The prescriptive building approach focuses on which two factors?

• A. The aesthetics of the building
• B. How the building needs to be constructed
• C. The occupancy type
• D. The color of the exterior finish

Answer: (B)

The prescriptive building approach is about specifying exactly how a building must be built—down to the materials, components, and how they are assembled and installed. It lays out concrete requirements for what materials and products can be used, the specific assemblies (like wall, floor, or roof systems), and the installation details (dimensions, joints, fasteners, and sequencing) needed to meet the code. Because of that focus, the emphasis is on how the building needs to be constructed—the construction methods and the components—rather than on how the building will perform or look. Aesthetics, occupancy type, and exterior color relate to appearance or use, not the mandated construction details.