Module 1 Concept in Site Planning and Landscape Architecture

Site Planning

A branch of landscape architecture and urban design that focuses on the design and development of specific sites.

Kevin Lynch

according to him, “The art of arranging structures on the land and shaping the spaces between; an art linked to architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and city planning"

Harvey Rubenstein

according to him, "The art and science of arranging the uses of portions of land. These uses are designated in detail by selecting and analyzing sites, forming land use plans, organizing vehicular and pedestrian circulation ... ... developing construction details to carry out the project."

Site Selection Process

This process selects from a list of potential sites one that suits best the given use and requirements of the project

Development Suitability Process

This process selects the best possible use and development suited for a given site, also land suitability test.

Site Selection Criteria

refer to the set of factors and considerations used to evaluate and compare different sites for a particular development or project

Feasibility

the practicality of a project, taking into account technical, financial, and regulatory factors.

Highest and best use of land

refers to the most economically productive and efficient use of a particular piece of land

Market demand

the potential demand for a particular use of a site.

Legally Permissible

Only those uses that are, or may be, legally permitted are potential highest and best uses. Properties with a use that predates existing zoning or other property regulations may be legally nonconforming

Physically Possible

Any potential use must be physically possible given the size, shape, topography, and other characteristics of the site.

Financial Feasible

the proposed use of a property must generate adequate revenue to justify the costs of construction plus a profit for the developer

Maximally Productive

the use must generate the highest net return (profit) to the developer

Natural Factors

one of the factors that refer to the environment and geography of a site, such as terrain, climate, soil, vegetation, and natural resources.

cultural factors

one of the factors that refer to the history, customs, and traditions of a particular place, as well as the preferences and values of the people living in the area

aesthetic Factors

one of the factors that refer to the aesthetics of the site, including its visual appeal, symmetry, and color.

geology

composition of earth, the process that shaped its surface and its history

geomorphology

physiography, landforms, soils, drainage, topography, and slopes, and soil erosion

hydrology

surface and ground water (watershed)

clumate

solar orientation for buildings, best facing slope, wind flows for breezes

wildlife

habitats (openland, woodland, wetland)

vegetation

climatic control (solar radiation, wind), environmental engineering (air purification, noise glare, erosion). and architectural uses.

Historic factors

Existing of existing historic building, landmarks, and archeology

Utilities

Existing sanitary, storm-water, water supply, power supply, and communications

socio economic

Existing economic or social activities, points of interest among others

existing land use

Ownership of adjacent property, off-site nuisances

traffic and transit

Vehicular and pedestrian circulation or or adjacent to site

density and zoning

Legal and regulatory controls

natural features

Existing features that enhances the physical appearance of the site

visual resources

Existing views and vistas that has to be captured or utilized

spatial patterns

Urban fabric, dominant architectural patterns, etc

Site inventory and analysis

are steps in the design process used to assess existing conditions and determine how or if they will or should change

site analysis map

are the graphic translation of key observations and analyses as they relate to the material conditions of a site.

map overlay analysis

is a GIS operation that superimposes multiple data sets (representing different themes) together for the purpose of identifying relationships between them

remote sensing technology

techniques that use satellite imagery, drones, or other means to gather information about a site from a distance.

soil analysis equipment

tools used to investigate the physical and chemical properties of soil, such as penetrometers, soil samplers, etc.

site developement

refers to the process of preparing a piece of land for construction or other intended use.

site plan

A detailed drawing or map of a proposed development, showing the location of buildings, roads, utilities, and other features.

landscaping

The design and implementation of outdoor spaces, including the placement of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other vegetation, as well as hardscaping elements such as paths and walls.

zoning

regulations that controls the use of land and dedicate what types of developement can take place in a specific area

building code

A set of regulations that dictate the minimum standards for construction, including the design, materials, and methods used.

setbacks

The minimum distance that a building or structure must be located from the property line or other structures.

stormwater management

The design and implementation of measures to control and manage the flow of stormwater runoff from a site

site grading

The process of altering the existing terrain of a site to achieve a desired slope or elevation.

erosion control

Measures to prevent or control soil erosion, such as retaining walls, vegetated slopes, and silt fences.

percentatge ratio of site occupancy (PSO)

The ratio of the total area covered by buildings and other structures to the total area of a site.

floor area ratio (FAR)

A measure of the density of a development, calculated as the ratio of the total floor area of a building to the area of the lot.

access

The means by which people, vehicles, and goods can enter and exit a site.

parking requirements

Regulations specifying the number of parking spaces required for a given use or development.

site lighting

The design and installation of lighting fixtures to provide illumination and safety on a site.

fencing

A barrier or enclosure used to define property lines or provide security on a site.

buffer

An area of land set aside to separate two uses or activities, such as a residential development and a commercial development.

drainage

The collection, treatment, and disposal of surface water and groundwater on a site.

ecosystem services

the benefits that people derive from ecosystems, such as clean air and water, pollination, and climate regulation.

site services

Utilities and other services that are provided to a site, such as electricity, water, sewage, and telecommunications.

development control

are regulations and guidelines that are used to control and manage the development of land.

zoning

A set of regulations that determine the types of uses that are allowed on a particular piece of land, such as residential, commercial, or industrial uses.

building codes

Regulations that set standards for the design, construction, and safety of buildings and structures.

impact assessment

Studies that evaluate the potential impacts of a proposed development on the environment

design standards

Regulations that set standards for the appearance and design of buildings, structures, and public spaces.

performance standard

egulations that set standards for the operation and performance of buildings and structures, such as energy efficiency and noise levels.

transfer of developemnt rights

Regulations that set standards for the operation and performance of buildings and structures, such as energy efficiency and noise levels.

Landscape design

is the analysis, planning, and design of exterior living spaces.

landscape architecture

focuses more on urban planning, city and regional parks, civic and corporate landscapes, large scale interdisciplinary projects, and delegation to contractors after completing designs.

gardening

the practice of growing and cultivating plants as part of horticulture.

horticulture

the branch of agriculture that deals with the art, science, technology, and business of plant cultivation

hardscaping

Can refer to any “hard” garden elements including statuary or boulders but most commonly is used to refer to paths, patios, and walls.

softscape

refers to the live horticultural elements of a landscape.