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Architecture Board Exam Study Notes
Complete Reviewer for the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE)
In This Guide
About the Architecture Board Exam
The Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) is administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) under RA 9266 (Architecture Act of 2004). It assesses competency across all major areas of architectural practice.
Exam Subjects
- • History & Theory of Architecture
- • Architectural Design & Planning
- • Building Technology
- • Structural Systems
- • Building Utilities
- • Professional Practice
Requirements
- • BS Architecture degree
- • 2-year diversified experience
- • Passing score: 70%
- • No subject below 50%
Part 1: History & Theory of Architecture
Ancient Architecture
Egyptian
- • Pyramids (Giza - Cheops, Chephren, Mycerinus)
- • Post and lintel construction
- • Hypostyle halls
- • Obelisks and mastabas
- • Temple at Karnak, Luxor
Greek
- • Doric: No base, plain capital
- • Ionic: Scrolled volutes capital
- • Corinthian: Acanthus leaves capital
- • Parthenon (Doric, Ictinus & Callicrates)
- • Erechtheum (Ionic, Caryatid porch)
Roman Architecture
- Innovations: Arch, vault, dome, concrete
- Colosseum: Amphitheater, superimposed orders (Doric-Ionic-Corinthian)
- Pantheon: Largest unreinforced concrete dome (43.3m), oculus
- Basilica: Rectangular hall, became template for churches
- Orders: Tuscan (simplest) and Composite (Ionic + Corinthian)
Medieval Architecture
Romanesque
- • Round arches
- • Thick walls, small windows
- • Barrel and groin vaults
- • Massive piers
- • Examples: Durham Cathedral
Gothic
- • Pointed arches
- • Ribbed vaults
- • Flying buttresses
- • Large stained glass windows
- • Examples: Notre-Dame, Chartres
Renaissance to Modern
Renaissance
- • Return to classical forms
- • Symmetry, proportion, geometry
- • Brunelleschi: Florence Cathedral dome
- • Alberti, Palladio (Palladianism)
- • St. Peter's Basilica (Bramante, Michelangelo)
Modern Architecture
- • "Form follows function" (Sullivan)
- • Le Corbusier: 5 Points of Architecture
- • Mies van der Rohe: "Less is more"
- • Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic architecture
- • Bauhaus school (Gropius)
Philippine Architecture
- Pre-colonial: Bahay Kubo (nipa hut), torogan (Maranao)
- Spanish Colonial: Bahay na Bato, churches (Baroque, Earthquake Baroque)
- American Period: Neoclassical, Art Deco (Manila Post Office, Metropolitan Theater)
- Notable Filipino Architects: Juan Nakpil, Leandro Locsin, Pablo Antonio
- National Artist: Leandro Locsin (CCP, PICC, Coconut Palace)
Part 2: Architectural Design & Planning
Design Principles
Elements of Design
- • Point, Line, Plane, Volume
- • Shape and Form
- • Space (positive/negative)
- • Light (natural/artificial)
- • Color, Texture
Principles of Design
- • Balance (symmetrical/asymmetrical)
- • Rhythm and Repetition
- • Emphasis and Focal Point
- • Proportion and Scale
- • Unity and Harmony
Space Planning
Residential Standards
- Living Room: Min 12 sqm, 3m width
- Bedroom: Min 6 sqm, 2m width
- Kitchen: Min 3 sqm, work triangle concept
- T&B: Min 1.2 sqm
- Ceiling Height: Min 2.70m (habitable), 2.40m (non-habitable)
Circulation
- Corridors: Min 1.2m (residential), 2.0m (public buildings)
- Stairs: Riser: 150-200mm, Tread: 250-300mm
- Stair Formula: 2R + T = 600-650mm
- Ramps: Max slope 1:12 (8.33%)
- Door Width: Min 900mm (main), 800mm (rooms)
Site Planning
Site Analysis Factors
- Orientation: Sun path, prevailing winds
- Topography: Slopes, drainage, views
- Access: Roads, pedestrian, utilities
- Zoning: Land use, setbacks, height limits
- Context: Adjacent buildings, neighborhood character
Part 3: Building Technology
Foundation Types
Shallow Foundations
- • Wall footing (strip)
- • Isolated/Spread footing
- • Combined footing
- • Mat/Raft foundation
Deep Foundations
- • Pile foundation (driven, bored)
- • Caisson
- • Pier foundation
- • Used when soil is weak
Wall Systems
Load-Bearing
- • CHB (Concrete Hollow Blocks)
- • Solid concrete walls
- • Brick masonry
- • Stone masonry
Non-Load-Bearing
- • Drywall/Gypsum board
- • Glass curtain wall
- • Metal stud partitions
- • Movable partitions
Roofing Systems
Roof Types
- Gable: Two slopes meeting at ridge
- Hip: Four slopes, no gable ends
- Mansard: Four sides, each with two slopes
- Gambrel: Barn-style, two slopes per side
- Flat: Slope <10°, requires waterproofing
Building Materials
Concrete
- • Mix: Cement + Sand + Gravel + Water
- • Class A: 1:2:4 (structural)
- • Class B: 1:2.5:5 (general)
- • Class C: 1:3:6 (non-structural)
Steel
- • High tensile strength
- • Deformed bars for reinforcement
- • Structural shapes: I-beam, C-channel
- • Requires fire protection
Part 4: Building Codes (NBC/NBCP)
National Building Code (PD 1096)
Occupancy Classifications
- A: Residential/Dwelling
- B: Hotel/Apartment
- C: Education/Recreation
- D: Institutional
- E: Business/Mercantile
- F: Industrial
- G: Storage/Hazardous
- H: Assembly
- I: Accessory
- J: Agricultural
Fire Safety Requirements
- Fire exits: Min 2 exits for occupancy >30 persons
- Exit width: 1.12m per 100 persons
- Travel distance: Max 45m (sprinklered), 30m (non-sprinklered)
- Fire resistance: Based on occupancy and building height
- Fire walls: 4-hour rating for fire walls
Accessibility (BP 344)
PWD Requirements
- Ramps: Max slope 1:12, min width 1.2m
- Handrails: 850-950mm height, both sides
- Wheelchair clearance: 900mm door, 1500mm turning radius
- Signage: International symbol of accessibility
- Parking: Reserved spaces near entrance
Part 5: Professional Practice
Architecture Law (RA 9266)
- Scope: Design, planning of buildings and structures
- Seal: Required on all architectural documents
- CPD: Continuing Professional Development required
- Registration: Valid for 3 years, renewable
Contract Documents
Standard Documents
- Owner-Architect Agreement: Scope, fees, responsibilities
- Architectural Plans: Site, floor, elevation, section, details
- Specifications: Materials, workmanship standards
- Bill of Quantities: Material quantities and costs
Professional Fees
SPP (Standards of Professional Practice)
- Minimum Fee: Based on project cost percentage
- Full Services: 8-12% of construction cost
- Phases: Schematic (15%), Design Dev (20%), Contract Docs (40%), Construction (25%)
- Additional Services: Interior design, landscape, consultancy
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