3 components of flexibility - ANS 1: Expandability
2: Convertibility
3: Versatility
4 LEED ratings - ANS 1: Platinum
2: Gold
3: Silver
3 Copyright ©2025 SIRJOEL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
In terms of the programming process, what are three limitations of behavior observation as a
technique for gathering information? - ANS It cannot address WHY people are behaving the
way they are.
It is only valid for 1 period of time.
It is accurate only when implemented by a skilled practitioner.
4 methods of gathering info used in the programming process are... - ANS 1: Client
interviews.
2: Questionnaires
3: Observation
4: Field Surveys
Common way to determine floor area required for an activity - ANS Multiply the area
required per person by the number of people
What range of percentages do space-planning efficiency ratios typically fall within? -
ANS Typically range from 60% - 80%
What is the net area or net assignable area of a building? - ANS The actual area needed to
accommodate specific functions, without taking into account primary circulation space or
support space
1 Copyright ©2025 SIRJOEL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
,In a leased space, what is considered to be rentable area? - ANS The area available for
assignment to a tenant within the perimeter walls of a tenant space, as well as private
corridors, walls, and columns within the tenant space.
May also include a proportionate share of public corridors, restrooms, and elevator lobbies all
shared by tenants.
In a leased space, what is considered to be usable area? - ANS The area actually used for the
space's intended purpose, in addition to circulation spaces within the leased space and
partitions and columns within the space.
What is the efficiency of a leased space? - ANS The ration of net area to usable area in the
leased space.
What 2 things must a designer know about a space before the necessary number of exits can be
determined? - ANS 1: Floor Area
2: Occupancy Groups
What are 9 common biological contaminants often found in buildings? - ANS 1: Mold
2: Mildew
3: Bacteria
4: Viruses
5: Mites
6: Pollen
7: Animal Dander
8: Dust
9: Insects
5 common hazardous materials found in existing buildings. - ANS 1: Asbestos
2: Vermiculite
2 Copyright ©2025 SIRJOEL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
, 3: PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
4: Lead
5: Radon
What is adaptive reuse? - ANS Practice of reusing existing buildings and materials from
buildings as much as possible
What is programming? - ANS Process undertaken before design during which all pertinent
information about a project is collected and analyzed
5 Steps in the Programming Process according to Problem Seeking by William Pena - ANS 1:
Establish goals
2: Collect facts
3: Uncover concepts
4: Determine needs
5: State the problem
Difference between programmatic concept and design concept - ANS 1: A performance
requirement that is related to general methods of solving a problem or satisfying a need
2: Specific physical response that is an attempt to satisfy the first
Programming Process - 3 components of flexibility - ANS 1: Expandability
2: Convertibility
3: Versatility
4 LEED ratings - ANS 1: Platinum
2: Gold
3: Silver
3 Copyright ©2025 SIRJOEL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
