Site Analysis

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 Planning / Design Process Planning and design occur as a process, by which we mean that they follow a logical sequence of actions or events that must be carried out to arrive at a viable solution. It is a multi-disciplinary problem-solving operation often involving architects, landscape architects and engineers, and frequently may require input from physical scientists as well to address environmental issues. It requires a logical objectivity for some steps, but also allows room for subjective design interpretation at others. There are several notable models from which we can draw to understand the basic components of the site planning and design process. Kevin Lynch outlines an eight-stage site planning cycle that includes: 1. Defining the problem 2. Programming and the analysis of site and user 3. Schematic design and the preliminary cost estimate 4. Developed design and detailed costing 5. Contract documents 6. Bidding and contracting 7. Construction 8. Occupation and management (Lynch 11)

A proposed site, an existing building, or existing infrastructure, on- or off- campus, is analyzed through a series of investigations to understand the constraints that may be imposed upon a project and its design. Frequently, multiple sites are analyzed for a single project. This information is used both to guide project development and to evaluate a project's impacts on the environment.

Inventory: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Topography, slope, and adjacent landforms Site configuration and shape Accessibility Soil types, textures, and load-bearing capacity Vegetative cover and existing native plant populations Geologic and seismic data Parcel shape and access with adjacent land uses, buildings and structures Utility easements or corridors Utility lines and sizes Road system and networks for parking, pedestrians, bicycles, and transit Security and safety improvements Microclimate factors (e.g., solar and wind loads) Proposed future development