What You Need to Know to Pass Section D
Section D is a multiple-choice exam that has 120 question about preparing landscape architectural designs and construction documents, administering construction contracts, and project safety. Your knowledge of graphic communication skills, construction drawings and documentation, building materials, and conventional and sustainable construction methods will also be put to the test. Section D of the L.A.R.E exam is divided into five sub-sections:
- Landscape building materials and methods of landscape construction
- Construction documentation and preparation of working drawings
- Landscape architecture design principles
- Graphic communication skills and techniques
- Natural resource protection and conservation
Landscape Materials and Construction
The landscape construction sub-section tests you knowledge of common landscape building materials. Make sure you understand how building materials are joined together. You will have to demonstrate you knowledge of common construction details, site plan layout standards, and how to construct typical site amenities. There will be some questions about designing for special populations (i.e. how to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act ADA) and questions on pedestrian and vehicular circulation. Some questions will test your knowledge of lighting systems and how to minimize the impact of site lighting. Know how to use landscape construction and site design techniques to mitigate noise both on-site and off-site. Erosion control, bio-filtration, and stormwater management are also important topics in Section D. Study site drainage methods and know how to design a storm water system and how to properly size the pipes. Your understanding of irrigation systems and the interrelationship of utilities is also tested. There is a lot of material to know for this portion of the test.
Keys to Success: In my opinion, you cannot prepare enough for this subsection of the test. When evaluating the construction details on the test, aways ask yourself, "Will this detail stop water from infiltrating the structure?". Water damage is a major liability issue for landscape architects and the LARE test questions often test you knowledge on the topic.
How many questions are there on these topics? Relax...there are only approximately 19 questions on these topics in the landscape materials and landscape construction sub-section. Study the recommended resources for Section D and you will be prepared on test day.
Construction documentation and preparation of working drawings
This part of the exam covers the basics or construction documentation and working drawings. The construction documentation sub-section of Section D of the LARE will test you knowledge on construction sequencing, the construction process, and construction technology and machinery. You will have to demonstrate your knowledge of various construction drawings used in landscape architecture working drawings, such as, grading plans, drainage plans, planting plans, layout plans, demolition drawings, irrigation plans, and erosion and sediment control plans. General and supplemental conditions and specifications are also covered in this sub-section. Know how to calculate area, volume, and how to estimate quantities of materials based on these calculations and how to estimate a total cost for a material based on an individual unit price. If you have worked in a landscape architecture office for a couple of years, you probably learned a fair amount about working drawings. Still, you should review the recommended read list for reference works and concentrate on filling gaps in your experience and knowledge.
How many questions are there on these topics? There are 24 questions on preparing construction documents in Section D of the LARE test.
Landscape architecture design principles
The landscape design principles part of Section D examines you knowledge of aesthetic and problem-solving, functional design principles and practices. A few questions discuss general aesthetic principles while others test your ability to solve problems to address the health, safety, and welfare of you client and the general public. For example, some questions may focus on the use of planting design to create secure environments that reduce crime and improve safety, security, and visibility. Other questions may ask you about topics like social welfare and the theraputic aspects of landscape architecture. Most candidates will probably not have too much trouble with this part (if you stayed awake in design studio in school).
How many questions are there on these topics? There are about 19 questions on landscape architecture design principles on the LARE Section D exam.
Graphic communication skills and techniques
The graphic communication portion has the fewest questions of all the sub-sections in Section D of the LARE. Expect questions to test you knowledge on the types and suitability of different graphic communication techniques and mediums. Topics include using photographic and video presentations as well as traditional 2D media. There may be some questions about using graphic scales and other elements on different types of presentation (i.e. concept drawings versus working drawings). Again, if you did well in design studio at school, you probably will have no problem with this part of the exam. If you feel that your preparation is week (or you slept through design studio classes), check out the suggested reading list for some books to help solidify your knowledge base.
How many questions are there on these topics? There are approximately 10 questions on graphic communication techniques used by landscape architects.
Natural resource protection and conservation
You must demonstrate your knowledge of resource management strategies and conservation techniques in this subsection of the LARE. Recently, the emphasis has shifted towards more questions on sustainability, land and water reclamation, sustainable and ecological planning principles, and natural resource conservation. Know how human and natural systems interact and what conflicts and opportunities exist at these intersections and how they influence landscape architecture design and planning. Also, expect some questions on floodplain management and environmental ethics. Check out the suggested reading list for books that address the sustainability issues of the profession.
How many questions are there on these topics? Expect a little over 20 questions on natural resource conservation in Section D.
Related Articles:
No comments:
Post a Comment