Site Analysis

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1. SITE ANALYSIS.

Define Site Analysis and describe how it affects


the architectural design process.

Site analysis is a preliminary phase of architectural and urban design


processes dedicated to the study of the climatic, geographical, historical,
legal, and infrastructural context of a specific siteand synthesizing these
analyses into visual information — usually in the form of site analysis
diagrams.

The examination of these characteristics in conjunction with your


established project goals are the foundation for making informed
decisions throughout the design process, commonly influencing a
project’s programmatic realities as well as structural and potentially
aesthetic decisions such as shape, form and material.

Site analysis diagrams are the graphic translation of key observations


and analyses as they relate to the material conditions of a site.

Common themes appearing in site analysis diagrams include sun and


shade paths, movement and circulation patterns, land use, and public
space vs. Private space.


2. SITE ANALYSIS CHECKLIST. Create a checklist of factors being
considered in the process of Site Analysis. Checklist shall be arranges in
a chronological manner where the site analysis process can be
systematically administered.

Referred and referenced to throughout the design and construction


process, the below list highlights some of the key areas that should
be investigated, along with examples of how site analysis recordings
can be presented:

01 - General

 Geographic location
 Site boundary
 Entrance locations and types
 Site security
 Existing buildings
02 - Neighbouring buildings

 Distances
 Heights
 Uses
 Vernacular
 Site lines
 Rights to light
 Legal restrictions
 Noise levels
03 - Legal Restrictions

 Conservation areas
 Covenants and easements
 Rights of way
 SSSI ( Site of Special Scientific Interest)
 Listings (Grade II, II*, I)
 TPO's (Tree preservation orders)
 Previous planning permissions and applications
04 - Access

 Public routes
 Private routes
 Vehicle access
 Pedestrian access
 Existing circulation routes within
05 - Typography  

 Levels
 Gradients
 Key features/restrictions
 Exposure
06 - Views

 Private views out


 Public views in
07 - Sun paths

 Sun paths
 Solar gains
 Shading
08 - Wind patterns

 Prevailing direction
 Shelter
 Exposure
09 - Public Transport Links

 Bus's
 Train's
 Taxi's
010 - Trees and vegetation

 TPO's and protected species


 Root protection areas
 Items for removal
 Items to maintain
 Ownerships
011 - Ecology

 Protected species
 Protected zones
 Impacts
012 - Site restrictions

 Visibility
 Light
 Views
 Neighbours
 Pollution
 Flooding
 Land slides
013 - Features

 Areas to expose/use
 Areas to improve
 Areas to hide
014 - Hazards

 (Electricity lines, Drainage, Telephone lines, Sub-stations)


 Derelict Buildings
 Unfinished building works
3. FACTORS in SITE ANALYIS. Define and Illustrate. Identify how
each factors affects the design of building/s and its surrounding
environment.

A. Geographic Factors

I. Soil

The different types of soil present are analysed. 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

Ii. 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 reveal 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.
Iii. 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.

B. 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 major factors
affecting vegetation. In cool and temperate climates, vegetation may be
used to block winter winds.

I. Sun

By analysing the impact of the sun on a site, as well as the building’s


location, the spatial arrangement, orientation, window placement,
daylight access and other design features, the designer can take full
advantage of passive solar design features and increase the energy
efficiency, comfort and financial value of the building.

Ii. Wind
Wind direction, frequency and speed will influence the building design
including weather tightness detailing, building entry locations, window
size and placement, roof and wall cladding selection, bracing
requirements, and provision of shelter for outdoor spaces.

Iii. Precipitation

The amount, direction and intensity of rainfall on a site will affect


aspects of a building design, such as roof form, flashings, stormwater
drainage, rainwater harvesting and cladding type. Obtaining rainfall data
for the region should be part of the preliminary design brief.

Iv. Temperature

Sun and therefore heat is one of the most important climate components
because the generally used indicator of climatic comfort is air
temperature and relative humidity. Sun is the most important energy
source in lighting and heating forms and surfaces in architecture
C. Sensory Factors  

This addresses the visual, audible and tactile aspects of the site, such as
views, noise, and so on. These again should be considered in time
frames and a positive or negative factor can be attributed to the
condition.

I. Views

Ii. Sound
D. Regulatory Factors

E. Site Access and Circulation

In terms of the built environment, the term 'access' refers to the means or
ability to approach and/or enter a place, site, etc. Vehicle and pedestrian
movements in, through and around the site. Consider the timing of these
movements, and duration of heavier patterns. Future traffic and road
developments should also be considered.
I. Pedestrian Access

Wherever possible, provide clear, direct and safe access throughout the
building and the site, including major entries, lobbies, communal
outdoor space, parking areas and public streets.

Ii. Vehicular Access

Vehicle access should be integrated with site planning early in the


design process to avoid conflicts with streetscape requirements and
traffic patterns, and to minimise potential conflicts between pedestrians,
cars and cyclists.
Vehicle access must address vehicles of all types, including cars,
service, and emergency vehicles.

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