Site Analysis and Evaluation

Process of Site Analysis and Evaluation

SITE ANALYSIS is the systematic process of evaluating and understanding the characteristics, constraints, and opportunities of a specific piece of land or site. It involves collecting, interpreting, and synthesizing data about various aspects of the site to inform the planning and design process.

JOHN SIMOND'S SITE PLANNING PROCESSJohn Simonds outlines a six-phase planning process that applies to architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering,

COMMISSION PHASE

In urban planning, the process usually starts with identifying the issues, challenges, or opportunities associated with a specific site or area. This may involve conducting surveys, collecting data, and analyzing various factors such as land use, transportation, infrastructure, environment, demographics, and community needs.

RESEARCH PHASE

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS

provide detailed information about the shape, elevation, and slope of the land. Understanding the topography of the site helps planners

SURVEYS OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURES

Surveys of existing infrastructure, including utilities, roads, and drainage systems, help planners understand the existing conditions and limitations of the site.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental studies provide information about soil conditions, vegetation, wildlife habitats, and water resources on and around the site.

REGULATORY REQUIREMENT

Understanding regulatory requirements, including zoning ordinances, building codes, and environmental regulations, is essential for compliance and permitting purposes.

ANALYSIS PHASE

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS

provide detailed information about the shape, elevation, and slope of the land. Understanding the topography of the site helps planners

OPPORTUNITIESCONSTRAINTSPROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

1.OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities in site planning refer to favorable conditions, assets, or potentials within or surrounding a site that can be leveraged to achieve specific goals or outcomes.

Examples of Opportunities

MAXIMIZING VIEW AND NATURAL LIGHT EXPOSURE

INCORPORATING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PRINCIPLES

CREATING A PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY SPACES AND RECREATIONAL AMENITIES

ENHANCING CONNECTIVITY AND ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

2. CONSTRAINTS

Constraints in site planning refer to limitations or factors that restrict the options available for development or design of a particular site.

ENDANGERED SPECIES OF TREE
UNDERGROUND PIPES
WETLANDS / PROTECTED HABITAT
INDUSTRIAL SITE
HIRTORICAL SITE

3. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

•A critical aspect of planning that lays the foundation for informed decision-making, design development, and successful implementation of development projects.

KEY COMPONENTS OF Project Development

Stakeholder Input Site Context

Assessment Zoning and Regulatory

Requirements

Market Analysis

SYNTHESIS PHASE

CONCEPT ALTERNATIVESREVIEWDESIGN REFINEMENTACCEPTANCE

CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES

designers explore a range of design ideas and alternatives

REVIEW

Concept alternatives and ideas reviewed by the stakeholders

DESIGN REFINEMENT

Feedback received, designers refine the chosen alternatives, adjust to the layout, scale, materials, sustainability features, and other design elements

ACCEPTANCE

Once designs have been finalized, they are presented to stakeholders for approval/acceptance.

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

DRAWINGS

CONTRACTS

SPECIFICATION

DRAWINGS

In Construction phase, drawing conveys the Architect's/ Engineer's/ Planner's intent to builders, contractors and other stakeholders involved in the construction process

CONTRACTS

Contracts during the construction phase are legal agreements between the project owner and various parties involved in the construction process, such as contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants

SPECIFICATION

Specifications in the context of construction refer to detailed descriptions of materials, products, workmanship, and performance standards required for the completion of a construction project. Specifications are typically included as part of the contract documents and provide essential information to contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other project stakeholders regarding the quality and requirements of the project.

OPERATION PHASE

INSPECTION / EVALUATION

In site planning, the operation phase typically refers to the stage in which the planned site or development becomes fully functional and operational. This phase comes after the completion of construction and any necessary commissioning activities

KEVIN LYNCH (January 7, 1918 – April 25, 1984) was an American urban planner and author. He is known for his work on the perceptual form of urban environments and was an early proponent of mental mapping.

Kevin Lynch site planning process:

1. Defining the problem

2. Programming and analysis of site and user

3. Schematic design and the preliminary cost estimate

4. Developed design and detailed costing

5. Contract documents

6. Bidding and contracting

7. Construction

8. Occupation and management

4 Categories for Site Analysis

Observations to make on the Site

Site Location

Site location details (road names, address, major landmarks, etc)
Current context – existing buildings, car parking, roads.
Access to the site – vehicle access, pedestrian access, etc

2. Neighbourhood context

Look at existing and proposed building uses in the neighbourhood
Are there exterior spaces and what are they used for?
Are there activities in the neighbourhood that may create strong vehicle or pedestrian traffic?
Existing vehicle movement patterns, major and minor roads, bus routes, and stops.
Street lighting
Vernacular context, materials, architectural features, fenestration, landscaping, parking, building heights
Any nearby historical buildings, or buildings of particular significance
Building context – what style, period, state of repair are the surrounding buildings?
It is historical/heritage/conservation area? Will your design need to reflect the existing style?
Is the site close to listed buildings?
Surfaces and materials around the site.

3. Site Specific

Site boundary and dimensions
Any rights of way through the site and the dimensions
Any easements location and dimensions
Buildable area of the site
Any building height restrictions
Access to the site – car parking, bus routes, train stations, cycle routes, pedestrian walkways.
Access to site for construction – will there be any obstacles or restrictions that could affect the construction process?
Safety in and around the site

4. Natural Features

Topography of the site, valleys, ridges, slopes etc.
Vegetation – landscaping, greenery, shrubs and trees, open spaces.
Site levels. How will this affect your design process?
How does the site drainage work, would there be any potential problems with drainage?
Soil types on site

5. Man made features

What was the previous use of the site? Would there be any contamination concerns?
Are there existing buildings on the site – what is their state of repair?
Is there any sign of subsidence or settlement damage?
Are the existing buildings part of the project?

6. Circulation

Circulation – how do visitors/pedestrians/traffic to or near the site flow around or within it.
Accessibility – current provisions of disabled access to the site and how will this need to be considered.
Does the existing pedestrian movement need to be preserved?
What is the vehicle peak loads and when?
Public transport close to the site
Locations of best access to site for both vehicles and pedestrians
Travel time to walk across the site

7. Utilities

Location of all services: electricity, gas, water, sewer, telephone. This includes both underground and above ground.
Location of power poles.
Drainage
Sub-stations

8. Sensory

Views – where are the best views to and from the site.
What are the views of?
Mark out the positive and negative views.
Which is the most likely feature aspect?
Look at views towards the site from different approaches to see how the site would be seen when drawing near to the site. What are the best views of the site, and would these change in the long term?
Noise, odour and pollution – is the site in a particularly noisy area? Or near industrial buildings that produce levels of pollution. Is it near a facility that creates smoke?

9. Human and Cultural

Negative neighbourhood issues such as vandalism and crime.
What are the attitudes towards the site and the potential build?
What are the general neighbourhood attitudes about the area?
What is the cultural, psychological, behavioural and sociological aspects of the surrounding area.
What is the population, density, family size, ethnic patterns, employment, recreation activities etc.

10. Climate

Orientation of the site.
Weather – how does the weather affect the site? Is it well shaded, exposed?
How does the temperature, rainfall etc vary throughout the year?
What are the prevailing wind directions throughout the year?
What is the sun path throughout the different times of the year, and day.

Stages for Urban Design Site Analysis

Stage I : Documentation

Preparation of the Base Map.
Slope Analysis, Landscape study and Environmental aspects with respect to Urban Development.
Identifying buildable zones/areas and specific areas and considerations for development.
Defining the study area
Reference to existing planning documents and building regulations , ownership pattern of the area.

Mapping ( To be done and explored under the following factors)

Setting of the area : Main or special features of the site, Geographic features,
Features of historic significance, elements of local distinctiveness
Building use
Building heights
Landscape features and elements
Nature of open spaces and open space network
Movement patterns
Legibility
Landmarks, structures of historical importance
Land use
Ownership pattern
Facilities map
Classification of built form
Environmental Factors
Public activity mapping

Stage II : Analysis

Stage II of the project involves conducting a comprehensive analysis of the studied area, focusing on its morphological, sociological, and economic aspects. The analysis aims to understand the current potentials and limitations of the site, considering various scales and issues. Key components include examining movement patterns, connectivity, land use compatibility, topography, urban landscape, distances between facilities, social and economic statistics, historical values, regulations, and local plans. Urban and grain analyses are recommended. The analysis will be presented visually with keywords integrated throughout. Following documentation and analysis, the study will identify issues, opportunities, and constraints, and develop a vision for the region.

Stage III : Framework

An important part of planning for a city is the framework or structure plan. This is what the parts of a city or even the whole city are built around.

At a different level, you can set up a framework for your study area. In this case, you need to set up a framework that will help you design your site. These strategies will be used to make up the framework or structure plan that will guide how the different parts of the study area look, move, connect, use, and so on.

Stage IV : Urban Intervention

By engaging in creative activities and designing impactful projects, urban interventions can help improve the quality of life for city residents. These interventions can take many forms, such as street art, temporary installations, public performances, or community events. They aim to bring people together, spark conversations, and transform urban spaces into more vibrant, inclusive, and enjoyable environments.

Urban interventions have the potential to make cities more dynamic, engaging, and responsive to the needs of their communities. They can be powerful tools for governments, organizations, and city planners seeking to enhance the well-being and happiness of urban dwellers.

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