# Project Planning & Design **URL:** https://community.blackspectacles.com/c/project-planning-design/9.md?page=1 [Latest](https://community.blackspectacles.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.blackspectacles.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.blackspectacles.com/tags.md) **Page:** 2 --- ## [ARE Live: PPD Mock Exam December 2025](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-ppd-mock-exam-december-2025/7647)
**Author:** [@patrickfinnigan](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/patrickfinnigan)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2025, 6:45pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-ppd-mock-exam-december-2025/7647 "2025-12-17T18:45:57Z")
Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock on Wednesday, December 17th at noon CT for a deep dive into the Project Planning & Design (PPD) division with a mock practice exam on this episode of ARE Live! Click he… --- ## [PPD Supplement Study Material](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-supplement-study-material/7617)
**Author:** [@lantenore](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/lantenore)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2025, 9:56pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-supplement-study-material/7617 "2025-12-10T21:56:54Z")
Hello, Can you give a list of suggested additional and supplemental material to go along the PPD lessons? I watched all the lesson, done the quizzes and complete a couple of prep tests but I found the info contained wi… --- ## [Struct beam with a uniform loading and point load](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/struct-beam-with-a-uniform-loading-and-point-load/5533)
**Author:** [@vmoreno](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/vmoreno)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2025, 9:47pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/struct-beam-with-a-uniform-loading-and-point-load/5533 "2025-12-01T21:47:46Z")
“structural engineer to design a new beam so that a load-bearing wall can be removed on a renovation project”…“Which of the following diagrams accurately depicts the shear forces that the beam will be subject to?” I sele… --- ## [Exam practice questions for ppd &pdd](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-practice-questions-for-ppd-pdd/7561)
**Author:** [@philo\_let](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/philo_let)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2025, 1:01am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-practice-questions-for-ppd-pdd/7561 "2025-11-28T01:01:37Z")
Ok…I recently used practice forms for ppd and pdd. I felt codes related questions are not my strengths. Do we need memorize those fire rating hours between different occupancies? For the case studies, some questions tha… --- ## [Weep Holes in Retaining Walls](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/weep-holes-in-retaining-walls/7560)
**Author:** [@bmeekins16](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/bmeekins16)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2025, 7:28pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/weep-holes-in-retaining-walls/7560 "2025-11-25T19:28:36Z")
I just took one of the practice exams and came across this question: An architect is designing a new boat house by a lake. The site slopes down from the boat house towards the lake with a significant 2’ drop in one loca… --- ## [Advice on different video/ study guide format for PPD and PDD?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/advice-on-different-video-study-guide-format-for-ppd-and-pdd/7544)
**Author:** [@mlapointe](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mlapointe)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2025, 6:04pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/advice-on-different-video-study-guide-format-for-ppd-and-pdd/7544 "2025-11-25T18:04:25Z")
Hi everyone! I could use some advice or maybe just even words of encouragement. I used black spectacles to pass for first 4 exams (PcM, PjM, CE, and PA) fairly quickly. I have now begun studying for PPD and I am just not… --- ## [Urban analysis / site connections](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/urban-analysis-site-connections/7528)
**Author:** [@aidenjh](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/aidenjh)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 2:10am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/urban-analysis-site-connections/7528 "2025-11-10T02:10:30Z")
@coachjoeyandrada @coachfaithbroussard When we prepare an urban analysis for a set of potential sites to evaluate the pros and cons, one of the things we can focus on is the “connections available” at each site. Would … --- ## [Wind loads & wind pressure](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/wind-loads-wind-pressure/7388)
**Author:** [@sderekandemily](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sderekandemily)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2025, 9:02pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/wind-loads-wind-pressure/7388 "2025-07-31T21:02:10Z")
On My last PPD exam that I took I had a lot of Wind pressure and Wind load diagrams that I was unfamiliar with. Since then I have been able to study some diagrams in the building construction illustrated book, but I am l… --- ## [Study group for PPD](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/study-group-for-ppd/7116)
**Author:** [@p.ghoshroy](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/p.ghoshroy)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2025, 6:42pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/study-group-for-ppd/7116 "2025-07-21T18:42:03Z")
Hi everyone, looking for a study group here. I have PPD and PDD for the last two tests. I have taken both tests a few times but have not passed. Would like to see if a study group could help push me through. I am locat… --- ## [PPD Section 2 Quiz](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-section-2-quiz/7197)
**Author:** [@p.ghoshroy](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/p.ghoshroy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2025, 10:02pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-section-2-quiz/7197 "2025-07-15T22:02:10Z")
There is a question as shown below: "The owner of a lot in a business-zoned district wants to build a new funeral home on the property. A funeral home is allowable in this district with the appropriate zoning approvals. … --- ## [Here Comes The Sun](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/here-comes-the-sun/7185)
**Author:** [@rossishikawa](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/rossishikawa)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2025, 3:54pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/here-comes-the-sun/7185 "2025-07-10T15:54:24Z")
Hey PPD studiers! In a recent Virtual Workshop, @coachcandaceseda fielded the following question: “How does solar access change design decisions in colder climates?” There are a number of ways a design can maximize the … --- ## [Occupant load - Virtual Workshop Help](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/occupant-load-virtual-workshop-help/6827)
**Author:** [@cgutierr](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/cgutierr)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2025, 1:35am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/occupant-load-virtual-workshop-help/6827 "2025-04-24T01:35:32Z")
@coachmarissayee From yesterday’s PPD code workshop, in the last question we covered number of exits. We determined 2 exits based on 490 occupants and divided by 2. I had a question if the scenario was slightly different… --- ## [PE Form 3, question #78](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pe-form-3-question-78/6804)
**Author:** [@jamespongsa](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/jamespongsa)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2025, 12:52am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pe-form-3-question-78/6804 "2025-04-24T00:52:31Z")
The question stated that “groundwater is expected to be found 5 to 6 feet below grade,” and the correct answer is “Provide a foundation drain”. How do you drain the foundation when it is below the water table? Can someon… --- ## [Issue with drag and drop in the Practice Exams](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/issue-with-drag-and-drop-in-the-practice-exams/6803)
**Author:** [@jamespongsa](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/jamespongsa)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2025, 5:50pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/issue-with-drag-and-drop-in-the-practice-exams/6803 "2025-04-23T17:50:58Z")
I think this is an Issue with drag and drop questions in the Practice Exams. --- ## [Desiging concept around the lake or pond in cold, temperate, hot and arid, and hot and humid](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/desiging-concept-around-the-lake-or-pond-in-cold-temperate-hot-and-arid-and-hot-and-humid/6789)
**Author:** [@jamespongsa](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/jamespongsa)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2025, 5:58pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/desiging-concept-around-the-lake-or-pond-in-cold-temperate-hot-and-arid-and-hot-and-humid/6789 "2025-04-22T17:58:32Z")
In Practice Exam Form 2, #65, it stated that the building should be on the north side of the lake. Can someone explain this concept? --- ## [Sun Wind & Light Book](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/sun-wind-light-book/6725)
**Author:** [@cgutierr](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/cgutierr)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2025, 10:00pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/sun-wind-light-book/6725 "2025-04-10T22:00:25Z")
Looking for advice on how to read through the Sun Wind and Light book. You mentioned some notes on how to tackle it during the virtual workshop and I would appreciate hearing your thoughts. @coachcandaceseda --- ## [Overlay district question from PPD virtual workshop](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/overlay-district-question-from-ppd-virtual-workshop/6724)
**Author:** [@cgutierr](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/cgutierr)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2025, 1:23pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/overlay-district-question-from-ppd-virtual-workshop/6724 "2025-04-03T13:23:00Z")
@coachcandaceseda In this past Sunday’s virtual workshop for Part One, you all discussed the zoning districts. You mentioned that because C and D sites were in residential districts that didn’t allow for commercial they … --- ## [Albedo and Emissivity](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/albedo-and-emissivity/6648)
**Author:** [@Dayniel03](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Dayniel03)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2025, 7:49pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/albedo-and-emissivity/6648 "2025-03-18T19:49:28Z")
Hello, I’ve been able to understand better the subjects about heat island effect, albedo and emissivity. In essence, its good to have high albedo and high emissivity. The question I have is if this is across all the di… --- ## [Past ARE LIVE Workshops](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/past-are-live-workshops/6625)
**Author:** [@Dayniel03](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Dayniel03)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2025, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/past-are-live-workshops/6625 "2025-03-10T22:56:49Z")
Hello, I am interested in links to the following workshops. evaluating & calculating MEP systems understanding structural systems and seismic impact on design determining occupancy, building massing and construction ty… --- ## [PPD Study Group](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-study-group/6557)
**Author:** [@patrickfinnigan](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/patrickfinnigan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2025, 6:50pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-study-group/6557 "2025-03-04T18:50:08Z")
Hey everyone! If you’re studying for PPD and looking for a study group, drop a comment below! Connecting with others can help with accountability, sharing study tips, and staying motivated. --- ## [PPD - Areas of Weakness](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-areas-of-weakness/6602)
**Author:** [@Dayniel03](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Dayniel03)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2025, 10:47pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-areas-of-weakness/6602 "2025-03-03T22:47:56Z")
Hello, Is there any information that I can study to understand better wind forces? Do you have any practice questions that are specific to this subject? thanks! --- ## [Help passing PPD](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/help-passing-ppd/6546)
**Author:** [@sdhl333](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sdhl333)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2025, 8:40pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/help-passing-ppd/6546 "2025-02-24T20:40:31Z")
Hi! This is my last test left!, I have taken it 3 times, the first one I failed, I didn’t study much about earthquakes, and a lot of that was in the test then the second time I had some techinical problems with the test … --- ## [Seismic & how it affects specific building elements](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/seismic-how-it-affects-specific-building-elements/6480)
**Author:** [@joanna](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/joanna)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 5:14pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/seismic-how-it-affects-specific-building-elements/6480 "2025-02-19T17:14:24Z")
Where can I find more information about how earthquakes affect specific elements in a building. Which element should be more secure? How should they be secured or allow for movement? --- ## [Update?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/update/6388)
**Author:** [@danielle\_kisseberth](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/danielle_kisseberth)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2025, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/update/6388 "2025-01-29T22:22:21Z")
When will the content for Project Planning and Design be updated to the new video format? --- ## [FAR exercises](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/far-exercises/6385)
**Author:** [@anastasia.read](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/anastasia.read)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2025, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/far-exercises/6385 "2025-01-29T22:15:38Z")
Hello, does anybody know of a bank of FAR practice problems. I need to do them over and over. --- ## [Books](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/books/6332)
**Author:** [@anastasia.read](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/anastasia.read)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 2:24am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/books/6332 "2025-01-16T02:24:53Z")
What books are helpful to read that accompany this PPD Study Plan --- ## [ARE Live: PPD Mock Exam November 2024](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-ppd-mock-exam-november-2024/6223)
**Author:** [@patrickfinnigan](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/patrickfinnigan)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2024, 6:59pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-ppd-mock-exam-november-2024/6223 "2024-11-13T18:59:26Z")
Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock this Wednesday, November 13th at noon CT for a deep dive into the Project Planning & Design division with a mock practice exam on this episode of ARE Live! Click here t… --- ## [PPD Practice Exam #3 Q65](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-practice-exam-3-q65/6180)
**Author:** [@thinlinegroup.llc](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/thinlinegroup.llc)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2024, 4:21pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-practice-exam-3-q65/6180 "2024-10-24T16:21:17Z")
It is not possible to answer the question because there is just one element on the left column to place on the site when the question is calling to locate 3 elements. Could you please fix this issue? --- ## [PPD and PDD workshops](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-and-pdd-workshops/6060)
**Author:** [@cgutierr](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/cgutierr)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2024, 1:57am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-and-pdd-workshops/6060 "2024-09-05T01:57:04Z")
The virtual workshops are conflicting on Tuesday Sept 3rd, as well as, the following workshops on Sundays. Could these workshops be coordinated to allow for attendance to both? These exams have the most overlap and it wo… --- ## [Egress Procedures](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/egress-procedures/6023)
**Author:** [@delaney.cole](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/delaney.cole)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2024, 3:26pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/egress-procedures/6023 "2024-07-26T15:26:56Z")
Hi! I’m looking for a resource about how systems respond during egress procedures in a building during an emergency (which doors close, how elevators are programmed to respond…ect) Could anyone point me to a helpful NCA… [Previous page](https://community.blackspectacles.com/c/project-planning-design/9.md) [Next page](https://community.blackspectacles.com/c/project-planning-design/9.md?page=2)