03 - Aesthetic and Physical Considerations of Site

Site Context

The specific character, quality, physical, historical and social characteristics of a building's setting. Depending on the nature of the proposal, the context could be as small as a suburban street or as large as a whole town.

Geomorphology

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

Hydrology

surface and ground water

Climate

solar orientation, wind, and humidity; can be generally classified into 4 types: Cold, Temperate, Hot Arid, and Hot Humid

Wildlife

relates closely to habitats provided by plant communities

Vegetation

 the relevance of plant materials in site planning is in their role in: 

1. Climatic control

2. Environmental Engineering

3. Architectural and aesthetic uses

Cultural attributes

Existing Land use, utilities, circulation, historic, sensory

Political attributes

Land use, legal considerations, etc.

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.

Site Analysis

involves the study of the site in terms of the following: 

• The Natural Factors

• The Aesthetic Factors

• The Cultural Factors

Natural Features

When sites are characterized by outstanding natural features of earth, rocks, water, or plant material, these may be incorporated in the site development as natural assets of the land.

Spatial patterns

is defined as the way an open space of a given site is configured according to an arrangement of elements that evoke activity or flow, both physically or visually.

View

Visual Resources; ____ is a scene observed from a vantage point

Vista

Visual Resources; _____ is a confined view, usually directed toward a terminal or dominant feature. It has three components: a viewing station, a view, and a foreground.

Traffic and Transit Systems

Concerned with the relationship of traffic pattern to each other and to the site must be studied for adequacy of access and efficiency of circulation within and outside of the site.

Existing Land Use

These were planned according to the most rational use of land in relation to the natural and socio-economic factors and in accordance with compatibility with adjacent land uses.

Density

refers to the population per unit land area

Socio-Economic Factors

The study of the community and its social and economic structures are done whether there is a need, an interest, or any objections on the project.

Utilities/Services

This includes:

• Sanitary sewer system

• Electric power supply

• Water supply

• Drainage

Historic Factors

• Historic buildings

• Historic landmarks

• Archeology

Site Analysis

a critical part of the planning and design process. No development takes place in isolation - it will be influenced by the conditions of the site and will have an impact on its context. Good site and context analysis forms the foundation of good design.