AR6512- SITE ANALYSIS AND PLANNING

OBJECTIVES

 To teach the importance of site and its content in architectural creations

 To orient the students towards several influencing factors which govern the siting of a
building or group of buildings in a given site.
 To teach various techniques of site analysis through exercises and case studies.
 To teach the students the methodology of preparing a site analysis diagram. This will
serve as a prelude to any architectural creation through exercises.

UNIT I - INTRODUCTION
Definition of plot, site, land and region, units of measurements. Introduction to survey, methods
of surveying, where they are used, Surveying Instruments and their application. Need for
surveying. Measuring and drawing out a site plan from the measurements

UNIT II - SITE DRAWINGS

Computation of area by geometrical figures and other methods. Drawing marking out plan,
layout plan and centerline plan – Importance, procedure for making these drawings and
dimensioning. Setting out the building plan on site – Procedure and Precautions. Exercises on the
above.

UNIT III - SITE ANALYSIS

importance of site analysis; On site and off site factors; Analysis of natural, cultural and aesthetic
factors – topography, hydrology, soils, vegetation, climate, surface drainage, accessibility, size
and shape, infrastructures available - sources of water supply and means of disposal system,
visual aspects; Preparation of site analysis diagram. Study of microclimate: - vegetation,
landforms and water as modifiers of microclimate. Study of land form; - contours, slope analysis,
grading process, grading criteria, functional and aesthetic considerations – Case studies and
exercises on the above.

UNIT IV - SITE CONTEXT

Context of the site. Introduction to existing master plans land use for cities, development control
Rules. Preparation of maps of matrix analysis & composite analysis. Site selection criteria for
housing development, commercial and institutional projects - Case studies.

UNIT V - SITE PLANNING AND SITE LAYOUT PRINCIPLES

Organization of vehicular and pedestrian circulation, types of roads, hierarchy of roads,
networks, road widths and parking, regulations. Turning radii & street intersections.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 1
UNIT I

INTRODUCTION
Site planning is the organization of an area of land to fit a program for its development which is
efficient, expresses the character of the site, and provides attractive spaces to use.

• To learn and practice a logical method of fitting design programs and sites harmoniously.
• To understand how natural factors (landscape), socio-economic forces (planning), and
technological functions (architecture & engineering) interact in the design process.
• To understand the importance of graphic and verbal communication skills.

Definition of Plot, Site, Land & Region

A lot or plot is a tract or parcel of land owned or meant to be owned by some owner(s). A lot is
essentially considered a parcel of real property in some countries or immovable property
(meaning practically the same thing) in other countries.

A plot plan is an architecture, engineering, and/or landscape architecture plan drawing—

diagram which shows the buildings, utility runs, and equipment layout, the position of roads, and
other constructions of an existing or proposed project site at a defined scale. Plot plans are also
known more commonly as site plans. The plot plan is a 'top-down' orientation.

The specific objects and relations shown are dependent on the purpose for creating the plot plan,
but typically contain: retained and proposed buildings, landscape elements, above ground
features and obstructions, major infrastructure routes, and critical legal considerations such as
property boundaries, setbacks, and rights of way.

Site

Site is the place where something (such as a building) is, was, or will be located

 An area of ground on which a town, building, or monument is constructed.

 The spatial location of an actual or planned structure or set of structures (as a building,
town, or monuments)
 A space of ground occupied or to be occupied by a building
 The place, scene, or point of an occurrence or event

A site plan is an architectural plan, landscape architecture document, and a detailed engineering
drawing of proposed improvements to a given lot. A site plan usually shows a building footprint,
travel ways, parking, drainage facilities, sanitary sewer lines, water lines, trails, lighting, and
landscaping and garden elements.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 2
  Such a plan of a site is a "graphic representation of the arrangement of buildings, parking,
drives, landscaping and any other structure that is part of a development project".
 A site plan is a "set of construction drawings that a builder or contractor uses to make
improvements to a property. Counties can use the site plan to verify that development
codes are being met and as a historical resource. Site plans are often prepared by a design
consultant who must be either a licensed engineer, architect, landscape architect or land
surveyor".

Region

An area, especially part of a country or the world having definable characteristics but not always
fixed boundaries. A region is an area. A region can be geographic — like a part of a country.
A region is any space that is distinct from another area. The word region is from the Latin
regionem which means ―direction, boundary, and district.‖

In geography, regions are areas broadly divided by physical characteristics (physical

geography), human-impact characteristics (human geography), and the interaction of humanity
and the environment (environmental geography). Geographic regions and sub-regions are mostly
described by their imprecisely defined and sometimes transitory boundaries, except in human
geography, where jurisdiction areas such as national borders are clearly defined in law.

Land

The part of the earth's surface that is not covered by water.

 The solid part of the surface of the Earth: an area of ground
 Ground or soil of a specified situation, nature, or quality
 The surface of the earth and all its natural resources
 The term 'land' includes all physical elements in the wealth of a nation bestowed by
nature; such as climate, environment, fields, forests, minerals, mountains, lakes, streams,
seas, and animals. As an asset, it includes anything

Survey

Examine and record the area and features of (an area of land) so as to construct a map, plan, or
description.

Surveying

Surveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of determining the
terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.
A land surveying professional is called a land surveyor. These points are usually on the surface
of the Earth, and they are often used to establish land maps and boundaries for ownership,
locations like building corners or the surface location of subsurface features, or other purposes
required by government or civil law, such as property sales.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 3
Units of Measurements

A unit of measurement is a definite magnitude of a physical quantity, defined and adopted by

convention or by law that is used as a standard for measurement of the same physical quantity.
Any other value of the physical quantity can be expressed as a simple multiple of the unit of
measurement.
For example,

Length is a physical quantity.

The meter is a unit of length that represents a definite predetermined length.

Surveying techniques

Surveyors determine the position of objects by measuring angles and distances. The factors that
can affect the accuracy of their observations are also measured. They then use this data to create
vectors, bearings, co-ordinates, elevations, areas, volumes, plans and maps. Measurements are
often split into horizontal and vertical components to simplify calculation. GPS and astronomic
measurements also need measurement of a time component.

1. Distance measurement

Example of modern equipment for surveying (Field-Map technology): GPS, laser rangefinder
and field computer allows surveying as well as cartography (creation of map in real-time) and
field data collection.
Before EDM devices, distances were measured using a variety of means. These included chains
having links of a known length such as a Gunter's chain, or measuring tapes made of steel
orinvar. To measure horizontal distances, these chains or tapes were pulled taut to reduce
sagging and slack. The distance had to be adjusted for heat expansion. Attempts to hold the
measuring instrument level would also be made. When measuring up a slope, the surveyor might
have to "break" (break chain) the measurement- use an increment less than the total length of the
chain. Perambulators, or measuring wheels, were used to measure longer distances but not to a
high level of accuracy. Tachometry is the science of measuring distances by measuring the angle
between two ends of an object with a known size. It was sometimes used before to the invention
of EDM where rough ground made chain measurement impractical.

2. Angle measurement

Historically, horizontal angles were measured by using a compass to provide a magnetic bearing.
The deflection from the bearing was recorded. Later, more precise scribed discs later improved
better angular resolution. Mounting telescopes with reticles atop the disc allowed more precise
sighting. (See theodolite). Levels and calibrated circles allowed measurement of vertical angles.
Vernier‘s allowed measurement to a fraction of a degree, such as with a turn-of-the-century
transit.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 4
The Plane table provided a graphical method of recording and measuring angles, which reduced
the amount of mathematics required.
By observing the bearing from every vertex in a figure, a surveyor can measure around the
figure. The final observation will be between the two points first observed, except with a 180°
difference. This is called a close. If the first and last bearings are different, this shows the error in
the survey, called the angular misclose. The surveyor can use this information to prove that the
work meets the expected standards.

3. Levelling

The simplest method for measuring height is with an altimeter using air pressure to find height.
When more precise measurements are needed, means like precise levels (also known as
differential leveling) are used. When precise leveling, a series of measurements between two
points are taken using an instrument and a measuring rod. Differences in height between the
measurements are added and subtracted in a series to get the net difference in elevation between
the two endpoints. With the Global Positioning System (GPS), elevation can be measured with
satellite receivers. Usually GPS is somewhat less accurate than traditional precise leveling, but
may be similar over long distances.

When using an optical level, the endpoint may be out of the effective range of the instrument.
There may be obstructions or large changes of elevation between the endpoints. In these
situations, extra setups are needed. Turning is a term used when referring to moving the level to
take an elevation shot from a different location. To "turn" the level, one must first take a reading
and record the elevation of the point the rod is located on. While the rod is being kept in exactly
the same location, the level is moved to a new location where the rod is still visible. A reading is
taken from the new location of the level and the height difference is used to find the new
elevation of the level gun. This is repeated until the series of measurements is completed. The
level must be horizontal to get a valid measurement. Because of this, if the horizontal crosshair
of the instrument is lower than the base of the rod, the surveyor will not be able to sight the rod
and get a reading. The rod can usually be raised up to 25 feet high, allowing the level to be set
much higher than the base of the rod.

4. Determining position

The primary way of determining one's position on the earth's surface when no known positions
are nearby is by astronomic observations. Observations to the sun, moon and stars could all be
made using navigational techniques. Once the instrument's position and bearing to a star is
determined, the bearing can be transferred to a reference point on the earth. The point can then
be used as a base for further observations. Survey-accurate astronomic positions were difficult to
observe and calculate and so tended to be a base off which many other measurements were
made. Since the advent of the GPS system, astronomic observations are rare as GPS allows
adequate positions to be determined over most of the surface of the earth.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 5
Few survey positions are derived from first principles. Instead, most surveys points are measured
relative to previous measured points. This forms a reference or control network where each point
can be used by a surveyor to determine their own position when beginning a new survey.

Survey points are usually marked on the earth's surface by objects ranging from small nails
driven into the ground to large beacons that can be seen from long distances. The surveyors can
set up their instruments on this position and measure to nearby objects. Sometimes a tall,
distinctive feature such as a steeple or radio aerial has its position calculated as a reference point
that angles can be measured against.

Triangulation is a method of horizontal location favoured in the days before EDM and GPS
measurement. It can determine distances, elevations and directions between distant objects. Since
the early days of surveying, this was the primary method of determining accurate positions of
objects for topographic maps of large areas. A surveyor first needs to know the horizontal
distance between two of the objects, known as the baseline. Then the heights, distances and
angular position of other objects can be derived, as long as they are visible from one of the
original objects. High-accuracy transits or theodolites were used, and angle measurements
repeated for increased accuracy. See also Triangulation in three dimensions.

Offsetting is an alternate method of determining position of objects, and was often used to
measure imprecise features such as riverbanks. The surveyor would mark and measure two
known positions on the ground roughly parallel to the feature, and mark out a baseline between
them. At regular intervals, a distance was measured at right angles from the first line to the
feature. The measurements could then be plotted on a plan or map, and the points at the ends of
the offset lines could be joined to show the feature.

Traversing is a common method of surveying smaller areas. The surveyor starts from an old
reference mark or known position and places a network of reference marks covering the survey
area. They then measure bearings and distances between the reference marks, and to the target
features. Most traverses form a loop pattern or link between two prior reference marks to allow
the surveyor to check their measurements are correct.

Datum and coordinate systems

Many surveys do not calculate positions on the surface of the earth, but instead measure the
relative positions of objects. However, often the surveyed items need to be compared to outside
data, such as boundary lines or previous surveys objects. The oldest way of describing a position
is via latitude and longitude, and often a height above sea level. As the surveying profession
grew it created Cartesian coordinate systems to simplify the mathematics for surveys over small
parts of the earth. The simplest coordinate systems assume that the earth is flat and measure from
an arbitrary point, known as a 'datum' (singular form of data). The coordinate system allows easy
calculation of the distances and direction between objects over small areas. Large areas distort
due to the earth's curvature. North is often defined as true north at the datum.
For larger regions, it is necessary to model the shape of the earth using an ellipsoid or a geoid.
Many countries have created coordinate-grids customized to lessen error in their area of the
earth.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 6
Types of surveys

 As-built survey: a survey that documents the location of recently constructed elements of
a construction project. As built surveys are done for record, completion evaluation and
payment purposes. An as-built survey is also known as a 'works as executed survey'. As
built surveys are often presented in red or redline and laid over existing plans for
comparison with design information.
 Cadastral or boundary surveying: a survey that establishes or re-establishes boundaries
of a parcel using a legal description. It involves the setting or restoration of monuments
or markers at the corners or along the lines of the parcel.
 Control surveying: Control surveys establish reference points to use as starting positions
for future surveys. Most other forms of surveying will contain elements of control
surveying.
 Deformation survey: a survey to determine if a structure or object is changing shape or
moving. First the positions of points on an object are found. A period of time is allowed
to pass and the positions are then re-measured and calculated. Then a comparison
between the two sets of positions is made.
 Dimensional control survey: This is a type of survey conducted in or on an non-level
surface. Common in the oil and gas industry to replace old or damaged pipes on a like-
for-like basis. The advantage of dimensional control survey is that the instrument used to
conduct the survey does not need to be level. This is useful in the off-shore industry, as
not all platforms are fixed and are thus subject to movement.
 Engineering surveying: topographic, layout, and as-built surveys associated with
engineering design. They often need geodetic computations beyond normal civil
engineering practice.
 Foundation survey: a survey done to collect the positional data on a foundation that has
been poured and is cured. This is done to ensure that the foundation was constructed in
the location, and at the elevation, authorized in the plot plan, site plan, or subdivision
plan.
 Hydrographic survey: a survey conducted with the purpose of mapping the shoreline and
bed of a body of water. Used for navigation, engineering, or resource management
purposes.
 Leveling: either finds the elevation of a given point or establish a point at a given
elevation.
 Measured survey: a building survey to produce plans of the building. Such a survey may
be conducted before renovation works, for commercial purpose, or at end of the
construction process.
 Mining surveying: Mining surveying includes directing the digging of mine shafts and
galleries and the calculation of volume of rock. It uses specialized techniques due to the
restraints to survey geometry such as vertical shafts and narrow passages.
 Mortgage survey: A mortgage survey or physical survey is a simple survey that
delineates land boundaries and building locations. It checks for encroachment, building
setback restrictions and shows nearby flood zones. In many places a mortgage survey is a
precondition for a mortgage loan.
 Photographic control survey: A survey that creates reference marks visible from the air
to allow aerial photographs to be rectified.
Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 7
  Stakeout, Layout or Set out: an element of many other surveys where the calculated or
proposed position of an object is marked on the ground. This can be temporary or
permanent. This is an important component of engineering and cadastral surveying.
 Structural survey: a detailed inspection to report upon the physical condition and
structural stability of a building or structure. It highlights any work needed to maintain it
in good repair.
 Subdivision: A boundary survey that splits a property into two or more smaller properties.
 Topographic survey: a survey that measures the elevation of points on a particular piece
of land, and presents them as contour lines on a plot.

Surveying instruments & their application

Surveying is defined as the science of determining the dimensions and contour of the earth‘s
surface by the measurements of distance, directions and elevations.

It is impossible to determine when surveying was first used, but in its simplest form it is as old as
recorded civilization. As long as there has been property ownership, there has been a means of
measuring property.

Surveying has three different components,

1. measuring distance,
2. angles and
3. elevation

Various Types of Surveying Equipment and Their Uses.

Level Rods are commonly made of three types of material; wood, typically hard maple,
fiberglass or aluminum. Aluminum can swell or contract in hot or cold weather, wood can
expand or contract in humid or wet conditions and can give inaccurate readings.

Direct Reading Rods are rods that are read directly through the telescope of the person using the
instrument. Another name for these rods is self-reading rods.

Target Rod - a target is added to the rod that allows the person holding the rod to independently
check the readings taken by the person using the instrument by adding a target, making what is
commonly referred to as ―target rod.‖

Tripods - a sturdy tripod in good condition is essential for obtaining accurate measurements.
The legs of the tripod are adjustable and are made of wood, fiberglass or aluminum and are
adjustable for use with many different pieces of surveying equipment.

A Hand Level is used for taping and rough determination of elevations. It consists of a metal
sighting tube with a bubble tube mounted on it.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 8
An Abney Level functions as a hand level and also permits rough measurements of vertical
angles and slopes.

Automatic Levels are commonly used in today‘s surveying or construction applications because
of their ease of use and quick set-up. They incorporate a self-leveling feature; the user rough
levels the instrument using a three-screw leveling head and centers a bull‘s eye bubble. After the
bubble is manually centered, an automatic compensator takes over, levels the line of sight, and
keeps it level so that level horizontal measurements can be taken.

Electronic or Laser Levels transmit beams of either visible laser or invisible infrared light.
These levels are used for establishing a known reference elevation or a point where construction
measurements can be taken. Electronic or laser levels fall into two general classes: single-beam
lasers and rotating-beam lasers. A single beam laser projects a string line that can be projected in
a vertical, horizontal or inclined direction.

A rotating beam laser provides a plane of reference over open areas. The laser beam is self-
leveling and will not come on until the instrument is level. If it is bumped out of position, the
beam shuts off and will not come back on until it is level again.
Common uses include grading and excavating, masonry work, setting concrete forms, marking
elevation, septic work and checking the depth of trenches.

Measuring Wheels can roughly measure distance by rolling a wheel along the line in question
and counting the number of revolutions. An attached odometer does the counting and from the
circumference of the wheel converts the number of revolutions to a distance.

Metric tapes/chains have standard lengths of 30, 60, 100 and 150 meters. All tapes can be
wound on a reel (sold separately) or done up in loops. Tapes/chains are typically handled with
tension handles or clamp handles in order to apply tension and to prevent damage to the tape and
the surveyor‘s hands.

Most chaining/taping pins are made of number 12 steel wire, sharply pointed at one end and
have a round loop at the other end. They are painted with alternate red and white bands. A steel
ring with 11 pins is standard.

Transits/Theodolites are fundamentally the same. Their most important application is

measuring horizontal and vertical angles, but they can also be used to obtain horizontal distances
and determine elevations. Transits/theodolites can be used for surveying applications when used
with a calibrated taping chain or an electronic distance measurer.

Electronic Distance Measurers (EDMs) accurately measure distance by measuring the time it
takes a laser to travel from the EDM to a prism and back. Before the introduction of EDMs,
taping or chaining was used to make accurate distance measurements.

A Total Station is the most accurate surveying device because it incorporates an electronic or
digital theodolite, an electronic distance measuring (EDM) device and a microprocessor in the
same unit. Total stations can automatically measure horizontal and vertical angles as well as

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 9
slope distances from a single setup. From this data they can instantaneously compute horizontal
and vertical distance components, elevations and coordinates, and display the results on an LCD.
They can also store the data either on board or in external date collectors.

BASIC SURVEYING EQUIPMENTS

1. Chain and Tape

2. Measuring Rod
3. Plumb Bob
4. Carpenter Level
5. Ranging Poles
6. Pegs

Chain and Tape Chains

These are used to measure distances on the field. A chain is
made up of connected steel segments, or links, which each
measure 20 cm.
Sometimes a special joint or a tally marker is attached every 5
metres. Usually, a chain has a total length of 20 metres,
including one handle at each end. Measuring tapes are made of
steel, coated linen, or synthetic material.
They are available in lengths of 20, 30 and 50 m. Centimetres,
decimetres and metres are usually indicated on the tape.
A measuring rod
It is a straight lath with a length varying from 2 m to 5 m. The
rod is usually marked in the same way as a measuring tape,
indicating centimeters, decimeters and meters.
A plumb bob
is used to check if objects are vertical. A plumb bob consists of
a piece of metal (called a bob) pointing downwards, which is
attached to a cord hen the plumb bob is hanging free and not
moving, the cord is vertical.
Carpenter Level
A carpenter level is used to check if objects are horizontal or
vertical. Within a carpenter level there are one or more curved
glass tubes, called level tube Each tube is sealed and partially
filled with a liquid (water, oil or paraffin). The remaining space
is air, visible as a bubble. On the glass tube there are two marks.
Only when the carpenter level is horizontal (or vertical) is the
air bubble exactly between these two marks.
Ranging Poles
Ranging poles are used to mark areas and to set out straight
lines on the field. They are also used to mark points which must
be seen from a distance, in which case a flag may be attached to

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 10
 improve the visibility. Ranging poles are straight round stalks, 3 to 4 cm thick and about
2 m long. They are made of wood or metal. Ranging poles can also be home made from
strong straight bamboo or tree branches.

REMEMBER: Ranging poles may never be curved. Ranging poles are usually painted
with alternate red-white or black-white bands. If possible, wooden ranging poles are
reinforced at the bottom end by metal points.

Pegs
Pegs are used when certain points on the field require more permanent marking. Pegs are
generally made of wood; Sometimes pieces of tree branches, properly sharpened, are

good enough.

The size of the pegs (40 to 60 cm) de-pends the type of survey work they are used for and
the type of soil they have to be driven in. The pegs should be driven vertically into the
soil and the top should be clearly visible.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 11
UNIT II

SITE DRAWINGS
Computation of Area
One of the primary objects of land surveying is to determine the area of the land surveyed. Areas
may be determined by: 1. computation from field notes: It can be done by two ways.

a. Calculation of the area of the skeleton of the survey and

b. Calculation of the area enclosed between survey lines of skeleton and boundaries.

Areas of skeleton:

1. BY geometry
2. Co-ordinates
By Geometry:
a. Area of triangle forming skeleton

Area = under route s(s-a) (s-b) (s-c) Where a, b, c, are the side of triangle and
semi perimeter, s= a + b + c/2
Area = ½ x base x height
Area of rectangle = length x width
Area of square = side2
Area of Trapezium = ½ (sum of parallel sides) x distance between them = ½ (a + b) x h

Computation of Area from Previously Plotted Plan:

The area may be calculated in the following two ways:

Case 1 – Graphical method

Case 2 - Instrumental Method

Case 1- Graphical Method:

The graphical methods are those in which the required data obtained from measurements of plan.In
this case the area of figure is found as a whole, or the areas of the skeleton and the irregular strips are
found separately.

A. Considering Entire Areas:

1. By division into triangles:

The most convenient method is to divide the figure in to a number of triangles. The base and altitude
of each triangle are scaled and its area is found.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 12
2. By division into square:

In this method a peace of tracing paper ruled out into squares, each responding a definite number of
square meter or square centimeter is placed over the drawing. The number of whole square is
measure and area is found. The portions of broken square are estimated in terms of Whole Square
and broken squares.

3. By division into trapezoids or By drawing parallel lines and converting them to rectangle:

By placing the tracing paper over the plan the length the rectangles is obtained. And area is
calculated as:

Required area = {length of rectangles} x {constant distance common breadth}

B. Considering the area along Boundaries:

Case 2: Instrumental method:
This method consists of determining the area of a given map with the uses of a planimeter. It is the
best and most expeditious method and gives accurate results than other methods.

Different methods for the calculation of Areas in the field of Surveying

Here are the five important rules (Methods) used for the calculation of areas in Surveying:

1. Midpoint ordinate rule

2. Average ordinate rule
3. Simpson‘s rule
4. Trapezoidal rule
5. Graphical rule

1. Midpoint-ordinate rule

The rule states that if the sum of all the ordinates taken at midpoints of each division multiplied by
the length of the base line having the ordinates (9 divided by number of equal parts).

Midpoint ordinate rule | Method for calculating area in Surveying

In this, base line AB is divided into equal parts and the ordinates are measured in the midpoints of
each division.

Area = ([O1 +O2 + O3 + …..+ On]*L)/n

L = length of baseline
n = number of equal parts, the baseline is divided
d = common distance between the ordinates

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 13
Here is an example of a numerical problem regarding the calculation of areas using Average
Ordinate Rule

The following perpendicular offsets were taken at 10m interval from a survey line to an irregular
boundary line.
9, 12, 17, 15, 19, 21, 24, 22, 18

Calculate area enclosed between the survey line and irregular boundary line.

Area = [(O1+ O2+ O3+ …. + O9)*L]/ (n+1)

= [(9+12+17+15+19+21+24+22+18)*8*10]/ (8+1)

= 139538sqm

3. Simpson’s Rule

It states that, sum of first and last ordinates has to be done. Add twice the sum of remaining
odd ordinates and four times the sum of remaining even ordinates. Multiply to this total sum
by 1/3rd of the common distance between the ordinates which gives the required area.
Where O1, O2, O3, …. On are the lengths of the ordinates

d = common distance
n = number of divisions

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 14
Note:
 This rule is applicable only if ordinates are odd, i.e. even number of divisions.
 If the number of ordinates are even, the area of last division maybe calculated separated and
added to the result obtained by applying Simpson‘s rule to two remaining ordinates.
 Even if first or last ordinate happens to be zero, they are not to be omitted from Simpson‘s
rule.
 The following offsets are taken from a chain line to an irregular boundary towards right side
of the chain line.

Chainage 0 25 50 75 100 125 150

Offset ‗m‘ 3.6 5.0 6.5 5.5 7.3 6 4

Common distance, d = 25m

Area = d/3[(O1+O7) + 2 (O3+O5) +4(O2+O4+O6)]

= 25/3[(3.6+4) +2(6.5+7.3) +4(5+5.5+6)]

Area = 843.33sqm

4. THE TRAPEZOIDAL RULE

While applying the trapezoidal rule, boundaries between the ends of ordinates are assumed to be
straight. Thus the areas enclosed between the base line and the irregular boundary line are considered
as trapezoids.

Let O1, O2, …..On = ordinate at equal intervals, and d = common distance between two ordinates

Total area=d/2{O1+2O2+2O3+……. +2On-1+On}

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 15
Thus the trapezoidal rule may be stated as follows:

To the sum of the first and last ordinate, twice the sum of intermediate ordinates is added. This total
sum is multiplied by the common distance. Half of this product is the required area.

Worked- out problems

Problem 1: The following offsets were taken from a chain line to an irregular boundary line at an
interval of 10 m:

0, 2.50, 3.50, 5.00, 4.60, 3.20, 0 m

Compute the area between the chain line, the irregular boundary line and the end of offsets by:

a) Mid ordinate rule

b) The average –ordinate rule
c) The trapezoidal rule
d) Simpson‘s rule

Solution: (Refer fig)

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 16
1. Mid-ordinate rule:

Required area = 10(1.25+3.00+4.25+3.90+1.60)

= 10*18.80=188 m2

2. By average-ordinate rule:

Here d=10 m and n=6(no of devices)

Base length= 10*6=60 m

Number of ordinates= 7

Required area=10((1.25+3.00+5.00+4.60+3.20+0)/7)

3. By trapezoidal rule:

Here d=10m

Required area =10/2{0+0+2(2.50+3.50+5.00+4.60+3.20+)}

= 5*37.60=188 m2

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 17
4. By Simpson’s rule:

d = 10m

Required area =10/3{0+0+4(2.50+5.00+3.20) +2(3.50+4.60)}

= 10/3{42.80+16.20}=10/3*59.00

10/3*59 = 196.66m2

SETTING OUT A BUILDING PLAN ON GROUND

A building is set out in order to clearly define the outline of the excavation and the centre line of the
walls, so that construction can be carried out exactly according to the plan. The centre line method of
setting out is generally preferred and adopted.

PROCEDURE

Fig.1: Example plan to be set out on the ground

1. From the plan (fig 1), the centre line of the walls are calculated. Then the centre lines of the rooms
are set out by setting perpendiculars in the ratio 3:4:5. Suppose the corner points are a, b, c, d, e, f
and g which are marked by pegs with nails on top.
2. The setting of the corner point is checked according to diagonals ac, bd, cf and eg.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 18
3. During excavation, the centre points a, b, c, d, e, f, g may be removed. Therefore the Centre lines
are extended and the centre points are marked about 2m away from the outer edge of excavation.
Thus the points A1, A2, B1, B2 and likewise, are marked outside the trench. Centre line are shown
clearly by stretching thread or rope. The Centre points fixed 2m away from the excavation are
marked with sit out pegs.

4. From the plan details, the width of excavation to be done is also marked by thread with pegs at
appropriate positions.
5. The excavation width is then marked by lime or by with furrow with spade.
6. If the plan is much to complicate and follows a zigzag pattern, then the center pegs are kept at
suitable positions according to site conditions.

Layout of Building

The real meaning and purpose of setting out (layout) is to transfer the plan, length and width of
its foundation on the ground so that the foundation can be excavated for construction of
purposed building as per drawing.

The following preliminary works should be executed before actual planning of layout for the house.

 Clear the site from all grass, bushes, trees, etc.

 Record spot levels of the ground.
 Construct a permanent bench mark in construction area.

1. Base Line
For setting out /layout, the most important requirement is to establish a baseline. This is marked on
the ground as per site plan requirement with the help of offsets which are taken from the existing
road or existing building.

2. Centre Line
Centre line divides the plan into two equal parts. This can be marked in the field with the help of
baseline. This line is very necessary and useful for layout. This line should be transferred to Burjis
and be kept up to the completion of foundation work.

3. 'Burjis' and its' Distance

Burji or marking pillars are masonry pillars constructed with bricks and cement mortar. These are
constructed on both ends of walls /columns and center line should be marked on the top surface of
the burjis with the help of base line. Burji is also constructed for indicating the plinth level of the
building. Burjis are very useful for the layout. Accuracy of the foundation can be checked with
thehelp of Burji at any time during construction. Burjis should be kept intact till completion of
foundation work

Center line plan

A building plan with Center to center lines between the columns/ load bearing walls which will be a
reference with which markings may be done on site.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 19
UNIT III

Site Analysis and Planning

Importance of Site and its contents

A site plan is an architectural plan, landscape architecture document, and a detailed engineering
drawing of proposed improvements to a given lot. A site plan usually shows a building footprint,
travel ways, parking, drainage facilities, sanitary sewer lines, water lines, trails, lighting, and
landscaping and garden elements.

Such a plan of a site is a "graphic representation of the arrangement of buildings, parking, drives,
landscaping and any other structure that is part of a development project".

A site plan is a "set of construction drawings that a builder or contractor uses to make improvements
to a property. Counties can use the site plan to verify that development codes are being met and as a
historical resource. Site plans are often prepared by a design consultant who must be either a licensed
engineer, architect, landscape architect or land surveyor".

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 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. By determining areas that are poor for development (such as floodplain or steep slopes)
and better for development, the planner or architect can assess optimal location and design a structure
that works within this space.

Site Planning
Site planning involves arranging structures on the land and shaping spaces between them. It is an art
linked to architecture, and city planning. The site plan locates objects and activities in space and
time. It may be concerned with a small cluster of houses, a single building and the surrounding space,
or a small community built in a single operation.

Environmental Factors
Environmental study for architectural design involves collection of data, reconnaissance survey,
creative ability and imagination, and the design of solutions to solve building problems.

When an architect is given a design assignment, there are many environmental factors that are to be
considered. The site is the major factor that has to be considered. Site means the area or the land that
is meant for the construction of the proposed project. Site Planning is the art and science of arranging
the various portions of a particular piece of land according to their uses. The site planner decides on
the uses of the site in detail by selecting and analyzing it for the various characteristics of soil, slope,
vegetation, etc.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 20
The landscape involves the design of outside space. This should be thought about carefully to make
an architectural design complete. The climate at the location at the site is very important as it affects
the building that is to be constructed. Services such as water supply, drainage, sanitation, electricity,
fire protection, air-conditioning system, etc. also have to be considered in order to make an
architectural design complete.

Identification of site and its preparation

Each site has a unique nature of its own. The purpose for which it is to be used should be clearly
understood. Every site when disturbed takes time to experience the mutual adjustment of its
elements. For example, the flow of water creates a drainage pattern. Many factors are involved in the
analysis of the site. These include the factors above the ground, below the ground and on the ground,
as discussed in the following.

Natural Factors

 Topography- [relief map, slope analysis, grading, aspect map]

 Geology- [soil type, rocks]
 Hydrology- [water table, existing water bodies, drainage pattern, watersheds]
 Vegetation- [ forest types, existing vegetation
 Wildlife – [existing fauna, habitat types]
 Climate factors – [solar orientation, seasons, winds, humidity, precipitation, micro climate]

Topography

The form of land is called its topography. This is the most important factor to be analysed. Geology
and the slow process of natural erosion (soil being worn away because of wind or water) are
responsible for landforms and slopes. A topographic survey will reveal the badly drained areas and
natural drainage channels. It will be also revealing places that have good views and parts of the site
that are visible or hidden from any selected point outside the site. The slopes will decide the roads
and paths; a steep slope will increase building costs.

Contours and the Rules of Contours: A line drawn on a plan which connects all points of
equal elevation.

• Existing contours are drawn with dashed lines. Proposed contours are drawn with solid lines.
• Contours never cross.
• Contour lines depict connected points of equal vertical position.
• All contour lines close on themselves (this may be either on or off the plan sheet or map).
• The steepest slope is along a line perpendicular to the contour lines. Water will always flow
downhill in a line perpendicular to contour lines.
• Contour lines never merge into one another. However, on a vertical face, such as a retaining
wall, they may appear to merge on the plan sheet.
• The greater the detail of the plan, the smaller the contour interval.

Contour interpolation

It is used to determine the approximate elevation of any point between contour lines.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 21
1. Contour interpolation provides a method for locating whole contours, or the elevation of any
point, between two or more given spot elevations.

2. Locations for whole contours can be calculated mathematically if the following are known:

a. The value of the two spot elevations.

b. The horizontal distance between the two spot elevations. c. The scale of the drawing.

Slope analysis is the tool to indicate each portion of land with percent slope to see the potential in
developing each part for suitable use.

 Contour interval, pattern of landform

 Natural drainage pattern
 Unique features
 Slope analysis and percent slope.
 Site danger signal.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 22
Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 23
Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 24
Slope Ratio
a) A slope ratio expresses the relationship of horizontal distance to vertical distance.
b) It is written as a ratio, for example, 4:1. The first number represents horizontal
distance, the second number represents vertical change (H:V).
c) The vertical grade change is always described as being 1 foot (for instance, a 4:2
ratio would be converted to a 2:1 ratio).
d) Use the rise/run formula to convert a ratio to a percentage vertical change = %
horizontal distance
Grading
Grading is the cutting and filling of a site to prepare for a construction or landscaping
project. At this stage of land grading, the ground is leveled out, spaces are backfilled,
and the site is set up for proper drainage. Contour grading directs water to a desired point,
prevents erosion, provides noise deflection, provides visual fit of the facility into the
landscape, and protects desirable vegetation. Examples of locations where contour
grading is used are wetland mitigation sites and noise berms.

Geology

The science which deals with the physical structure and substance of the earth, their history, and
the processes which act on them.The type of rock below the surface of soil, the depth, and the
characteristic features of rock should be identified. Such rocks could act as a foundation for many
buildings. These are natural and could form visible landforms. The stability of such geological
formations is also important.

1. Geomorphology: the geology dealing with the origin and nature of landform with emphasis
on erosion process.
2. Physiography: the description of landform.
3. Bedrock: is consolidated rock material lying at various depths below all points of earth
surface.
4. Geologic base: The depth and type of rock below the soil‘s surface are significant factors for
site development, to answer the question of its specification as a foundation base.

Spot Elevation
Spot elevations are inserted points that designate a design point position and elevation.
Design Surface A surface created by the designer to represent the finished condition following
construction.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 25
A line that intersects the target (a surface, a distance, an elevation, or a relative elevation) of a
grading object. It is a line that connects the ends of the projection lines from the grading object‘s
feature line where they hit the target.

Projection Line
A line projected from the grading object‘s feature line at the cut or fill. Slope specified in the grading
criteria, until it hits the target.

Hydrography

The study of water in all its forms (rain, snow and water on the earth’s surface), and from its
origins to all its destinations on the earth is called hydrology

Hydrography provides information about all types of water bodies present in and around the site:
lakes, streams, any marshy land (swamps), or natural wells. It also reveals the availability or
otherwise of a groundwater table and the depth at which it is available.

Hydrological circle
1. Surface water :
2. existing drainage pattern
3. water body - - pond, lake, wetland
surface and subsurface water
1. Aquifer
2. Aquifer recharge areas

Hydrology Helps in the following ways:

1. Hydrology is used to find out maximum probable flood at proposed sites e.g. Dams.
2. The variation of water production from catchments can be calculated and described by
hydrology.
3. Engineering hydrology enables us to find out the relationship between a catchment‘s surf-ace
water and groundwater resources
4. The expected flood flows over a spillway, at a highway Culvert, or in an urban storm
drainage system can be known by this very subject.
5. It helps us to know the required reservoir capacity to assure adequate water for irrigation or
municipal water supply in droughts condition.
6. It tells us what hydrologic hardware (e.g. rain gauges, stream gauges etc.) and software
(computer models) are needed for real-time flood forecasting .

Hydrological cycle

The hydrologic cycle describes the continuous recirculating transport of the waters of the earth,
linking atmosphere, land and oceans.

The water holding elements of the hydrological cycle are:

1. Atmosphere
2. Vegetation
3. Snow packs
4. Land/ surface & Soil
6. Streams, lakes and rivers
Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 26
 7. Aquifers
8. Oceans

Hydrological Processes
1. Precipitation
2. Evaporation
3. Transpiration
4. Infiltration
5. Overland flow
6. Surface Runoff
7. Groundwater outflow

Soil

The different types of soil present are analyzed. Soil decides the stability of land, foundation,
suitability, excavation, erosion, drainage, and plant growth (as the top soil is essential for good.
plant growth). The bearing capacity of soil is an important factor to be considered while locating
buildings.

Soil classification
1. General soil type based on soil texture. The triangle indicates the relative proportions of
three particle sizes -- sand, silt and clay.
2. Key words for soil characteristics-- Soil texture, soil porosity, Soil chemistry, soil
moisture
Soil survey data and the important of soil information
1. related to building construction and basement
2. related to water supply and septic system
3. related to functions of land use planning
4. Related to vegetation and wildlife habitat.

Vegetation

A study of vegetation helps in locating large existing trees, which can be retained. These can be used
for providing seating. The ecology of the area should also be examined to know what plants or
shrubs would grow in that area.

Wildlife

This is an important consideration when choosing sites for large scale developments. The selection of
land suitable for activities depends on natural wildlife present in the area. Wildlife also adds form,
color and movement to the landscape. One might also want to be informed about the wildlife present
in the area to preserve it and not disturb the animal‘s natural habitats due to the construction.

Climatic Factors

Across a piece of land, the elevation difference, character of topography, vegetation cover, and water
bodies influence the climate of that area. On the other hand, precipitation and temperature are the

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 27
major factors affecting vegetation. In cool and temperate climates, vegetation may be used to block
winter winds.

1. region
2. temperature
3. micro-climate
4. Wind velocity
5. Precipitation rate
6. Temperature
7. Humidity

Man-made factors:

a) Existing land use on-site, 0ff-site

b) Potential of change
c) Color symbol of land use
d) Facilities or site amenity
a. Linkage and movement pattern
b. communication
c. circulation system :
d. accessibility
e. potential of change
e) Density : F.A.R, F.S.I
f) Zoning district
g) Setback, fire tender lane and other planning regulation
h) Parking standards

FAR is a term the zoning ordinance will use to quantify and limit the amount of square footage of
building area as a function of the building site .

Zoning setback and height limits-- these minimums and maximums provide the basis for the
maximum building envelope on the site.

Aesthetic factors: visual qualities and relationship.

1. Landscape special character
2. Spatial pattern of the site
3. Visual quality and character
4. Visual disturbance
Natural features
Urban features
Visual value/ characters
1. vista
2. panoramic view
3. visual channel
4. framed view/ filter view
5. point of interest

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 28
Cultural Factors
 Existing land use – ownership of adjacent property and off-site nuisance
 Linkages
 Traffic and transit-vehicular and pedestrian circulation on or adjacent to site.
 Density and floor area ratio
 Utilities – sanitation, water, gas, electricity, storm water drainage.
 Existing buildings
 Historic factors – historic buildings and landmarks.

Existing land use

 This implies a survey of the present status of the land-whether it is residential, commercial,
industrial or recreational. The ownership of the adjacent site will also affect the land being
surveyed.

Offsite nuisances: Disturbances from outside and around the site have to be studied.
Visual nuisance elements: Power lines, water tower, certain industrial complexes, highways,
advertisement boards, junkyards (waste dumps), etc., are some examples of eye-sore
elements that have to be taken into account.
Possible auditory nuisance: Noise produced by heavy automobiles, trains, air traffic etc. and
the surrounding population has to be studied.
Factory nuisance: Dumps, chemicals, other wastes in and around the site have to be taken
care of.
Safety Hazards: Severe or sudden changes in landform, such as a steep cliff at the edge of
the site have to be noted.

Site analysis

Site analysis is an inventory completed as a preparatory step to site planning, a form of urban
planning which involves research, analysis, and synthesis. It primarily deals with basic data as it
relates to a specific site. The topic itself branches into the boundaries of architecture, landscape
architecture, engineering, economics, and urban planning. Site Analysis is an element in site planning
and design. Kevin A. Lynch, an urban planner developed an eight cycle step process of site design, in
which the second step is site analysis, the focus of this section.

Site plan building blocks

A site plan is a top view, bird‘s eye view of a property that is drawn to scale. A site plan can show:
Site Plans, Elevations and Floor Plans Plan Instructions (Site Plans, Elevations and Floor Plans).
 Property lines
 Outline of existing and proposed buildings and structures
 Distance between buildings
 Distance between buildings and property lines (setbacks)
 Parking lots, indicating parking spaces
 Driveways
 Surrounding streets
 Landscaped areas
 Easements

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 29
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. 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. By determining areas that are poor for development
(such as floodplain or steep slopes) and better for development, the planner or architect can
assess optimal location and design a structure that works within this space.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 30
UNIT IV

SITE CONTEXT
Master plan

The Government of Tamil Nadu has constituted Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority
(CMDA) in 1974 statutorily under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971. Chennai
Metropolitan Area (CMA) extends over 1189 sq.km.and comprises of Chennai Corporation, 16
Municipalities, 20 Town Panchayats and 214 villages covered in 10 Panchayats Unions
One of the main functions of CMDA is to prepare Master Plan for the Chennai Metropolitan
Planning area with contents as provided in the Act.

What is a Master Plan?

A comprehensive long-term strategy to develop or improve (land, a community, a building complex,
or the like) through a long-range plan that balances and harmonizes all elements

Any municipality, from small village to sprawling metropolis, can have a master plan. Small
communities will hire a private planning firm to prepare a plan and submit it to the local government
for approval. In big cities, the department of city planning prepares the master plan.

It often contains diagrams, aerial photos, maps, reports and statistical information that support the
planner's vision.

A typical master plan addresses the following:

 Transportation and traffic: A good master plan takes all of a city's transportation
corridors into account. A transportation corridor is any channel along which people and
goods move from place to place.
 Community facilities: Cities support an array of community facilities that satisfy its demand
for social and cultural enrichment. These include public and charter schools, police and fire
departments and community centers.
 Parks and open space: Parks are vital to cities because they serve as the focal points of
neighborhoods and often have community and cultural facilities grouped around them. In
addition to parks, cities maintain a variety of open spaces, which may be undeveloped lands
or land set aside for health and safety reasons or for preservation.
 Neighborhoods and housing: Although they have unique characteristics, neighborhoods in
vibrant cities are interconnected and enjoy a dynamic exchange of commuters, ideas and
influences. Successful neighborhoods also emphasize community, livability, appearance,
transportation opportunities, convenience and safety for all residents.
 Economic development: A master plan recommends how a city's design can be enhanced to
attract new businesses and protect existing businesses. For example, a plan might call for
redevelopment of a downtown area to include a public market and a conference/convention
center, with the goal of better serving the city.
 Land use: The major land use recommendations presented in a master plan result from
analysis of a city's environmental and physical conditions, as well as the planner's vision for

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 31
 future growth. A map of future land use is generally included and makes recommendations
about land set aside for parks and open space; residential areas; commercial, office and
industrial uses; civic and institutional uses; and mixed-use areas. Land Use map that shows
the types and intensities of different land uses in a particular area.

The Importance of Development Plans/Land Use Policy for Development Control

Land use planning refers to the process by which land is allocated between competing and sometimes
conflicting uses in order to secure the rational and orderly development of land in an environmentally
sound manner to ensure the creation of sustainable human settlements.

The process of land use planning consists in the main of the two twin functions of
Development/Land use Planning and Development Control. Of necessity, these two functions must
be supported by relevant research and mapping which are also major components of the land use
planning process.

Land Use Policy and Development Control

Development control is the most visible part of the land use planning process and the function with
which members of the public - particularly those engaged in the construction and property
development industries - interact on a daily basis.

However, the development control function cannot and should not operate in a vacuum. This brings
me to the central theme of this presentation. That is, the link between land use policy and
development control. The formulation of land use policy and development standards - often
contained within development plans - provides the contextual framework within which the
development control function operates.

The preparation of Land Use Plans and formulation of land use policies and development standards
are some of the main outputs of the development/land use planning process. Plans are prepared to:

 anticipate the development needs of an area;

 identify relevant development issues;
 identify opportunities for and constraints to development;
 identify areas which are suitable/unsuitable for different types of development;
 make proposals for the way in which the area should develop over time; and
 Establish policies and standards to guide development.

Plans are also prepared for areas which are already experiencing significant development pressures or
some of the negative effects of growth and development in an effort to find solutions to these
problems and to manage future growth.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 32
Site selection criteria for housing development, commercial and
institutional projects

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Site search and selection is a major element of the process of creating a supportive housing project in
which units of housing are being developed. With some exceptions, it is impossible to seek
permanent financing and community support until the site is identified and site control has been
secured. Prior to initiating a site search, it is important to first develop the project concept, including
defining the site and configuration requirements for the proposed supportive housing project. The site
selection process is most successful when it is a methodical search for the site that best meets
established criteria, including size, location, proximity to services and price — factors that will help
ensure the project fulfills the needs of future tenants. However, in many situations, a thorough and
careful site search may not be possible. The circumstances that can impact a site search include:

1. An inadequate inventory of available and appropriate sites in the community

2. A very hot real estate market and competition from for-profit developers with large amounts of
upfront capital.

3. A limited funding opportunity that doesn‘t provide adequate time to conduct a thorough site search
4. A site becomes available that offers cost efficiency, political expediency, and/or other factors that
outweigh its deficiencies
5. Regardless of the challenging circumstances that can influence the site search and selection
process, the primary components of the site selection process include:

Establishing Site Selection Criteria:

 Scale
 Housing type and construction
 Location
 Acquisition or lease costs
 Zoning considerations
 Community acceptance

Scale

The scale or size of the proposed project should relate to the level of need for the housing identified,
as well as to the capacity of the organization to develop and/or manage the property.
Scale also should be ―contextual,‖ meaning the project should be consistent with the height and
density of the surrounding buildings. Determining the number of units also could be based on the
degree of community support for the project. The project architect can help determine the maximum
allowable development area (based on zoning and floor area ratios), as well as the appropriate scale
for the identified neighborhood.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 33
Housing Type and Construction Approach

The type of housing to be built is a key siting criteria, and different approaches may lend themselves
best to different neighborhood locations. For instance, a development model of scattered-site, one-
and two-family houses may work best in a low-density neighborhood, whereas larger projects using
multi-unit buildings or commercial hotels are generally only available in urban locations.

The construction approach — new construction versus rehabilitation — also will help guide the site
search. Funding sources sometimes dictate this choice, which may be restricted to one approach.
Construction costs are another important consideration, with rehabilitation costs generally lower than
new construction (unless unusual building conditions are present or historic preservation standards
are required). New construction opportunities will be limited to neighborhoods that have available
(and affordable) vacant land or substandard buildings that can be demolished, and any demolition
costs effectively increase the acquisition costs. Choosing a rehabilitation development strategy would
direct the site search to locations where there are vacant or partially or fully occupied buildings. The
challenges, costs and inevitable delays of relocating existing tenants should be factored into the
decision.

Location

As with all real estate decisions, location is critical in identifying an appropriate site for a supportive
housing development, and each of the following factors must be evaluated:

1. Public transportation – Sites should have good access to public transportation options that
serve important destinations for the tenants, such as supportive services providers,
employment, health care, shopping and recreation. Many tenants will not be able to afford
private transportation, so public transit becomes a necessity. In addition, proximity to good
public transportation may be a requirement or provide a competitive edge for funding
applications.
2. Employment opportunities – Sites should have reasonable access to employment
opportunities and job training. While these opportunities may not be available in the
immediate neighborhood, they should be accessible through public transportation, and within
reasonable commuting distance.
3. Neighborhood amenities — Projects should be located in neighborhoods that have key
residential amenities, such as affordable shopping (especially supermarkets), public libraries,
post offices, banks, parks, open space and recreational facilities. This usually means siting
housing in traditional residential neighborhoods, and not in commercial, manufacturing or
warehousing districts that typically lack such amenities. Proximity to neighborhood amenities
may be a requirement or provide a competitive edge for funding applications.
4. Community-based services — it is critical that supportive housing tenants have easy access
to supportive services available in the community, especially to service programs with
established, formal linkages. Depending upon the project‘s target population, services related
to substance use and recovery, case management, crisis intervention, parenting programs and
health clinics, Tenants may need health clinics on an ongoing or intermittent basis. If not
located in the immediate neighborhood, such services should be easily accessible by public
transportation.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 34
 Day care — if the planned project will house families with young children, day care
services must be available in the neighborhood or easily accessible near major
employment centers. Lack of access to quality day care will frustrate parents who are
working, participating in job training or seeking employment.

Public schools and related programs — for projects serving families, the sites
should be in close proximity to public education resources such as public schools,
public or private preschools, or Head start programs, school readiness programs, and
after-school enrichment and recreation programs. For all target populations, easy
access to community colleges, vocational programs and other higher educational
opportunities are important.

Security — If possible, the site should not be in an area that has a high crime rate,
since supportive housing tenants may be especially vulnerable to victimization. Sites
also should abide by the principles of ―defensible space,‖ which suggests low-rise
buildings and open site designs avoid hidden spaces that are conducive to crime (e.g.,
playgrounds or courtyards screened from public view).

Acquisition or Lease Costs

The cost of acquiring or leasing a development site may be the overriding consideration for selecting
a property. Many public funding programs have a maximum acquisition or lease cost (total or per
unit caps) that must be considered during the site search. The allowable costs will often limit the
search to those communities that have lower real estate prices. Most public funders, and all private
lenders, will likely require that the purchase price not exceed the appraised value of the property.

Before initiating the site search, it is also critical to determine whether the funding sources‘
preferences lean toward purchase or lease. Some public agencies do not have capital available to
acquire sites, but are able to fund lease payments through annual contracts. It should be noted that
there are some serious drawbacks to leasing, including difficulty in maintain quality, cost and control
over the long term.

Zoning Considerations

Zoning also must be carefully considered in making site selection decisions, since local zoning
regulations can frustrate efforts to gain local approval. The project architect can analyze local
Zoning restrictions to help guide the site search. Using zoning maps, it is possible to identify areas in
which to develop a proposed project ―as-of-right‖ — that is, without a zoning variance. If possible, it
is advisable to limit the site search to these areas, since the process of seeking and being granted a
zoning variance will add time and uncertainty to the development efforts. It may give any opponents
to the project additional opportunities, and additional leverage, to block the planned development.

It is often impossible to find suitably priced sites that are politically acceptable to a community that
don‘t require zoning approvals or discretionary action by a local planning board or commission. If
this is the case, a critical aspect of the due diligence will be to work closely with city planning staff to
identify what discretionary actions will be needed and how long the process will take.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 35
Community Acceptance

The potential for community opposition to a proposed development should be considered as the site
search is being conducted. Depending upon the assessment of community and political support in a
given neighborhood, as well as the strength of relationships with local leaders and organizational
capacity, this issue may be addressed once a site that meets the project‘s needs and criteria has been
identified. In planning for the siting of new projects, there are significant issues that can create
community acceptance problems that should be considered when identifying potential
neighborhoods/blocks for development, including:

1. Outsider Organization – Non-profit sponsors that select sites in neighborhoods in which

they do not operate housing or programs may be identified as outsider organizations.
Neighborhood leadership, who would prefer local sponsorship, may not give the project a fair
hearing. This may be a screen for simply opposing the project, rather than the sponsorship, or
it may be a distrust of outside organizations unknown to the neighborhood.

2. Faced with such challenges in a specific neighborhood, it may be best to seek out well-
regarded, community-based partners with whom to work. Such a partnership can take many
forms, from using the local organization as the services provider, property manager or co-
developer, or limiting the role to focus on community outreach and education.

3. Fair Share/Saturation — in some circumstances, community members may claim that their
neighborhood is being asked to accept more than its ―fair share‖ of supportive housing and/or
other housing programs and services. They may feel ―saturated‖ with similar projects and are
becoming ―impacted‖ communities. Some cities, like New York, have fair share plans that
will divert new supportive housing and other housing programs and services away from
neighborhoods that are defined as ―impacted‖ by having an unequal share of the citywide
homeless services and housing programs. If such concerns are raised, it is critical to assess
whether saturation claims are legitimate or overstated and to work with local officials to
evaluate this issue. In areas where such claims seem legitimate, it may be wise to consider
other locations without concentrations of similar projects. On the other hand, if research
indicates that there is no fair share issue, these results should be publicized to disarm the
issue.

4. Scale/Impact — the scale of a supportive housing project can have an undue impact on a
neighborhood, and this impact needs to be considered in siting new projects. For example, a
large project in a low-density residential area could have an adverse impact and would likely
attract opposition from neighbors.

5. Contextual Design — related to scale/impact, the design of supportive housing projects

should be sensitive to the neighborhood context. Largely an architectural issue, designs
should respect the scale, historic quality, setback/street line and architectural styles in the
immediate area. Residents can more easily reject plans that do not fit into the context of the
neighborhood. The design should communicate the goal of integrating the project into the
neighborhood.

6. Available Neighborhood Services — Projects should be sited in neighborhoods that have

access to the required supportive services for the project‘s target population (e.g., mental

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 36
 health services) that will not be available on-site. Without the availability of these services,
the project could become vulnerable to community claims that tenants will not be able to
access needed support and could pose a threat to the community.

7. Private Open Space — while not a requirement for siting supportive housing, the ability to
provide private open space for the exclusive use of tenants can help ease the introduction of
new projects, and it is also a nice amenity for tenants. The provision of these spaces, which
can be a landscaped garden or seating or recreation area, can disarm community concerns
that new tenants will congregate in front of the building.

8. Zoning — as noted in earlier in this section, zoning can be a key factor in successfully siting
new projects. Some of the key aspects of a zoning analysis include evaluating parking
requirements, and height and density restrictions for the proposed site. Local governments
sometimes use zoning requirements to thwart projects housing the formerly homeless or
providing related services. The project architect and attorney determine whether the project
can comply with zoning requirements. Therefore, it is clearly preferable to avoid the need for
a zoning variance when possible, and to proceed ―as of right.‖ Moreover, some local zoning
laws may violate federal fair housing laws, and they may be vulnerable to legal challenges
from advocates for the homeless.

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

Location
The value of a commercial building depends upon its location,Whether it is located in the center of
the region or at the borders or on the main road or away from the main road. For a good commercial
building it should be on the main road and in the center of the region.

Climate of Region: The strength and stability of building mainly depends upon the climate of the
region in which it is going to be constructed.
As commercial buildings are very important and expensive form economic points,it must be
constructed according to the terms and conditions of region. So that it can be remain safeform floods,
rains, snowfalls etc.

Availability of Raw materials: Usually commercial buildings require more construction materials
as compared to a normal residence. So before the construction of the commercial building it must be
sure that raw materials are available nearby. Otherwise it will become uneconomical. The sale
material availability also has a part in this.

Cost and time frame: Before the construction of commercial a through investigation should made
for the cost and time frame.
Cost and time frame mainly depends upon the location and the availability of Raw materials.

Populations of the region: Commercials building are constructed to meet the need of the local
population. For this purpose, must be constructed in the region having sufficient population in which
the commercial building can restore its cost.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 37
UNIT V

SITE PLANNING AND SITE LAYOUT

PRINCIPLES
VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
CLASSIFICATION OF ROADS – INDIA

Non-urban roads within the country are classified into six types:

Expressways:

The purpose of expressways would be to cater for motility of large volumes of motor
traffic at high speeds They connect major areas of increasing visitor count and they
are intended to serve trips of medium and long length in between prominent
residential areas, industrial or business concentrations and the central business district
They may be divided highways with high standards of geometric and full or partial
control of access and provided generally with grade separation at intersections
Vehicle parking, loading and unloading of products and passengers and pedestrian
traffic are not allowed on these kinds of highways

National Highways:

These include main highways running throughout the distance and breadth of the
country connection major parts, highways of adjoining countries, State capitals, large
commercial and tourist centers etc.

State Highways:

These include main arterial routes of any state connecting district headquarters and
major cities in the state and connecting these with National Highways of the
neighboring states

Major District Roads:

They are essential roads with a district serving parts of production and markets, and
linking these together or while using the main highways

Other District Roads:

They‘re streets serving non-urban areas of production and providing them with outlet
to market centers, taluka/tehsil headquarters or other main roads

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 38
Village Roads:

These are roads joining villages or group of villages with each other and also to the
nearest road of any higher class Urban Roads:


Urban roads are classified into your following five categories:

1. Expressways:

The function of expressways is the similar regardless of if the traverse through urban areas or
non-cities

2. Arterial Streets:

This system of streets, together with expressways where they exist,serves as the key network
for through traffic flows Significant intra-urban travel, for instance, among central downtown
and outlying residential areas or between significant suburban ‗zones develops on this system
These roadways may generally be spaced under 1-5 km in hugely developed central business
places and at 8 km or maybe more in sparsely developed urban fringes The arterial streets are
generally divided highways with full or partial access Parking, loading and unloading
activities are usually restricted and regulated Pedestrians should cross only at intersections

3. Sub-arterial Streets:

These include functionally much like arterial streets but with somewhat lower level of travel
mobility. Their spacing are different from about 0 – 5 km in the central downtown to three –
5 km inside the sub-urban fringes

4. Collector Streets:

The function of collector streets should be to collect visitors from nearby streets and feed it
for the arterial and sub-arterial streets or vice versa. These may be located in residential
neighbor hoods, commercial areas and industrial areas usually, complete approach is granted
on these roadways from abutting properties. There are not car parking limitations apart from
during the peak hours

5. Local Streets:

These are intended mainly to supply use of abutting properly and normally will not carry
substantial amounts of traffic Majority of visits in urban areas originate from or terminate on
these roads Local streets could possibly be non-commercial, commercial or industrial,
depending on the predominant use of the nearby area. They permit unrestricted parking and
pedestrian movements.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 39
Parking

Auto Parking Basic Parking Rule

 Do not park any vehicle on the part of a road where traffic is flowing. Drive the vehicle off
the road onto the shoulder while stopping.
 Do not park in such a place where one do not have a clear view for at least 50 meters in both
the directions.
 Do not park in a place that blocks a vehicle already parked, a sidewalk, crosswalk, pedestrian
crossing or road entrance.
 Do not park near the public entrance to a hotel, theatre or public hall when it is open to the
public.
 Do not park near any intersection or a roundabout.
 Park the vehicle on the left side in the direction of the traffic.

Parallel Parking The term parallel parking means parking the vehicle in a line i.e. front to rear. The
parking area should be one and half times longer than the vehicle to be parked. Check the following
rules for parallel parking:
 Slowly reverse into the space provided for parking, turning the steering wheel anticlockwise.
 Take care that you have cleared the vehicle ahead.
 After seeing the outside rear corner of the vehicle in front of your space, turn the steering
wheel clockwise. Bring the vehicle in line with the curb.
 If the vehicle is not parallel to the curb, drive forward to straighten. Make sure the wheels of
the car are straight.

Angular Parking
The term angular parking means parking the vehicle at an angle to the curb of the road. The
following basic rules is to be followed in angular parking.

 First and foremost look through the mirrors and over the shoulder for traffic behind you. Give
the left indicator to signal to the vehicle behind that you intend to park the vehicle.
 Steer into the provided parking space and straighten the wheels.
 Keep equal distance on both the sides, pull the handbrake and shift into first or reverse gear

Perpendicular Parking
 By perpendicular parking it means that parking at right angle of the road curb. Always
reverse the vehicle in the parking space so that you can exit comfortably.
 Pass ahead of the parked vehicle next to available space.
 Turn the steering anticlockwise and reverse slowly until you are in the centre of the parking
space. Close the window and lock the vehicle.

Site analysis and planning, semester 5 | Ar. Arun Davis, Asst. prof. MOSA 40