site planning

BASIC SITE PLANNING

References: Kevin Lynch and Gary Hack (1984)Credits: Original slide by Dr. Omolo-Okalebo. Edited and presented by Dr. Apell.

Site selectionSite selection

• For every site there is an ideal use• For every use there is an ideal site.

What are factors influencing site What are factors influencing site planning?planning?1. Natural factors : Geology and soil, topography, habitat, microclimate, Hydrology.

The categories of data and its interpretation is related to the proposed project. The level of detail depends on the nature of the program --how simple or complex and the type of site --rural or urban

2. Man-made factors : existing uses, man-made features, legal regulations and historical associations.

3. Aesthetic factors : visual qualities and relationship.4. Metrological: Climate, Natural Disasters etc.

Stage 1: Site Analysis

• Consultation with client

• Simple site visit.

• This results in a drawing to provide a rough

sketch of locations and concept of plan.

• Drawing and graphics are generally abstract.

Source: http://www.ts-architects.co.uk: retrieved 11/19/15

Collection & Analysis of existing Site information

Locate and collect any information not found on existing plans

Natural factorsNatural factors

Slope and Topography

• Slope and topography describe the shape and relief of land.

• Topography is a measurement of elevation and relief of the Land. Topography is measured with contours that connect points representing the same elevation

• Slope is the difference in elevation from one point to another divided by the lateral distance between those points.

Why are slope and Topography important?

• Reduce construction costs • Minimize risks from natural hazards such as flooding and

landslides,• Minimize the impacts of proposed developments on

natural resources such as soils, vegetation and water systems.

• Vreate a model of the land surface (digital elevation model) or three dimensional physical models.

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Topographic mapTopographic map

•Locations

•Natural Features

•Man-made Features

•Elevation And Relief

•Vegetation

•Hydrographic, Water Body

•Roads, Buildings

Source: Discoverdesign.org. Retrieved: 11/19/15

i

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Slope analysisSlope analysis• Slope analysis is

used to measure the suitability of the gradient of the terrain for each type of development.

Slope is a measure of the steepness of a surface and may be expressed in either degrees or percent of slope. In this example, the red cells show steep areas and the green cells show flat areas

Source: http://www.geography.hunter.cuny.edu. 11/19/2015

Typical questions:1. Contour interval, pattern of landform2. Natural drainage pattern 3. Unique features4. Slope analysis and percent slope.5. Site dangers: Land slide potential, sink holes,

Slope analysisSlope analysis

Source: Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors, accessed April, 7 2014

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Hydrological cycleHydrological cycle

Source: http://www.sws.uiuc.edu/: Retrieved 11/19/15

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• Soil classification ( Loam, Clay, Sand)

• Soil survey data

• Why is soil information important?

Natural factors: SoilNatural factors: Soil

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Soil classificationsSoil classifications • Soil classification:

general soil type

based on soil texture.

The triangle indicates

the relative

proportions of three

particle sizes -- sand,

silt and clay.

• Key words for soil

characteristics-- Soil

texture, soil porosity, Soil chemistry, soil moisture

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia, accessed 11/19/2015

Soil mapSoil map

Source:www.esri.com; 11/19/15 16

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• Typical questions:• 1. Which depth is

required?• 2. Chemical property of

soil ?• 3. How deep is the water

table/ fluctuation?

Natural factors:soilNatural factors:soil

Source: Soil4kids.org

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• Temperature

• Micro-climate• WIND VELOCITY

• PRECIPITATION RATE

• TEMPERATURE

• HUMIDITY

Metrological FactorsMetrological Factors

Note Important Site Features: • Sun orientation • Airflow • Water• Wildlife• Population Density• existing uses of the site & its surroundings • think of all the senses and record observations - sound /

sight / smell / touch / taste + spirit

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Land use/ DevelopmentsLand use/ Developments

• Existing land use on-site, off-site

• the potential of change

• color symbol of land use

• facilities or site amenity

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Site surrounding: Aerial Site surrounding: Aerial PhotoPhoto

Source: Speke Resort Kampala

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Potential of changePotential of change

Existing Existing FacilitiesFacilities

Public schoolSocial service

Hospital

Fire station

Library, Post office


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• Linkage and movement pattern

• Connection to activity centers

• Circulation

• Accessibility

• Potential of change

CirculationCirculation


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Street systemStreet system


Street Street CapacityCapacity



The comparison between mass transit and private car

The number of people in one hour between each type of transportation



• Density : F.A.R

• Zoning district

• Set back, building and other regulation

Law and regulationLaw and regulation

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• FAR is one of the density control device, 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

F.A.R.=1/2

One-story bldg. Two-story bldg.

Law and regulationLaw and regulation

Site area

Floor area ratio(FAR)= building area


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

Laws, codes Laws, codes & regulation& regulation

Aesthetic factorsAesthetic factors

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Visual qualityVisual quality

•Landscape special character

•Spatial pattern of the site

•Visual quality and character

•Visual disturbance

Utilize special features on landscape Utilize special features on landscape

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Rocky outcrops

09/03/2004 34Determining views from the Determining views from the sitesite

Vista Panoramic view

Framed view Filtered view

Stage 2: The Concept Design• This is typically the initial design response.• There are no definite rules as to what must be included in a concept plan.

• Typically, the main features of the landscape design are shown - for instance the different garden areas and their relationship to neighboring areas, main features and main trees.

• Plans are often to scale and include a basic indication of materials. The drawings are often illustrative.

Measurements

• Measure enough existing features to verify the scale of your drawings

• Overall length and height of building faces • Location and width of paths • Location & size (trunk, canopy and height) of trees &

shrubs

Conceptual Diagrams – from Landscape Graphics by Grant W. Reid

Stage 3: Preliminary Drawings• Sometimes Preliminary Designs are produced if a

Concept needs further resolution but the client does not want to progress to detailed designs or full tender or construction documents.

• For the preliminary phase, the main goal is to map out how the complex components will perform the functions in a given site, and their defined interfaces within the general environment.

• A presentation is made to the client and the client assess how well the plan suits their needs and if any changes need to be made.

Stage 4: Detailed Designs /Tender Issue Plans

• The Tender Issue Plans are used to obtain quotes from contractors.

• These drawings must communicate the fully resolved design to the contractors, and include all details the contractor will need to provide an accurate quote.

• The drawings must give the contractor enough information to determine the scope of works to be done, all the required components, and the ability to estimate labour requirements.

What is Landscape?• “A portion of the earth’s surface that can be comprehended at a

glance.”• Landscape may also be defined as natural scenery seen from

a single view point

• ‘Landscape is an attractive, important, and ambiguous term [that] encompasses an ensemble of ordinary features which constitute an extraordinarily rich exhibit of the course and character of any society’ and that ‘Landscape is defined by our vision and interpreted by our minds.

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