# Programming & Analysis **URL:** https://community.blackspectacles.com/c/programming-analysis/8.md [Latest](https://community.blackspectacles.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.blackspectacles.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.blackspectacles.com/tags.md) --- ## [Welcome to the PA Community! \[ START HERE \]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-pa-community-start-here/6750)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2025, 4:22pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-pa-community-start-here/6750 "2025-09-25T16:22:29Z")
Have a PA question? Don’t forget to tag one or more of the below ARE Coaches to get a prompt response from a registered architect, who is an expert in PA content areas! Programming & Analysis @coachjoeyandrada @coach… --- ## [Get started in the P&A group](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/get-started-in-the-p-a-group/20)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2025, 5:00am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/get-started-in-the-p-a-group/20 "2025-01-01T05:00:00Z")
Discuss topics around evaluating project requirements, including programming, site analysis, zoning, codes, and project feasibility. We admire your generosity, but please DO NOT post screenshots from our paid content T… --- ## [Real-World Practice - In Progress Applying IBC and Local Codes During Development \[Exercise B\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/real-world-practice-in-progress-applying-ibc-and-local-codes-during-development-exercise-b/7920)
**Author:** [@kinney.bresheena](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kinney.bresheena)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 7:57pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/real-world-practice-in-progress-applying-ibc-and-local-codes-during-development-exercise-b/7920 "2026-09-20T19:57:37Z")
In the base scenario, the question indicates that the facility has no memory care. Could you make the language more IBC-based and refer to the evacuation capabilities of the people living there? I am familiar with the te… --- ## [Soil Density and void relationship](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/soil-density-and-void-relationship/6108)
**Author:** [@RITIKAKAPOOR1311](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/RITIKAKAPOOR1311)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2026, 2:00am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/soil-density-and-void-relationship/6108 "2026-09-13T02:00:42Z")
There is a question in the quiz wanting us to judge how is the void ratio based on density given in psf. Are we supposed to learn all this by heart? There was no table or chart given for reference. --- ## [Programming and planning at suburban area question](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/programming-and-planning-at-suburban-area-question/7915)
**Author:** [@Raya.Alavi](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Raya.Alavi)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 8:58pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/programming-and-planning-at-suburban-area-question/7915 "2026-09-12T20:58:28Z")
There is a note in the question that the site is in “suburban” area! So why shadow case by adjacent building is a correct answer? Also, why “easement” is more better answer than “location of new building”? The sequenc… --- ## [How to practically use brown sheets in the new millennium?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/how-to-practically-use-brown-sheets-in-the-new-millennium/6207)
**Author:** [@kinney.bresheena](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kinney.bresheena)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 5:13pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/how-to-practically-use-brown-sheets-in-the-new-millennium/6207 "2026-08-15T17:13:44Z")
PA Quiz Break 13 - features a question that suggests the use of a drawing tool I am learning for the first time called a brownsheet? On page 206 of the Problem Seeking Book, there is an example of it? Apparently from… --- ## [Clarification Requested on "Cant Strip"](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/clarification-requested-on-cant-strip/7868)
**Author:** [@elie](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/elie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2026, 5:10pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/clarification-requested-on-cant-strip/7868 "2026-07-31T17:10:09Z")
Hello, I came across what I believe may be an issue in PA Mock Exam #3 regarding a question about detailing the roof-to-gutter assembly to avoid material reactions (galvanic corrosion). The correct answer identifies a … --- ## [Architect evaluation for exam scores / subscriptions](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/architect-evaluation-for-exam-scores-subscriptions/7864)
**Author:** [@christopherbwatkins92](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/christopherbwatkins92)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 10:28pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/architect-evaluation-for-exam-scores-subscriptions/7864 "2026-06-30T22:28:36Z")
I recently failed my PA exam and received an email to connect with a licensed architect to walk through my score card. I had signed up for a meeting with each of the two available architects twice each and all 4 times, t… --- ## [PA test 1 Question 20](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-test-1-question-20/7848)
**Author:** [@charmigajjar62](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/charmigajjar62)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2026, 4:04pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-test-1-question-20/7848 "2026-06-10T16:04:25Z")
@coachfaithbroussard How would septic tank location even affect the existing slope? Assuming septic tank cannot be installed on a slope site --- ## [PA test 1 Question 11](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-test-1-question-11/7847)
**Author:** [@charmigajjar62](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/charmigajjar62)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2026, 3:59pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-test-1-question-11/7847 "2026-06-10T15:59:18Z")
@coachjoeyandrada @coachfaithbroussard Can you please explain how is clay a better soil for constructing in seismic prone zone? \[ screenshot removed \] --- ## [Shear strength of soils](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/shear-strength-of-soils/7846)
**Author:** [@ylourdes84](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ylourdes84)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2026, 3:51pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/shear-strength-of-soils/7846 "2026-06-10T15:51:21Z")
As mentioned in the PA video lecture “Geotechnical Reports - Part II”, clay soils have high shear strength, while granular soils have low shear strength. This helps explain why clay is the least susceptible soil type to … --- ## [ARE Live: PA Mock Exam May 2026](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-pa-mock-exam-may-2026/7819)
**Author:** [@patrickfinnigan](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/patrickfinnigan)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2026, 6:01pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-pa-mock-exam-may-2026/7819 "2026-05-20T18:01:50Z")
Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock on Wednesday, May 20th at noon CT for a deep dive into the Programming & Analysis division with a mock practice exam on this episode of ARE Live! Click here to watch AR… --- ## [PA new content update](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-new-content-update/7816)
**Author:** [@Carolin.Roman](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Carolin.Roman)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2026, 8:40pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-new-content-update/7816 "2026-05-06T20:40:13Z")
Hi, I only missed passing by a couple of questions and am currently restudying for the July exam. I understand that NCARB made updates to their content after April 27. Were any sections of the video sessions were update… --- ## [PA Building construction illustrated and Building codes illustrated](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-building-construction-illustrated-and-building-codes-illustrated/7811)
**Author:** [@Carolin.Roman](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Carolin.Roman)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-building-construction-illustrated-and-building-codes-illustrated/7811 "2026-05-01T18:02:44Z")
Hi, Which chapters from Building Construction Illustrated and Building Codes Illustrated should I study for the ARE Practice & Analysis ¶ exam? --- ## [Topology vs Topography](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/topology-vs-topography/7791)
**Author:** [@michael\_heyn](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/michael_heyn)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2026, 7:01pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/topology-vs-topography/7791 "2026-04-17T19:01:41Z")
A Black Spectacles PA practice question asks the following: “A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is being conducted on a site where a new development is being proposed. The site is in a medium-sized municipalit… --- ## [Practice Exam 3, Question #48](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-exam-3-question-48/7775)
**Author:** [@Alisa](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Alisa)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2026, 10:21pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-exam-3-question-48/7775 "2026-04-15T22:21:38Z")
The question talks about active solar technology to assist in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning of a project, but then specifically asks about elements that are part of an active solar heating system. The co… --- ## [Reconstruction vs. Restoration](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/reconstruction-vs-restoration/1969)
**Author:** [@mgc71689](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mgc71689)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2026, 7:25pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/reconstruction-vs-restoration/1969 "2026-04-07T19:25:12Z")
Hello, On one of the PA practice exams there was a question asking to identify which scenarios are preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction. The answer defines restoration as : “process of accurate… --- ## [Practice Exam 3, Question #30](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-exam-3-question-30/7774)
**Author:** [@Alisa](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Alisa)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2026, 1:34pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-exam-3-question-30/7774 "2026-03-29T13:34:02Z")
This question should be answered from the perspective of zoning regulations, where a minimum distance is typically required between a curb cut and an intersection (usually about 50 feet or less, depending on the jurisdic… --- ## [Exam Score Summery](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-score-summery/7772)
**Author:** [@mallick.mousumi](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mallick.mousumi)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2026, 6:40pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-score-summery/7772 "2026-03-28T18:40:42Z")
Hi, I’ve taken the PA exam recently and failed. I was reviewing my exam score summery and got really demotivated by seeing a big difference between “your % correct" to “ passing candidates % correct”. Do I have to match … --- ## [PA Study Notes](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-study-notes/7768)
**Author:** [@oscar](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/oscar)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2026, 12:09pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-study-notes/7768 "2026-03-26T12:09:53Z")
I have started Chapter 4, but my hand has started to hurt from so much writing when studying for the exam and using the computer at work. I can share my notes for Chapter 1-3, and I’m looking for someone’s notes for Chap… --- ## [Applying IBC and Local Codes During Development \[Exercise B\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/applying-ibc-and-local-codes-during-development-exercise-b/7709)
**Author:** [@gregory](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/gregory)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 3:53pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/applying-ibc-and-local-codes-during-development-exercise-b/7709 "2026-03-07T15:53:18Z")
I can not find the parcel numbers or any indication of how to locate the parcel information. --- ## [Applying IBC and Local Codes during Development Ex B question 2](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/applying-ibc-and-local-codes-during-development-ex-b-question-2/7737)
**Author:** [@iaa413](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/iaa413)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2026, 7:32pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/applying-ibc-and-local-codes-during-development-ex-b-question-2/7737 "2026-03-03T19:32:45Z")
The above is correct if you actually go through all the parcels and extract the information and sum up the lot square footages. However, you also provide the information below Site Area combined. And if you use this S… --- ## [Resources for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/resources-for-mechanical-electrical-plumbing-and-structural/7730)
**Author:** [@peaceloveshakti](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/peaceloveshakti)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/resources-for-mechanical-electrical-plumbing-and-structural/7730 "2026-02-20T17:44:48Z")
Hi, I see that there are questions related to MEP and structural. I don’t see those study resources listed in the NCARB list for the PA exam. Which books are you referring to for the questions on the exam? --- ## [Type of slabs](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/type-of-slabs/7673)
**Author:** [@elie](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/elie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 5:04pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/type-of-slabs/7673 "2026-01-02T17:04:03Z")
In the PA video under Section 4.6, “Structural Systems in PA,” specifically for site-cast concrete spans table, what is the difference between a one-way solid slab and a one-way Beam & Slab system? I was reviewing The A… --- ## [Psychrometric chart-Comfort zone](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/psychrometric-chart-comfort-zone/7588)
**Author:** [@elie](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/elie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2025, 11:31pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/psychrometric-chart-comfort-zone/7588 "2025-12-22T23:31:20Z")
In the PA video under Section 4.1, “Effect of Building Design on Occupants,” and in the 1st PA mock exam question, the comfort zone boundary is delineated based on wet-bulb temperature. The PA mock exam explanation state… --- ## [Practice exam score breakdown](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-exam-score-breakdown/7571)
**Author:** [@sedona.quimby](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sedona.quimby)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2025, 8:07pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-exam-score-breakdown/7571 "2025-11-25T20:07:45Z")
Hi! I’ve finished all the PA content and am now using the practice exams to help focus on areas I need to study more. I wish that the score results would say which Objective each question related to, not just on the summ… --- ## [PA practice exam question](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-practice-exam-question/7553)
**Author:** [@sayukismf](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sayukismf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 3:12pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-practice-exam-question/7553 "2025-11-11T15:12:08Z")
A historic 19th-century structure is being rehabilitated to function as a hotel. An erroneous attempt at restoring the structure in the 1930s added architectural elements that are inconsistent with the style of the origi… --- ## [Depth of exterior wall SHOULD impact this daylighting question](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/depth-of-exterior-wall-should-impact-this-daylighting-question/7421)
**Author:** [@avatarlucas](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/avatarlucas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 9:46pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/depth-of-exterior-wall-should-impact-this-daylighting-question/7421 "2025-11-10T21:46:41Z")
In one of your quiz questions for daylighting you note that a double-loaded corridor building has an exterior wall dimension of 18” and that the window is set on the interior side of the wall. You are then supposed to ad… --- ## [Closed Loop Heat Pump systems not flexible?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/closed-loop-heat-pump-systems-not-flexible/7447)
**Author:** [@avatarlucas](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/avatarlucas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2025, 2:22am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/closed-loop-heat-pump-systems-not-flexible/7447 "2025-11-09T02:22:24Z")
In one of your final questions for Section 4, you note that Closed-Loop Heat Pumps “draws the heat from chronically overheated spaces and then distributes it to individual rooms. There is little control or flexibility in… --- ## [Please fix the PA videos!](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/please-fix-the-pa-videos/7523)
**Author:** [@ferg41268](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ferg41268)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2025, 6:32pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/please-fix-the-pa-videos/7523 "2025-10-28T18:32:56Z")
Every time Jen Parks is in the video, I have to look away. Her video is cut and spliced together so many times, making it very difficult to watch. Some videos are cut three to four times per sentence. I have minimized th… [Next page](https://community.blackspectacles.com/c/programming-analysis/8.md?page=1)