Schematic Design (SD) ARE Mock Exam (Architect Registration Exam): ARE Overview, Exam Prep Tips, Graphic Vignettes, Solutions and Explanations
Each person has his/her own preference. There is more than one way to pass the ARE SD exam. Either Bubble diagrams or the charts will work, but I personally think the charts take too much time to develop, and they basically repeat the info that is already there in the program. If charts work well for you, that is great, continue to do it that way. However, many others including myself pass SD using bubble diagrams WITHOUT using the charts. I also have A LOT of time left over to check my SD vignettes many times, and end up submitting my solutions with hours left for BL and pass on the first try. Doing Bubble diagrams is a very feasible solution to solve the time-constraint issues for SD exam. Many people complain there is too little time for IL or BL, I am giving you a tip. Take it or leave it, it is up to you.We have discussed bubble diagrams in details in our book, "Schematic Design (SD)ARE Mock Exam (Architect Registration Exam)." You can look inside this book at Amazon.com or books.Google.com We also uploaded a sample bubble diagram as a customer image at the upper left hand corner of this book's Amazon listing page. Here is an excerpt from our book: "Use the paper and pencil provided by the test center to draw a simplebubble diagram to show the relationship between the rooms. This is the HARDEST part of the vignette. The bubble diagram does NOT have to be pretty and does NOT have to be to scale. They key is to do the bubble diagram quickly and turn the program requirements into graphics in the shortest time. The bubble diagram is for YOU. As long as YOU can read it, it is good enough. Architects love graphic thinking. A bubble diagram isa great tool and the key to passing this vignette." Quoted from page 65 of "Schematic Design (SD)ARE Mock Exam (Architect Registration Exam)"Copyright 2011 Gang Chen,Author, AIA, LEED AP BD+CWhat others are saying aboutSchematic Design (SD)ARE Mock Exam (Architect Registration Exam)... "Excellent Guide!"I read this book after having already studied significantly for the exam, and still felt the helpful graphics and clear step-by-step instructions to be valuable. If you are just starting out for this exam, this book will prove an invaluable resource for navigating the online design tools and deciding how to approach each vignette. The design methodology and technical guidelines are extremely clear -- welcome advice to get through these punishing exams."--Katherine E. Scott "Dissecting Design"My congratulations to Gang Chen for dissecting the process of design for this exam. His creative, analytic, witty tools provide a methodical manner of approach exactly needed on the exam. Every one has their own process (we are designers after all), but there are "ah ha" moments that are worth your time investigating and incorporating. Thanks again for your hard work, it is a gem to all of us!Update: Passed Exam!! Thank GOD!!!"--Julie Babikian (BUILD "1COR.3:9-11")