SITE STUDIES AND SITE PALNING
Site planning in landscape architecture and architecture refers to the
organizational stage of the landscape design process.
It involves the organization of land use zoning, access, circulation, privacy,
security, shelter, land drainage, and other factors.
This is done by arranging the compositional elements of landform, planting,
water, buildings and paving and building in site plans.
Site planning generally begins by assessing a potential site for development
through site analysis.
Information about slope, soils, hydrology, vegetation, parcel ownership,
orientation, etc. are assessed and mapped.
The first rule of site planning is to understand the site. This requires
the collection of information on existing natural, constructed and
other features of the site, with the express aim of:
a) Understanding the existing form of a locality and the
relationships that have caused its development;
b) Identifying the qualities and character of the existing urban
form; and
c) Identifying a successful development pattern and inappropriate
developments.
Site Analysis
Site analysis involves looking at the features of the site and the
immediate surrounding area and, where possible, presenting the
information in a diagrammatical plan. That plan should include
the following minimum elements:
a) the site’s dimensions and areas;
b) north point and the site’s orientation (e.g. solar access);
c) topography (with 0.5 to 1 metre contours);
d) road and pedestrian access points;
e) services and infrastructure (e.g. electricity poles, storm water
drainage lines, natural drainage, kerb crossings and easements);
f) rights of way;
g) views to and from the site (more detail is provided below);
h) site overland flows and drainage patterns;
i) geotechnical characteristics of the site and suitability for
development;
j) location of site in relation to shops, community facilities and
transport;
k) heritage items on site or on adjoining properties;
l) form and character of adjacent and opposite buildings in the
streetscape, including both sides of any street that the
development fronts;
m) location and use of any existing buildings or built features on the
site;
n) location and important characteristics of adjacent public,
communal and private open spaces;
o) location of significant vegetation on the site;
p) location of any significant noise sources on and in the vicinity of
the site; and
q) assessment of site contamination and/or remediation.
SITE CONDITION
• Under Topography, 5 degree slope is noticed
• Analyzing the conditions, ideal location for building can be
established
• High spot might be right for building & low spot for water body
• For prevailing hot winds, trees would act as buffer
• Openings in building could be placed to absorb cooler winds
SITE ANALYSIS : INVENTORY LIST
Subsurface Features
Geology: Geological history of the area, bedrock type & depth
etc.
Hydrology: Underground water table, aquifers, springs etc.
Soil Genesis: erosion susceptibility, moisture (pF), reaction
(pH) organic content, bearing capacity etc.
Natural Surface Features
Vegetation: Type, size, location, shade pattern, aesthetics,
ecology etc.
Slopes: Gradient, landforms, elevations, drainage patterns
Wild Life: ecology, species etc.
Climate: precipitation, annual rain/snow, humidity, wind
direction, solar intensity & orientation, average/highest/lowest
temperature
Cultural & Man-made Features
Utilities: sanitary, water supply, gas, electrical etc.
Land use: Usage of site, adjacent use, zoning restrictions,
easement etc.
Historic notes: archeological sites, landmarks, building type,
size, condition
Circulation: linkages an transit roads, auto & pedestrian access,
mass transit routes etc.
Social Factors: population, intensity, educational level,
economic & political factors, ethnicity, cultural typology etc.
Aesthetic Factors:
Perceptual: from an auto, by pedestrian, by bike etc.
Spatial Pattern: views of the site, views from the site, spaces
existing, potential for new areas, sequential relationship
Natural Features: significant natural features of the site, water
elements, rock formations, plant materials
