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NCARB Project-Planning-Design Exam - Topic 1 Question 14 Discussion

Posted by Cristal on May 07, 2026 at 03:27 PM

An elementary school requires a renovation, selective demolition, and a major addition in order to accommodate a growing student population. An architectural firm has prepared schematic design plans incorporating the school's increased programmatic needs, including an enlarged library, cafeteria, and gymnasium; a secure courtyard; and additional space for administrative offices and classrooms. The main entrance was relocated in order to improve the traffic and pedestrian flow at the beginning and end of the school day, and additional parking was provided to comply with current zoning requirements.

The existing single-story masonry building was built in 1950. Two small additions were built later: the north addition will be kept and repurposed, but the south addition will be demolished. The building contains asbestos and lead in roof soffits, floor tiles, pipe insulation, and window paint. All existing mechanical systems need to be replaced; new systems have not been selected.

Considerations for the renovation include:

* The relocated front entrance must be easily recognizable, highly visible, and secure.

* Interior and exterior materials need to be durable and maintainable in order to withstand frequent student abuse, but also economical due to strict budget limitations.

* Good indoor air quality and increased energy efficiency are priorities for the selection of mechanical equipment.

After completion, the entire school should look uniform, without a distinctive difference between the existing building and new addition.

Building information:

* Construction Type is II-B.

The following resources are available for your reference:

* Existing Plans, including site and floor plans

* Proposed Plans, including site and floor plans

* Cost Analysis

* Zoning Ordinance Excerpts, for off-street parking requirements

* IBC Excerpts, showing relevant code sections

* ADA Standards Excerpts, showing relevant sections from the ADA Standards for Accessible Design

An elementary school library has an occupancy load of 150.

What is the minimum clear opening width required?

Suggested Answer: C

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

According to ADA Standards and IBC egress requirements for an occupancy load of 150, the minimum clear opening width for doors must be at least 36 inches to accommodate the expected occupant flow and provide accessible egress.

30' or 32' openings are too narrow for this occupancy load.

Ensuring the minimum door width meets code is essential for safe and accessible design.


ADA Standards for Accessible Design

IBC Chapter 10 -- Means of Egress

ARE 5.0 PPD -- Codes and Regulations

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24 comments · newest first
SH
Sherman 2 days ago
Plus, it meets ADA requirements.
NI
Nickole 7 days ago
Right! It allows for better flow during busy times.
PA
Paz 12 days ago
I read somewhere that 36 inches is the standard for libraries.
AL
Albina 17 days ago
But is 32 inches enough? I’m not sure.
SH
Sherman 23 days ago
Agreed! Wider openings are safer for everyone.
BE
Berry 28 days ago
Definitely! I lean towards option C, 36 inches.
NI
Nickole 1 month ago
This question is tricky. I think it's about accessibility.
FL
Fletcher 1 month ago
I just hope they consider future growth too.
NA
Natalie 1 month ago
Exactly, safety is key. But B) is still compliant.
BR
Brigette 2 months ago
I just want to make sure everyone can fit through easily.
SE
Sean 2 months ago
True, but we have to stick to the minimum requirements.
FL
Fletcher 2 months ago
But what if we have a lot of students at once? C) 36" might be better.
NA
Natalie 2 months ago
I agree with B) 32". It meets the code for libraries.
BR
Brigette 2 months ago
I feel like it should be C) 36". More space is safer.
SE
Sean 2 months ago
This question is tricky. I think it’s B) 32".
KA
Kayleigh 3 months ago
36" seems standard, but I hope they double-check the codes!
JA
Jani 3 months ago
I thought it would be wider for a school setting.
CA
Cary 3 months ago
Wait, is that really enough for 150 kids?
LU
Luisa 3 months ago
Totally agree, safety first!
TW
Twanna 3 months ago
The minimum clear opening width for a library is 36".
RO
Rory 4 months ago
I believe it’s 36 inches for accessibility, especially since we need to comply with ADA standards. That seems to fit with what we studied.
OR
Oren 5 months ago
I’m a bit confused about this one. I thought it depended on the specific occupancy type, but I can't recall the exact requirements.
AN
Antione 5 months ago
I remember something about clear opening widths from our practice questions, and I feel like 36 inches is often the standard for larger spaces.
KI
Kimberlie 5 months ago
I think the minimum clear opening width for an occupancy load of 150 might be 32 inches, but I'm not entirely sure.
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