GATE Architecture & Planning — 50 Practice Questions

GATE — Architecture & Planning: 50 Practice Questions

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1. The "plan" of a building primarily shows:

A. Horizontal arrangement at a particular level (floor layout) B. Vertical external appearance C. Interior elevation only D. Sun path diagram

2. An elevation drawing typically represents:

A. Roof truss details B. External vertical face of a building C. Foundation plan D. Section through a stair flight

3. A section drawing is used to:

A. Show furniture layout only B. Indicate site boundary only C. Show internal construction by cutting through the building D. Depict landscape planting types

4. In plan drawings, the graphic scale indicates:

A. Ratio of drawing units to real-world units B. Material finishes C. Window schedules D. Title block information

5. Sciography in architectural drawing deals with:

A. Structural load paths B. Colour rendering techniques C. Material specifications D. Shadows and shade cast by objects

6. Cutting plane in a section drawing shows:

A. Location of building services B. Where the building is sliced to produce the section C. Roof drainage slope D. Window opening sizes only

7. In plans, a "north arrow" is important because it:

A. Indicates orientation for sunlight and layout B. Specifies material types C. Determines structural loads D. Replaces levels and dimensions

8. A section through a pitched roof usually shows:

A. Electrical conduit details only B. Landscape planting details C. Rafter arrangement, insulation and ceiling levels D. Furniture layouts

9. In orthographic plans, dashed lines often represent:

A. New construction only B. Elements above or below the cutting plane (hidden) C. Material finishes D. Title block items

10. The linetype for a section cut surface on a drawing is typically shown as:

A. Thin continuous lines only B. Dotted lines for hidden elements C. Dashed lines for service routes D. Hatch or section fill on cut surfaces

11. In plan drawings, "dimension lines" are used to:

A. Indicate measured distances between points B. Show electrical circuits C. Mark window schedules D. Represent ground levels

12. Sciography studies are most useful for:

A. Structural calculations B. Material procurement C. Designing sun shading and assessing daylight D. Acoustic treatments

13. An elevation annotated with "F.F.L" refers to:

A. Finish of facade level B. Finished Floor Level C. Foundation footing level D. Frame face line

14. In a section drawing, "scale" helps to:

A. Represent real dimensions reduced proportionally B. Choose paint colours C. Indicate contractor's name D. Show electrical loadings

15. Sciography diagrams normally require knowledge of:

A. Soil bearing capacities B. Paint reflectance charts C. Window schedule only D. Sun angle (solar altitude and azimuth)

16. In plan view, a "grid" is useful for:

A. Showing roof drainage slopes B. Indicating material finishes C. Locating structural columns and referencing coordinates D. Showing planting plans

17. A longitudinal section is taken along:

A. Cross direction only B. The longer axis of a building (lengthwise) C. The roof ridge only D. The shortest span only

18. In plan, "hatch" patterns are used to:

A. Differentiate materials and surfaces B. Show vanishing points C. Indicate sunlight direction D. Replace dimension lines

19. In sections, "ground line" indicates:

A. Roof pitch only B. Top of parapet only C. Window sill level D. Existing and proposed levels at ground interface

20. For accurate sciography, which of these is essential?

A. Roof material only B. Precise sun position (date/time/location) C. Structural drawings only D. Furniture layout

21. A reflected ceiling plan (RCP) shows:

A. Foundation reinforcement details B. External elevations C. Ceiling finishes, light fittings and services as seen from above D. Planting layout only

22. In section drawings, "stipple" or "dot" hatching often indicates:

A. Earth or fill material B. Timber members C. Glass elements D. Electrical conduits

23. In plans, an "enlarged plan" is used to:

A. Reduce details for clarity B. Show only elevations C. Replace sections entirely D. Show detailed layout of a small area at larger scale

24. In sciography, a "cast shadow" differs from a "form shadow" because:

A. Cast shadow is on the object itself B. Cast shadow is projected onto another surface C. Form shadow is projected away from object D. They are identical

25. In a plan, "centreline" is used to:

A. Indicate symmetry axes or grid lines B. Show roof coverings C. Mark window types D. Replace section cuts

26. A "sectional elevation" combines features of:

A. Plan and perspective B. Perspective and isometric C. Section and elevation (cut facade with internal detail) D. Orthographic and sciography only

27. In plan symbols, a small solid black triangle often indicates:

A. Lighting fixture only B. Direction of section cut (cutting plane arrow) C. Window sill direction D. Door swing direction

28. For sciography, the length of a shadow depends primarily on:

A. Solar altitude (sun elevation angle) B. Material reflectivity only C. Colour of the object D. Number of windows

29. A cross section through a staircase typically shows:

A. Roof tile pattern only B. Elevation of facade only C. Tread and riser dimensions and handrail details D. Foundation reinforcement schedule

30. In plans and sections, "scale bar" helps the reader to:

A. Read line types only B. Measure distances directly from the drawing C. Determine colour palettes D. Identify materials used

2. Isometric drawings use axes spaced at:

A. 30°–45°–90° B. 90°–60°–30° C. 120° equally apart D. 180° opposite directions

3. Axonometric projection differs from perspective because:

A. It uses human-eye vanishing points B. It maintains scale along axes without convergence C. It distorts dimension deliberately D. It shows only 2D views

4. One-point perspective drawing has:

A. Two vanishing points B. No vanishing point C. Infinite vanishing points D. One vanishing point on the horizon line

5. In orthographic projection, the top view is also called:

A. Plan B. Elevation C. Section D. Perspective

6. Two-point perspective is most commonly used to draw:

A. Flat elevations B. Orthographic projections C. Buildings with visible edges receding in two directions D. Assembly diagrams only

7. Axonometric projection is subdivided into isometric, dimetric and trimetric based on:

A. Number of sections drawn B. Angles formed between axes C. Size of the object D. Drawing sheet scale

8. In an isometric drawing, circles appear as:

A. Ellipses B. Perfect circles C. Straight lines D. Octagons

9. Orthographic projection uses which type of projection lines?

A. Converging lines B. Diverging lines C. Radial lines D. Parallel lines

10. In perspective drawing, the horizon line represents:

A. Ground surface B. Vertical height of object C. Eye level of viewer D. Highest point of building

11. Dimetric projection differs from isometric because:

A. All three axes are equally foreshortened B. Two axes have equal foreshortening C. Only one axis is used D. No foreshortening occurs

12. In two-point perspective, vertical edges appear:

A. As vertical lines B. Tilted toward vanishing point C. Shortened drastically D. Hidden from view

13. A trimetric projection has:

A. One axis without foreshortening B. Two axes equally foreshortened C. All axes without any foreshortening D. All three axes foreshortened differently

14. The station point in perspective drawing indicates:

A. Position of viewer B. Scale of drawing C. Location of vanishing point D. Shadow direction

15. In orthographic projection, hidden details are shown using:

A. Thick continuous lines B. Zigzag lines C. Dashed lines D. Dotted curved lines

16. Which drawing type best conveys realistic depth?

A. Isometric B. Perspective C. Orthographic D. Section

17. In isometric drawings, vertical lines appear:

A. Vertical B. Tilted 30° C. Horizontally aligned D. Converging upward

18. The primary advantage of axonometric drawings is:

A. Realistic human-eye view B. Strong sense of depth C. Freehand flexibility D. Scaled measurement possible in 3D

19. Which of the following is NOT true about perspective drawing?

A. Uses horizon lines B. Object dimensions remain true scale in depth C. Parallel lines meet at vanishing points

2. In planning, the 'Green Belt' policy is intended to:

A. Increase urban density without open spaces B. Provide land for commercial expansion C. Restrict urban sprawl and protect open land around a city D. Zone areas for heavy industry

3. Which architect is associated with the phrase 'form follows function'?

A. Louis Sullivan B. Frank Gehry C. Christopher Wren D. Zaha Hadid

4. 'Climatic design' in architecture primarily addresses:

A. Acoustic performance only B. Fire safety measures only C. Structural load paths only D. Passive strategies responding to local climate to reduce energy use

5. The 'charter of Athens' (CIAM) promoted which urban principle?

A. Organic, medieval street patterns B. Functional zoning separating living, work and leisure areas C. Low-density rural settlements D. Integration of heavy industry into residential cores

6. Which material is most suitable for long-span lightweight structures?

A. Solid brick B. Stone masonry C. Steel (structural steel) D. Rammed earth

7. 'Passive solar design' uses building orientation mainly to:

A. Maximise useful solar gains in winter and minimise overheating in summer B. Improve indoor acoustics C. Reduce wind loads only D. Increase foundation depth

8. In urban design, 'permeability' typically refers to:

A. The porosity of the soil B. The number of buildings per hectare C. The strength of building materials D. Ease of movement and connectivity through an area for pedestrians and vehicles

9. 'Net zero energy building' means:

A. Building with no electricity use at all B. Annual on-site renewable energy equals the building's energy consumption C. Building has zero construction cost D. Building that is entirely off-grid without any utilities

10. In drawing conventions, a 'section' shows:

A. A cut through a building to show internal arrangements B. The site boundary only C. Aerial view of city layout D. A photograph of the building

11. The planning concept 'mixed land use' primarily supports:

A. Single-use zoning to separate functions B. Increased vehicular travel distances C. Closer integration of residential, commercial and institutional uses D. Only industrial uses in city cores

12. 'Thermal mass' in buildings is beneficial because it:

A. Increases roof height B. Stores and slowly releases heat to moderate indoor temperatures C. Reduces structural loads D. Improves acoustic insulation only

13. 'Wayfinding' in public buildings refers to:

A. Landscaping design only B. Structural detailing only C. HVAC strategies only D. Helping users navigate through a building using signs, cues and layout

14. 'Biophilic design' aims to:

A. Increase connection to nature within the built environment B. Maximise paved surfaces C. Exclude natural light D. Prioritise automobiles in urban cores

15. Which is an example of a low-impact development technique for stormwater?

A. Increasing impermeable roof area B. Sealing gutters to prevent infiltration C. Bioswales and rain gardens to infiltrate runoff D. Removing street trees

16. 'Axonometric projection' is used in architectural drawings to:

A. Show elevations only B. Represent a 3D object without perspective foreshortening C. Replace site plans entirely D. Provide structural load calculations

17. The primary function of a 'brise-soleil' is to:

A. Reduce direct solar heat gain on facades B. Provide structural support to foundations C. Collect rainwater for reuse D. Increase acoustic reverberation

18. In sustainable design, 'life cycle assessment' (LCA) analyses:

A. Only the construction cost B. Only the operating energy use C. Only demolition impacts D. Environmental impacts throughout a product or building's life span

19. 'Floor Area Ratio (FAR)' determines:

A. The percentage of site covered by vegetation B. The total permitted built floor area divided by plot area C. The number of parking bays required only D. The minimum setback from road

20. Which is a primary goal of 'universal design'?

A. Design only for able-bodied users B. Design that requires specialised adaptations for each user C. Create environments usable by all people without adaptation D. Maximise exclusive areas within buildings

21. 'Adaptive reuse' of a building typically involves:

A. Converting an existing building for a new purpose B. Demolishing and rebuilding identical structure C. Leaving a building unused indefinitely D. Only restoring facades without interior work

22. Which code in India gives guidelines for structural design with respect to seismic loads?

A. IS 456 only B. NBC (US) only C. Eurocode only D. IS 1893 (Indian Standard for earthquake loads)

23. 'Transit-Oriented Development' (TOD) emphasizes:

A. Car-oriented suburban sprawl B. High-density, mixed-use development near transit stations C. Exclusively industrial zoning near transit D. Reducing public transport services

24. Which glazing strategy helps reduce heat gain while allowing daylight?

A. Large single-pane clear glazing without shading B. Opaque walls only C. Shading devices with high-performance glazing D. Permanent external boarding of windows

25. 'Sustainable urban drainage systems' aim to:

A. Reduce runoff and improve water quality using natural processes B. Increase sealed surfaces to speed runoff C. Divert all stormwater to combined sewers D. Remove vegetation from catchments

26. 'Curtain wall' system in façades means:

A. Load-bearing wall made of brick B. Non-load-bearing façade hung from structural frame C. Traditional lime plaster wall D. Earth bermed wall system

27. In acoustics for auditoria, 'reverberation time' should generally be:

A. As long as possible for speech intelligibility B. Eliminated completely C. Matched to the function (shorter for speech, longer for music) D. Fixed at 10 seconds for all halls

28. 'Heat island effect' in cities is caused mainly by:

A. Excessive vegetation cover B. Underground water bodies C. High albedo surfaces everywhere D. Extensive dark, impervious surfaces and reduced vegetation

29. 'Night ventilation' as a passive cooling strategy relies on:

A. Cooling building mass at night to reduce daytime temperatures B. Daytime mechanical cooling only C. Increasing solar gain at night D. Using insulation only

30. 'Sightlines' in theatre design are important because they:

A. Increase HVAC loads B. Provide structural support to fly tower C. Ensure unobstructed view of stage for audience members D. Determine acoustic absorption only

31. 'Setback' regulation affects:

A. Roof material selection B. Distance between building and site boundary C. Type of structural foundation only D. Internal furniture layout

32. 'Universal accessibility' requires consideration of:

A. Ramps, tactile indicators, accessible toilets and clear circulation B. Only decorative finishes C. Reducing doorway widths to save space D. Excluding elevators in multistorey buildings

33. 'Landscape urbanism' primarily emphasises:

A. Vehicle-oriented highways through the city B. High-rise homogeneous towers only C. Integration of landscape, ecology and urban design D. Eliminating public open spaces

34. 'Blind spot' in vehicular design refers to:

A. The area under car chassis B. Glare from headlights only C. Pavement failure zone D. Areas not visible to the driver without mirrors or sensors

35. 'Green building rating systems' (like LEED) primarily assess:

A. Only aesthetic qualities B. Environmental performance including energy, water and materials C. Only structural safety D. Only historic authenticity

36. 'Wayleave' in site planning usually refers to:

A. Decorative boundary fencing only B. Garden layout plan only C. Legal right to run services (like cables, pipes) across a property D. Temporary scaffolding plan only

37. 'Cross-ventilation' is effective when:

A. There are openings on opposite sides of a space to allow airflow B. All openings face the same direction only C. Windows are fully sealed D. Using only mechanical fans

38. 'Plinth' of a building refers to:

A. The roof finish B. Interior flooring only C. Window frame detail only D. The base of a building between ground level and floor level

39. 'Setback' requirements influence which of the following most directly?

A. Internal wall finishes B. Available open space around a building C. Material thickness of slabs D. Number of sanitary fixtures only

40. 'Spot elevations' on a topographic survey indicate:

A. Soil types at locations B. Vegetation types at points C. Exact ground elevation at specific points D. Historical building ages only

41. 'Load-bearing wall' construction differs from framed construction because:

A. Walls carry structural loads in load-bearing method B. It always uses steel frames only C. It does not require foundations D. It is only used for skyscrapers

42. 'Focal point' in urban design is used to:

A. Hide all pedestrian routes B. Increase traffic congestion C. Reduce public open space D. Draw visual attention and organise spatial hierarchy

43. 'Daylight factor' is a measure of:

A. Ratio of window area to floor area only B. Indoor illuminance as a percentage of outdoor illuminance under overcast sky C. Solar heat gain only D. Number of windows in a facade

44. 'Edge city' refers to:

A. Medieval walled towns only B. Rural market towns primarily C. Suburban concentration of business, shopping and entertainment outside traditional downtown D. Coastal fishing villages only

45. 'Setback' and 'height controls' together influence:

A. Urban form, daylight and street enclosure B. Only internal finishes C. Only the cost of materials D. Soil composition exclusively

46. 'Floor finish' selection must consider which of the following least?

A. Durability and maintenance B. Slip resistance for users C. Thermal comfort for occupants D. Colour of structural steel members (least relevant)

47. In heritage conservation, 'minimal intervention' means:

A. Complete replacement of historic fabric B. Only do what is necessary to conserve and stabilise without altering authenticity C. Add modern elements extensively D. Demolish and build replicas

48. 'Retrofitting' existing buildings for energy efficiency typically involves:

A. Adding insulation, upgrading glazing and improving services B. Increasing thermal leaks intentionally C. Removing all ventilation D. Demolition only

49. 'Tactile paving' is primarily used to:

A. Increase waterproofing of pavements B. Reduce paving durability C. Assist visually impaired pedestrians by providing surface cues D. Decorative, non-functional surface only

50. 'Urban regeneration' projects most often aim to:

A. Permanently prevent any land-use change B. Revitalise declining areas by improving housing, public spaces and services C. Increase landfill sites in urban centres D. Exclude local communities from planning processes

GATE Exam Set 4