Site Planning

Introduction to Site Planning Process

  • Understanding the concept of site planning involves recognizing that it can be applied to larger geographic spaces compared to a small residential site.

  • The processes for site planning in different scales may share similarities but result in different outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

  • Define and describe the steps associated with the site planning process, identifying both familiar and new concepts.

  • Explain the role of integral planning and site structure unity in shaping design proposals.

Concept of Ideal Use

  • The notion that each site has an ideal use is debatable; it is proposed that while a site can support various uses, some are more fitting than others.

  • Each completed project should enhance the desirability of its surrounding environment rather than detract from it.

  • The optimal site plan is one that:

    • Maximizes long-term benefits while minimizing total costs and stress.

    • Considers resources needed for site maintenance.

Program Development in Site Planning

  • Program Development: A critical step in the design process that outlines the functions of a project.

  • Important aspects include:

    • Collaboration with clients to understand their needs and requirements.

    • Ensuring an iterative feedback loop between the landscape architect and the client throughout the design process.

Site Selection Process

  • Site selection can manifest in two primary ways:

    1. Clients approach landscape architects to help find suitable sites for desired developments.

    2. Clients have specific properties in mind and seek advice on potential uses for those sites.

  • The site selection process is often non-linear; it may involve utilizing matrices that rate different sites based on predetermined criteria.

Evaluation Matrix

  • Sites can be evaluated with a scoring system that ranks criteria ranging from limitations to optimal conditions:

    • For instance, a scale from black (severe limitations) to a colored circle (ideal conditions).

    • This method is akin to evaluating university options by weighing pros and cons to determine the best fit.

Factors Influencing Project Success

  • Various criteria affect project feasibility, including:

    • Regional context

    • Climate

    • Soil conditions

    • Economic factors

    • Transportation availability

  • These factors influence the design program and how well a project can succeed.

Site Analysis and Inventory

  • After site selection, a thorough inventory is conducted:

    • Gathering data on topography, existing structures, and environmental features (e.g., flora, fauna, water bodies).

  • Example of site study: Identifying optimal building sites for a new high school by considering visual approaches, accessibility, and environmental factors.

Functional Diagrams

  • Development of functional diagrams helps visualize the arrangement of essential components based on the design program.

  • For instance:

    • Administrative buildings may be situated centrally, surrounded by classrooms, gyms, recreational areas, and auxiliary facilities.

  • The diagram is schematically placed onto the site to assess spatial relationships, ensuring functional efficiency.

Final Master Plan Development

  • Creating a master plan involves:

    • Finalizing the layout with accurate dimensions and spatial configurations for all intended uses on the site (classrooms, workshops, parking).

    • Ensuring each component fits within its designated areas and meets the needs of the project.

Integral Planning vs. Disjoint Planning

  • Integral Planning aims to create cohesive, holistic designs where all components function together.

  • In contrast, disjointed methods often lead to sites with unrelated structures lacking cohesive planning:

    • This results in sprawl and misaligned uses across different properties.

Site Structure Unity

  • Site Structure Unity refers to the seamless relationship between site and built form:

    • Structures should respond appropriately to the characteristics of the site.

    • Examples:

    • Lighthouses: Located on peninsulas to aid navigation at sea, showcasing practicality and aesthetic alignment with their surroundings.

    • Castles: Positioned on elevated terrain for fortification and protection, illustrating strategic use of site elevation.

Examples of Site Structure Unity

  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater:

    • The building integrates with the waterfall below, blurring lines between architecture and the natural environment. The architectural features enhance the site’s characteristics and the experience it offers.

    • Water flows underneath the house, emphasizing the connection between structure and landscape.

Comprehensive Land Planning

  • Projects necessitating comprehensive land planning require thoughtful assessment of impacts over a larger geographic scope:

    • Graphics and models can illustrate a comprehensive understanding of site dynamics and integration of various components.

  • These detailed analyses lead to responsible land use and development that respects the ecological and social context of the project.