CODES TEST - INTERIOR DESIGN III
(INTERNATIONAL ZONING) EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
What is more comprehensive, green design or sustainable design? - ANSWER-
Sustainable design
When should you research codes? - ANSWER-In the early stages of the design project,
preferably in the programming phase while designs are still preliminary and before
construction documents are started and construction costs are estimated.
Building Code - ANSWER-Regulations that stress the construction of a building and the
hazardous materials or equipment used inside.
What are the two main sets of codes? - ANSWER-The ICC and NFPA codes. Many of
the ICC codes, such as the IBC (International Building Code), have been widely
adopted. Popular NFPA codes include the Life Safety Code (LSC) and the National
Electrical Code (NEC).
What does the federal government create? - ANSWER-Federal regulations. These are
laws that pertain to government-built and owned buildings.
What is the Code of Hammurabi? - ANSWER-a collection of lows that governed
Babylonia in the 18th century. This code made the builder accountable for the houses
he built. If one of the buildings fell down and killed someone, the builder would be put to
death.
What are the three models of codes that formed first? - ANSWER-1. Building Officials
Code Administrators International (BOCA)
2. International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO)
AND
3. Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI)
What did the first three models of codes merge together to create? - ANSWER-The
International Building Codes (IBC): They consolidated and put their effort into one set of
codes.
What are codes? - ANSWER-Codes are collections of regulations, ordinances, and
other statutory requirements put together by various organizations. Each jurisdiction
decides which codes it will follow and enforce.
Can codes and standards be changed and updated? - ANSWER-YES, they can be
changed and updated. Most codes are updated on a three year cycle.
,Building Codes - ANSWER-these codes direct the construction requirements of an
entire building and place restrictions on hazardous materials or equipment used within a
building. The principal purpose is to ensure health, safety, and welfare of the people
using these building, so codes include requirements affecting structural, mechanical,
electrical, plumbing, life-safety (egress), fire safety (detection and suppression), natural
light and air, accessibility standards, and energy conservation.
What is the IBC? - ANSWER-International Building Code: it is a model building code
developed by the International Code Council (ICC). It has been adopted for use as a
base code standard by most jurisdictions in the United States.
What do building codes usually reference? - ANSWER-other codes and standards
Fire Codes - ANSWER-both the ICC (International Code Council) and the NFPA
(National Fire Protection Agency) have fire codes, means of egress, fire-resistance-
rated construction, fire protection systems, interior finishes, furnishings, and decorative
materials. When adopted by a jurisdiction, the fire code typically is typically used in
conjunction with a building code. The fire code addresses building conditions that are
hazardous and could cause possible fire and explosions.
Life Safety Code - ANSWER-Also referred to as NFPA 101, but this is NOT a building
code. It concentrates on problems involving the removal or evacuation of all persons
from a building. Its purpose is to establish minimum requirements for design,
construction, operations, and maintenance of buildings as required to protect building
occupants from danger caused by fire, smoke, and toxic fumes.
Plumbing Codes - ANSWER-The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is the most used in
code jurisdictions. For design projects, the plumbing code chapter is used to determine
the minimum number and type of plumbing fixtures required for a particular occupancy
classification. It also includes information on how to locate these fixtures in a building.
Mechanical Codes - ANSWER-Jurisdictions can choose between the International
Mechanical Code (IMC) or the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC). Mechanical codes are
mostly geared towards mechanics, however, familiarity with some general requirements
and terminology is useful when designing an interior project.
Electrical Codes - ANSWER-The most widely used electrical code is the National
Electrical Code (NEC), and is the basis for electrical codes in almost all jurisdictions.
Even the ICC references this code. Electrical codes are important for interior designers
because it is important when locating electrical outlets, and fixtures when specifying
lighting fixtures and other equipment.
Energy Codes - ANSWER-Both the ICC and the NFPA have an energy conservation
code that establishes minimum requirements for energy-efficient buildings. The energy
standards referenced by the ICC and NFPA codes are ASHRAE 90.1, Energy
, Standards for Buildings Except low-rise Residential Buildings (geared to commercial
buildings), and ASHRAE 90.2, Energy-Efficient Design of New low-rise Residential
Buildings (geared towards residential buildings). The DOE requires all states to have
energy codes in place that are at least as strict as the 2001 edition of the standard.
When designing an interior, the energy codes will include requirements to maximize the
amount of day-light entering into a space, minimizing the lighting densities, and require
the use of occupant-sensing controls.
Sustainability Codes (LEED) - ANSWER-Codes and standards dedicated to sustainable
buildings is a relatively new but growing concept in the United States. Sustainability
codes are focused on how the building affects the environment. Some states require the
use of a sustainability rating system, such as LEED or Green Globes. As more
jurisdictions and clients require sustainability measures to be incorporated into design
and construction, additional sustainability code and standards will be developed.
Where was the first sustainability code produced? What was it called? Why is this code
unique? - ANSWER-The state of California produced the California Green Building
Standards Code (CGBSC). This code is unique because it references many multiple
websites, in addition to recognized standards, to set benchmarks that must be attained
when selecting a building materials and products.
What is the most comprehensive sustainability code? - ANSWER-The International
Green Construction Code (IGCC) is more comprehensive and covers a wide variety of
occupancies and building types.
Residential Codes - ANSWER-The International Residential Code (IRC) published by
the ICC, is the main coed used for the construction of single-family and duplex
residences and townhouses. It covers the typical residential home that is not more than
three stories in height and has a separate means of egress. All other types of residential
uses would be regulated by a building code. The NFPA does NOT have a separate
residential code, but instead, it covers the building aspects of single-family homes in its
other codes.
Existing Building Codes - ANSWER-The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) is
dedicated entirely to existing buildings and provides requirements for reasonable
upgrades and improves, depending on the type and extent of the work. In some cases,
requirements will be more lenient than those in the building code and may take into
consideration what was allowed by previous codes.
Federal Regulations - ANSWER-A number of federal agencies and departments work
with trade associations, private companies, and the general public to develop federal
laws for building construction. These regulations are published in the Federal Register
(FR) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Government regulations can be
required on a federal, state, or local level. Once the regulations are adopted and have
become law, they are publishing in the CFR.
(INTERNATIONAL ZONING) EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
What is more comprehensive, green design or sustainable design? - ANSWER-
Sustainable design
When should you research codes? - ANSWER-In the early stages of the design project,
preferably in the programming phase while designs are still preliminary and before
construction documents are started and construction costs are estimated.
Building Code - ANSWER-Regulations that stress the construction of a building and the
hazardous materials or equipment used inside.
What are the two main sets of codes? - ANSWER-The ICC and NFPA codes. Many of
the ICC codes, such as the IBC (International Building Code), have been widely
adopted. Popular NFPA codes include the Life Safety Code (LSC) and the National
Electrical Code (NEC).
What does the federal government create? - ANSWER-Federal regulations. These are
laws that pertain to government-built and owned buildings.
What is the Code of Hammurabi? - ANSWER-a collection of lows that governed
Babylonia in the 18th century. This code made the builder accountable for the houses
he built. If one of the buildings fell down and killed someone, the builder would be put to
death.
What are the three models of codes that formed first? - ANSWER-1. Building Officials
Code Administrators International (BOCA)
2. International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO)
AND
3. Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI)
What did the first three models of codes merge together to create? - ANSWER-The
International Building Codes (IBC): They consolidated and put their effort into one set of
codes.
What are codes? - ANSWER-Codes are collections of regulations, ordinances, and
other statutory requirements put together by various organizations. Each jurisdiction
decides which codes it will follow and enforce.
Can codes and standards be changed and updated? - ANSWER-YES, they can be
changed and updated. Most codes are updated on a three year cycle.
,Building Codes - ANSWER-these codes direct the construction requirements of an
entire building and place restrictions on hazardous materials or equipment used within a
building. The principal purpose is to ensure health, safety, and welfare of the people
using these building, so codes include requirements affecting structural, mechanical,
electrical, plumbing, life-safety (egress), fire safety (detection and suppression), natural
light and air, accessibility standards, and energy conservation.
What is the IBC? - ANSWER-International Building Code: it is a model building code
developed by the International Code Council (ICC). It has been adopted for use as a
base code standard by most jurisdictions in the United States.
What do building codes usually reference? - ANSWER-other codes and standards
Fire Codes - ANSWER-both the ICC (International Code Council) and the NFPA
(National Fire Protection Agency) have fire codes, means of egress, fire-resistance-
rated construction, fire protection systems, interior finishes, furnishings, and decorative
materials. When adopted by a jurisdiction, the fire code typically is typically used in
conjunction with a building code. The fire code addresses building conditions that are
hazardous and could cause possible fire and explosions.
Life Safety Code - ANSWER-Also referred to as NFPA 101, but this is NOT a building
code. It concentrates on problems involving the removal or evacuation of all persons
from a building. Its purpose is to establish minimum requirements for design,
construction, operations, and maintenance of buildings as required to protect building
occupants from danger caused by fire, smoke, and toxic fumes.
Plumbing Codes - ANSWER-The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is the most used in
code jurisdictions. For design projects, the plumbing code chapter is used to determine
the minimum number and type of plumbing fixtures required for a particular occupancy
classification. It also includes information on how to locate these fixtures in a building.
Mechanical Codes - ANSWER-Jurisdictions can choose between the International
Mechanical Code (IMC) or the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC). Mechanical codes are
mostly geared towards mechanics, however, familiarity with some general requirements
and terminology is useful when designing an interior project.
Electrical Codes - ANSWER-The most widely used electrical code is the National
Electrical Code (NEC), and is the basis for electrical codes in almost all jurisdictions.
Even the ICC references this code. Electrical codes are important for interior designers
because it is important when locating electrical outlets, and fixtures when specifying
lighting fixtures and other equipment.
Energy Codes - ANSWER-Both the ICC and the NFPA have an energy conservation
code that establishes minimum requirements for energy-efficient buildings. The energy
standards referenced by the ICC and NFPA codes are ASHRAE 90.1, Energy
, Standards for Buildings Except low-rise Residential Buildings (geared to commercial
buildings), and ASHRAE 90.2, Energy-Efficient Design of New low-rise Residential
Buildings (geared towards residential buildings). The DOE requires all states to have
energy codes in place that are at least as strict as the 2001 edition of the standard.
When designing an interior, the energy codes will include requirements to maximize the
amount of day-light entering into a space, minimizing the lighting densities, and require
the use of occupant-sensing controls.
Sustainability Codes (LEED) - ANSWER-Codes and standards dedicated to sustainable
buildings is a relatively new but growing concept in the United States. Sustainability
codes are focused on how the building affects the environment. Some states require the
use of a sustainability rating system, such as LEED or Green Globes. As more
jurisdictions and clients require sustainability measures to be incorporated into design
and construction, additional sustainability code and standards will be developed.
Where was the first sustainability code produced? What was it called? Why is this code
unique? - ANSWER-The state of California produced the California Green Building
Standards Code (CGBSC). This code is unique because it references many multiple
websites, in addition to recognized standards, to set benchmarks that must be attained
when selecting a building materials and products.
What is the most comprehensive sustainability code? - ANSWER-The International
Green Construction Code (IGCC) is more comprehensive and covers a wide variety of
occupancies and building types.
Residential Codes - ANSWER-The International Residential Code (IRC) published by
the ICC, is the main coed used for the construction of single-family and duplex
residences and townhouses. It covers the typical residential home that is not more than
three stories in height and has a separate means of egress. All other types of residential
uses would be regulated by a building code. The NFPA does NOT have a separate
residential code, but instead, it covers the building aspects of single-family homes in its
other codes.
Existing Building Codes - ANSWER-The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) is
dedicated entirely to existing buildings and provides requirements for reasonable
upgrades and improves, depending on the type and extent of the work. In some cases,
requirements will be more lenient than those in the building code and may take into
consideration what was allowed by previous codes.
Federal Regulations - ANSWER-A number of federal agencies and departments work
with trade associations, private companies, and the general public to develop federal
laws for building construction. These regulations are published in the Federal Register
(FR) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Government regulations can be
required on a federal, state, or local level. Once the regulations are adopted and have
become law, they are publishing in the CFR.
