GATE Architecture & Planning Common Syllabus

Common syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Common in GATE Architecture & Planning, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Architecture, Planning and Design

   10 topics

   • Architectural Graphics
   • Visual composition in 2D and 3D
   • Computer application in Architecture and Planning
   • Anthropometrics
   • Organization of space
   • Circulation- horizontal and vertical
   • Space Standards
   • Universal design
   • Building byelaws
   • Codes and standards
2. 2

   Construction and Management

   6 topics

   • Project management techniques e.g. PERT, CPM etc.
   • Estimation and Specification
   • Professional practice and ethics
   • Form and Structure
   • Principles and design of disaster resistant structures
   • Temporary structures for rehabilitation
3. 3

   Environmental Planning and Design

   7 topics

   • Natural and man-made ecosystem
   • Ecological principles
   • Environmental considerations in Planning and design
   • Environmental pollution- types, causes, controls and abatement strategies
   • Sustainable development, goals and strategies
   • Climate change and built environment
   • Climate responsive design
4. 4

   Urban Design, landscape and Conservation

   12 topics

   • Historical and modern examples of urban design
   • Elements of urban built environment – urban form, spaces, structure, pattern, fabric, texture, grain etc.
   • Concepts and theories of urban design
   • Principles, tools and techniques of urban design
   • Public spaces, character, spatial qualities and Sense of Place
   • Urban design interventions for sustainable development and transportation
   • Development controls – FAR, densities and building byelaws
   • Urban renewal and conservation
   • Heritage conservation
   • Historical public spaces and gardens
   • Landscape design
   • Site planning
5. 5

   Planning process

   8 topics

   • Salient concepts, theories and principles of urban planning
   • Concepts of cities - Eco-City, Smart City
   • Concepts and theories by trendsetting planners and designers
   • Ekistics
   • Urban sociology
   • Social, Economic and environmental cost benefit analysis
   • Methods of non-spatial and spatial data analysis
   • Development guidelines such as URDPFI
6. 6

   Housing

   5 topics

   • Housing typologies
   • Concepts, principles and examples of neighbourhood
   • Residential densities
   • Affordable Housing
   • Real estate valuation
7. 7

   Services and Infrastructure

   14 topics

   • Fire fighting Systems
   • Building Safety and Security systems
   • Building Management Systems
   • Water treatment
   • Water supply and distribution system
   • Water harvesting systems
   • Principles, Planning and Design of storm water drainage system
   • Sewage disposal methods
   • Methods of solid waste management - collection, transportation and disposal
   • Recycling and Reuse of solid waste
   • Land-use – transportation - urban form inter-relationships
   • Design of roads, intersections, grade separators and parking areas
   • Hierarchy of roads and level of service
   • Para-transits and other modes of transportation, Pedestrian and slow moving traffic planning

Common flashcards for GATE Architecture & Planning

22 of 50 cards from the Common deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. In architectural drawing, what is the difference between a 'plan' and a 'section'?

   A plan is a horizontal cut (orthographic projection) typically taken about 1 m above floor level, viewed from above. A section is a vertical cut through the building, revealing internal heights, levels and construction details.

2. Name the three principal types of axonometric (paraline) projection and their characteristic angles.

   Isometric (all three axes equally foreshortened, drawn at $30^{\circ}$), Dimetric (two axes equal), and Trimetric (all three axes unequal). Oblique projections (cavalier/cabinet) keep the front face true to scale.

3. What is the key distinction between parallel (axonometric) projection and perspective projection in architectural graphics?

   In parallel projection, projectors are parallel and parallel lines stay parallel (no convergence, no vanishing points). In perspective, projectors converge to the eye, parallel lines converge to vanishing points, giving realistic depth.

4. List the principal ordering principles (compositional ordering systems) used in visual composition.

   Axis, symmetry, hierarchy, rhythm/repetition, datum, and transformation.

5. State the value of the Golden Ratio used in 2D/3D visual composition and how it is defined.

   The golden ratio $\phi = \frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2} \approx 1.618$. A line is divided so that $\frac{a+b}{a}=\frac{a}{b}=\phi$.

6. In visual composition, distinguish between symmetry and balance.

   Symmetry is the exact mirroring of elements about an axis or point (bilateral or radial). Balance is the perceived equilibrium of visual weight, which can be symmetrical (formal) or asymmetrical (informal/occult).

7. What are the seven elements of design used in 2D and 3D visual composition?

   Point, line, plane (and form/volume in 3D), shape, texture, colour, and value (light/tone).

8. Name common file formats used in CAD and BIM and what BIM adds over CAD.

   CAD formats: DWG, DXF, DGN. BIM formats: RVT, IFC (open standard). BIM adds parametric, data-rich 3D objects with embedded information (geometry plus attributes like material, cost, schedule), enabling coordination, clash detection and lifecycle management beyond CAD's pure geometry.

9. What does the acronym GIS stand for and what is its primary use in planning?

   Geographic Information System. It captures, stores, analyses and displays spatially referenced data (layers), used in planning for land-use analysis, suitability mapping, demographic overlays and infrastructure management.

10. Define anthropometrics and distinguish its two main types.

    Anthropometrics is the study of human body measurements. Structural (static) anthropometry measures the body at rest; functional (dynamic) anthropometry measures the body in motion / reach during activity.

11. In anthropometric design, when do you design to the 5th percentile versus the 95th percentile?

    Use the 5th percentile (small users) for reach distances (e.g., shelf height, control reach) and the 95th percentile (large users) for clearances (e.g., doorway height, seat width). Adjustability accommodates the range in between.

12. What is the average eye level (standing) and average human reach height commonly used as anthropometric design data?

    Average standing eye level is about $1500$–$1600$ mm; comfortable overhead reach is about $1900$–$2100$ mm. (Indicative values used for setting display, signage and shelving heights.)

13. List the four organizational patterns by which space (forms and spaces) can be arranged, per Ching.

    Centralized, linear, radial, clustered, and grid organizations (Ching lists five; the four classic non-grid types are centralized, linear, radial, clustered).

14. Describe the ways one space can relate to another in the organization of space.

    Space within a space; interlocking spaces; adjacent spaces; and spaces linked by a common (shared/intermediary) space.

15. Differentiate horizontal and vertical circulation in buildings, giving examples of each.

    Horizontal circulation moves people on the same level: corridors, lobbies, passages, galleries. Vertical circulation moves people between levels: stairs, ramps, lifts (elevators), escalators.

16. State the standard maximum riser and minimum tread (going) dimensions for a public stair, and a common rule relating them.

    Typical public stair: riser $\leq 150$–$175$ mm, tread $\geq 250$–$300$ mm. Comfort rule: $2R + T \approx 600$ mm (where $R$ = riser, $T$ = tread), and $R \times T \approx 41000$–$45000\ \text{mm}^2$.

17. What is the maximum recommended slope (gradient) for a barrier-free / wheelchair ramp?

    Maximum slope $1:12$ (about $8.33\%$). Preferred is $1:15$ or flatter; landings are provided at intervals (e.g., every $9$ m of run or at direction changes).

18. Define 'space standard' and give an example used in residential planning.

    A space standard is a prescribed minimum (or recommended) area/dimension for a given activity or occupancy. Example: minimum habitable room area of about $9.5\ \text{m}^2$ with a minimum width of $2.4$ m, or per-person occupancy standards.

19. What is the typical minimum clear width of a residential corridor and a public corridor?

    Residential corridor minimum clear width about $0.9$–$1.0$ m; public/institutional corridors typically $1.5$–$1.8$ m to allow two-way flow and stretcher/wheelchair movement.

20. Define Universal Design and name its seven principles.

    Universal Design is designing products/environments usable by all people without adaptation. The seven principles: (1) Equitable use, (2) Flexibility in use, (3) Simple and intuitive use, (4) Perceptible information, (5) Tolerance for error, (6) Low physical effort, (7) Size and space for approach and use.

21. What clear floor space (turning circle) is required for a wheelchair to make a 360° turn?

    A turning circle of about $1500$ mm diameter (1.5 m), or a T-shaped turning space within a $1500 \times 1500$ mm area.

22. Define 'building byelaws' and name the document that consolidates them at national level in India.

    Building byelaws are local legal regulations governing building activity (setbacks, height, FAR, occupancy, safety). At national level they are guided by the National Building Code (NBC) of India, with local bodies framing their own byelaws.

See more Common flashcards →

Planning Common for GATE Architecture & Planning

Common (GATE Architecture & Planning) FAQ