LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

What should be included in the basis of design for a project?

1. Structural integrity and soil assessments

2. Preliminary design assumptions

3. Cost estimates and timelines

4. Site surveys and zoning regulations

The correct answer is: Preliminary design assumptions

To determine what should be included in the basis of design for a project, it’s important to understand that the basis of design serves as the foundational framework guiding the development of a project. This framework typically encompasses the key parameters and assumptions upon which the design decisions will be made. Including preliminary design assumptions is critical because these assumptions outline the expectations around performance, environmental considerations, and design intent. They help establish parameters that inform the technical aspects of the project and shape the overall design strategy. By documenting these assumptions, the project team can ensure that all subsequent design work aligns with the original intent, facilitating better communication and coordination throughout the project lifecycle. While other aspects like structural integrity, soil assessments, cost estimates, timelines, site surveys, and zoning regulations are important to the overall project, they serve different roles. Structural integrity and soil assessments would come into play further into the design and analysis stages, while cost estimates and timelines relate more to project management and budgeting rather than the initial design principles. Site surveys and zoning regulations are critical for identifying site-specific constraints and opportunities but are also not core components of the basis of design, which focuses more on the guiding assumptions and goals for the project. Hence, the inclusion of preliminary design assumptions is what solidifies the basis