AR 318 MIDTERM REVIEWERS

Multiple Choice Questions on Tropical Climate Design:

1. What defines a climate according to the passage?
• A) The presence of trade winds
• B) Various meteorological factors including temperature and precipitation
• C) The length of the dry season
• D) The vegetation composition

2. Why is the term "hot climate" considered insufficient?

• A) It only considers temperature and not other factors
• B) It is not used in scientific classifications
• C) It is a subjective term
• D) It excludes regions near the Equator

3. What is the primary factor defining a tropical climate according to Köppen's classification?
• A) Precipitation
• B) Average monthly temperature
• C) Humidity
• D) Wind patterns

4. Which climate type is not included in Köppen's A-group for tropical climates?
• A) Tropical rainforest climate
• B) Tropical monsoon climate
• C) Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate
• D) Warm climate

5. What is the Pdry range used to classify the tropical monsoon climate?
• A) Greater than 60 mm
• B) Up to 60 mm
• C) Less than 60 mm
• D) Not specified

6. How are the seasons primarily defined in tropical climates?

• A) Temperature variations
• B) Humidity levels
• C) Rainfall patterns
• D) Wind directions

7. In which climate type does transpiration contribute significantly to humidity?

• A) Tropical monsoon climate
• B) Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate
• C) Tropical rainforest climate
• D) Warm climate

8. What distinguishes the tropical monsoon climate from other tropical climates?
• A) Short-drought season in winter
• B) Lack of precipitation
• C) Uniform temperature throughout the year
• D) Extended dry season in summer

9. Which region is NOT mentioned as being typical for the tropical monsoon climate?
• A) India
• B) Australia's northern coast
• C) Central Africa
• D) South America

10. What are the typical characteristics of the tropical monsoon forest's top layer?
• A) Dense layer of shrubs
• B) Canopy trees growing closely together
• C) Trees up to 15 meters tall
• D) Annual temperature range of 3.6°C

11. What is the distinguishing feature of the tropical wet and dry or savanna climate?
• A) High winter rainfall
• B) Extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C
• C) Short dry season from June to September
• D) Grassland vegetation with three layered structures
 12. What is the annual rainfall range for tropical savanna climates?
• A) 1000 to 1500 mm
• B) 500 to 700 mm
• C) 700 to 1000 mm
• D) 2000 to 2500 mm

13. Which vegetation is characteristic of tropical monsoon climates?

• A) Bengal bamboo and bougainvillea
• B) Rhodes grass and red oats grass
• C) Acacia senegal and elephant grass
• D) Coffee, cocoa, and oil palm

14. What contributes to the small annual temperature changes in tropical climates?
• A) Trade winds
• B) High humidity
• C) Flat grassland vegetation
• D) Lack of sunlight

15. What is the primary factor determining the diversity of vegetation in tropical rainforest climates?
• A) Annual temperature range
• B) Abundant precipitation and warmth
• C) Trade winds along coasts
• D) Dry spells during the dry season

Philippines' Climatic Aspect Trivia Questionnaire:

1. What is the mean annual temperature in the Philippines, excluding Baguio?
a) 18.3oC
b) 25.5oC
c) 26.6oC
d) 28.3Oc

2. Which month experiences the coolest temperature in the Philippines?

a) March
b) May
c) January
d) September

3. How is the average annual temperature affected by altitude in the Philippines?

a) Latitude
b) Altitude
c) Longitude
d) Humidity

4. What is the primary cause of high relative humidity in the Philippines?

a) Low temperature
b) Proximity to bodies of water
c) Low rainfall
d) Altitude

5. During which months does the rainy season occur in the Philippines?
a) December to May
b) March to May
c) June to November
d) January to February

6. How many climate types are recognized in the Philippines based on rainfall distribution?
a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five

7. Which monsoon is known for its dominant westerly component and heavy rain in the Philippines?
a) Northeast Monsoon
b) Southwest Monsoon
c) Summer Monsoon
d) Winter Monsoon
 8. What percentage of annual rainfall in the northern Philippines is attributed to tropical cyclones?
a) Less than 10%
b) 30%
c) 50%
d) 70%

9. In what months does the Philippines experience typhoons most frequently?

a) January to March
b) July to October
c) April to June
d) November to December

10. How has the Philippines officially classified typhoons with sustained winds of more than 220 km/h?
a) Category 5
b) Super Typhoon (STY)
c) Extreme Typhoon (XTY)
d) Mega Typhoon (MTY)

Sun Control and Shading Devices Questionnaire:

1. Why might limiting sunlight be important in building design?
a) To increase solar gain
b) To reduce daylighting
c) To decrease cooling energy consumption
d) To enhance glare

2. What is a potential benefit of well-designed sun control and shading devices?

a) Increased solar gain
b) Reduced visual comfort
c) Higher cooling energy consumption
d) Improved user satisfaction and productivity

3. Which external shading device is mentioned as effective for preventing solar heat gain in warm climates?
a) Light shelves
b) Awnings
c) Vertical louvers
d) Roll-down blinds

4. Why is the solar orientation of a building important in designing shading devices?

a) It influences the design of effective shading devices
b) It has no impact on shading device design
c) It determines the color of shading devices
d) It affects the building's height

5. What is the role of landscape features in providing shading in sustainable building design?
a) Enhance solar gain
b) Increase cooling energy consumption
c) Conserve energy and provide shading
d) Improve glare control

6. According to the design guideline, what is the recommended window-to-wall ratio (WWR)?
a) Less than 20%
b) Around 50%
c) Not mentioned
d) Not applicable

7. What is the purpose of light shelves in building design?

a) Block natural light
b) Bounce natural light deep into building interiors
c) Act as external shading devices
d) Reflect sunlight onto neighboring buildings

8. What is the significance of understanding sun angles in the design process?

a) It has no impact on the design
b) It helps determine basic building orientation and shading device placement
c) It influences the choice of building materials
d) It affects the interior layout

9. Which type of glass is mentioned as reducing the need for exterior shading devices?
a) Reflective glass
b) Low-E glazing with low shading coefficient (SC)
c) Tinted glass
d) Opaque glass
 10. What is a key consideration when using operable shading devices?
a) They require minimal maintenance
b) They do not impact visual comfort
c) Hazards like nesting birds may affect practicality
d) They are only suitable for small commercial buildings

Philippines' Climatic Aspect Trivia - Identification Questionnaire:

1. Temperature Extremes:
• Question: What is the coolest month in the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) May
• b) February
• c) January
• d) June

2. Altitude Impact on Temperature:

• Question: How does altitude affect temperature in Baguio?
• Options:
• a) Increases temperature
• b) Decreases temperature
• c) No impact on temperature
• d) Causes rainfall

3. Primary Determinant of High Humidity:

• Question: What is the primary reason for high relative humidity in the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) Low temperatures
• b) Proximity to bodies of water
• c) Low rainfall
• d) Low cloud cover

4. Rainfall Variability:
• Question: Which factor causes variations in rainfall distribution across the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) Altitude
• b) Latitude
• c) Moisture-bearing winds and mountain systems
• d) Typhoons

5. Distinct Seasons:
• Question: How many major seasons does the Philippines have based on temperature and rainfall?
• Options:
• a) One
• b) Three
• c) Four
• d) Two

6. Cool Dry Season:

• Question: When does the cool dry season occur in the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) June to November
• b) December to February
• c) March to May
• d) January to March

7. Climate Types Based on Rainfall:

• Question: How many climate types are recognized based on rainfall distribution?
• Options:
• a) Two
• b) Three
• c) Four
• d) Five
 8. Monsoons in the Philippines:
• Question: What are the two types of monsoons in the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) South monsoon and North monsoon
• b) West monsoon and East monsoon
• c) Southwest monsoon and Northeast monsoon
• d) Summer monsoon and Winter monsoon

9. Typhoon Belt Location:

• Question: Where is the Philippines located in relation to the typhoon belt?
• Options:
• a) Outside the typhoon belt
• b) Partially in the typhoon belt
• c) Across the typhoon belt
• d) Near the equator

10. Climate Change Impact:

• Question: What is one of the most pressing environmental issues confronting the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) Deforestation
• b) Air pollution
• c) Climate change
• d) Overpopulation

Philippines' Climatic Aspect Trivia - Identification Questionnaire:

1. Temperature Extremes:
• Question: What is the coolest month in the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) May
• b) February
• c) January
• d) June

2. Altitude Impact on Temperature:

• Question: How does altitude affect temperature in Baguio?
• Options:
• a) Increases temperature
• b) Decreases temperature
• c) No impact on temperature
• d) Causes rainfall

3. Primary Determinant of High Humidity:

• Question: What is the primary reason for high relative humidity in the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) Low temperatures
• b) Proximity to bodies of water
• c) Low rainfall
• d) Low cloud cover

4. Rainfall Variability:
• Question: Which factor causes variations in rainfall distribution across the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) Altitude
• b) Latitude
• c) Moisture-bearing winds and mountain systems
• d) Typhoons

5. Distinct Seasons:
• Question: How many major seasons does the Philippines have based on temperature and rainfall?
• Options:
• a) One
• b) Three
• c) Four
• d) Two
 6. Cool Dry Season:
• Question: When does the cool dry season occur in the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) June to November
• b) December to February
• c) March to May
• d) January to March

7. Climate Types Based on Rainfall:

• Question: How many climate types are recognized based on rainfall distribution?
• Options:
• a) Two
• b) Three
• c) Four
• d) Five

8. Monsoons in the Philippines:

• Question: What are the two types of monsoons in the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) South monsoon and North monsoon
• b) West monsoon and East monsoon
• c) Southwest monsoon and Northeast monsoon
• d) Summer monsoon and Winter monsoon

9. Typhoon Belt Location:

• Question: Where is the Philippines located in relation to the typhoon belt?
• Options:
• a) Outside the typhoon belt
• b) Partially in the typhoon belt
• c) Across the typhoon belt
• d) Near the equator

10. Climate Change Impact:

• Question: What is one of the most pressing environmental issues confronting the Philippines?
• Options:
• a) Deforestation
• b) Air pollution
• c) Climate change
• d) Overpopulation

Certainly! Here are the answer keys for the Philippines' Climatic Aspect Trivia - Identification Questionnaire:
1. Coolest Month in the Philippines:
• Answer: c) January
2. Altitude Impact on Temperature in Baguio:
• Answer: b) Decreases temperature
3. Primary Determinant of High Humidity:
• Answer: b) Proximity to bodies of water
4. Factor Causing Variations in Rainfall Distribution:
• Answer: c) Moisture-bearing winds and mountain systems
5. Number of Major Seasons in the Philippines:
• Answer: d) Two
6. Occurrence of Cool Dry Season:
• Answer: b) December to February
7. Number of Recognized Climate Types Based on Rainfall:
• Answer: c) Four
8. Two Types of Monsoons in the Philippines:
• Answer: c) Southwest monsoon and Northeast monsoon
9. Location of the Philippines in the Typhoon Belt:
• Answer: c) Across the typhoon belt
10. Most Pressing Environmental Issue Confronting the Philippines:
• Answer: c) Climate change
 30 strategies to consider in the design of sustainable building in the tropical climate can be outlined: (Reference on
Sustainable Building in the Tropical Climate: Principles and Applications on Eastern Africa)
1. Site analysis: Assess the local context including the topography of the site. Collect data on temperature, relative humidity,
wind’s speed and direction, solar path and radiation.

2. Building footprint: The footprint of the building should ideally cover not more than
60% of the plot.

3. Building orientation: Design the long axis of the building to be along East–West to
minimize direct solar radiation penetration in the building and reduce heat gain.

4. Building shape: Design it according to climatic zone. For hot-humid region, use narrow
plans to maximize natural light, cross-ventilation and minimize heat gain. For hot-arid
regions, use compact forms with courtyards to retain cold air in the building and
minimize heat gain. Give preference to multi-storey building to increase density and
maximize resources.

5. Allocation of spaces within the building: Services, e.g. toilets, staircases, lift, lobbies to
be located on the East- and West-facing walls to act as buffer zones against heat gain but
benefiting from daylighting.

6. Opening: Window sizing to be designed according to prevailing climatic conditions and

placement preferably on North and South walls; window to wall ratio (WWR) should not
exceed 40%. Glazing walls should be avoided, unless using special treated glass.

7. Daylighting: Design buildings according to climatic region, with openings on North and
South walls, narrow plants to maximize daylighting, use light shelves in deep spaces.
Window should be at least one-tenth of the floor area. The depth of the room should not
exceed 2.5 times the height of the room.

8. Solar protection: Use sun shading devices, e.g. overhangs, vertical, horizontal shading
elements, balconies, screens and vegetation to minimize heat gain.

9. Natural ventilation: Ensure that cross-ventilation is provided by the openings. Make use of roof vents and openings, thermal
chimneys and clerestory windows. Make use of insulation materials under the roof sheet and design ventilated roofs.

10. Cooling: Integrate passive cooling systems by designing water bodies and features for evaporative cooling (just in hot and arid
regions). Ensure that buildings using air condition appliances are well insulated to limit heat gains and reduce energy demand.

11. Heating: In highland region, enhance passive heat gain. Design passive solar heating strategies to ensure maximum sun
penetration during cold season.

12. Building envelope materials: Always consider the carbon footprint content while
choosing building materials. Give preferences to locally available building materials that
are more appropriate with low energy content. Consider recyclable and reusable
materials with low toxic emissions. Give preference to envelops (wall and roofs) with
low U-value or low heat transmittance properties.

13. External finishes: Make use of light-colored materials on external facades and roofs to
reflect solar radiation in excess, while also incorporating green and living walls, vertical
gardens provided with vegetation that grows on the facades.

14. Renewable energy: Integrate solar energy (thermal and electricity) such as photovoltaic
and solar water heaters; wind energy, biogas and other available renewable energy
systems into the building design.

15. Water conservation and efficiency: Design rainwater harvesting systems. Recycle grey
water. Use water-efficient appliances and water-saving fixtures.

16. Drainage: Provide appropriate drainage technique to mitigate storm water run-off and
facilitate replenishment of water table through rainwater infiltration.

17. Sanitation: In the absence of municipal sewage system, design on-site wastewater
treatment facilities with production of biogas, compost and reused of water for irrigation.

18. Solid waste management: Design provisions for waste separation with on-site sorting
facilities. Introduce innovative systems that encourage the 3R actions: reduce, recycle
and reuse.

19. Landscaping: Design soft landscaping (greening site) with indigenous plants that require
minimal irrigation and hard landscaping with paving materials that allow rainwater permeability. Limit paved areas around the
building to reduce heat island effects.
20. Energy-efficient appliances and energy demand management: Incorporate energy-saving appliances in the building design.
Make use of energy-saving bulbs, light level sensors, occupancy and motion sensors. Encourage behavior change. Ensure that
energy demand management principles are given top priorities by the building occupants.

21. Well-balanced public spaces: Fifty per cent of spaces should be allocated to streets, roads, public spaces, gardens and parks
(30% far streets, 15% open space).

22. Mixed land use: Avoid zoning by combining economic, administrative and residential activities. This reduces the need to travel
and ensures the use of public space.

23. Mixed social structure: Promote social integration and diversity. Encourage cosmopolitan values and the need to live together
and avoid gated communities. Twenty to fifty per cent of residential space should be allocated to affordable housing.

24. Adequate density and compact design: High density neighborhoods that are enough to trigger economies of scale and ensure
livability.

25. Connectivity: Design street patterns and networks that connect the different parts of the city and ease the access to goods and
services.

26. Urban form matters: Support mixed use, street life and walkability by designing compact blocks and buildings.

27. Walkability: Favor pedestrian mobility by emphasizing on walking distances, mixed use and public transport.

28. Active mobility: Street design should provide for pedestrians and cyclist lanes. Cycling extends reach of public transport.

29. Promote the “shift”: Encourage modal shift from energy-intensive modes, (cars) to walking, cycling and using public transport.
Make cycling and walking safe and attractive.

30. Promote vehicle efficiency: Promote green transport by promoting the shift from fossil fuel-dependent vehicles to hybrid and
electric cars.

Answer keys:
1. Site analysis
2. Building footprint
3. Building orientation
4. Building shape
5. Allocation of spaces within the building
6. Opening
7. Daylighting
8. Solar protection
9. Natural ventilation
10. Cooling
11. Heating:
12. Building envelope materials
13. External finishes
14. Renewable energy
15. Water conservation and efficiency
16. Drainage
17. Sanitation
18. Solid waste management
19. Landscaping:
20. Energy-efficient appliances and energy demand management
21. Well-balanced public spaces
22. Mixed land use
23. Mixed social structure
24. Adequate density and compact design
25. Connectivity:
26. Urban form matters
27. Walkability
28. Active mobility
29. Promote the “shift”
30. Promote vehicle efficiency