Sample Question 4:
Glass is being used for the exterior storefront system of a clothing store located in a cold climate. The client has requested that the glass be neutral in color and as transparent as possible to allow maximum visibility into the store. What type of glass should the architect specify for the storefront system?
A. Single pane, gray glass with a low-e coating
B. Double pane, insulating glass unit (IGU) with clear glass and a ceramic frit pattern
C. Double pane, insulating glass unit (IGU) with clear glass
D. Double pane, insulating glass unit (IGU) with low-iron clear glass and a low-e coating
The answer is D. I chose C. I am no glazing expert, but I have spent a good deal of time on glass specifications in my life, and I have never used or heard of "low-iron" glass. Nor have I come across it in my studies. Is this my own ignorance?
I have two thoughts about this question: (1) I really really hope it isn't representative of a good deal of the test. I don't know if I can know everything that could possibly be asked about mechanical systems, and everything that could possibly be asked about plumbing systems, and everything that could possibly be asked about electrical systems, and everything that could possibly be asked about lighting systems, and everything that could possibly be asked about every construction system specific to every climate and everything that could possibly be asked about every material that might can go into a building. That is a lot to expect. Which leads me to my second thought, (2) To some degree, you have to just study what you can and learn and remember what you can and know that you are going to have no clue about some portion of the questions, but hope that you know enough to pass.
Also, in what way does this question test a potential Architect's ability to "protect the healthy, safety and welfare of the public"? I mean, if I had a client ask for the clearest glass possible, I would just do research. Like I do almost every day of my life. To me, that is Architecture. I know enough about a LOT of things that with some research and analysis I can arrive at fitting solutions for my clients. So not only does a question like this not test what these tests are meant to be testing for, it doesn't even reflect the reality of what being an Architect is.
Am I the only person who always answers "No" to the post-exam question, "Do you believe this exam accurately tested your ability to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public?" Okay. End rant.