SITE SELECTION AND ANALYSIS

Site Analysis for Construction

Site Analysis is very important before we initiate our
construction. Detailed study of site and its
surroundings will help justify our design proposal.
Detailed study of the site and surrounding areas of the
site helps in designing the project efficiently.
SITE ANALYSIS SERVICES
Why a Client May Need These Services
 To evaluate development constraints and
opportunities for a site
 To assess one or more sites as a basis for purchase
 To assess the infrastructure characteristics of a site
 To gain information as a basis for a zoning variance

CLIENT NEEDS
Site analyses vary greatly depending on the owner’s situation,
the project size, program complexity, and the site. One client
may have defined a building program and be in search of a
site. Another may have selected a site and be interested in
fitting a development program to it. Yet another may have
both site and program in hand and be seeking the most
efficient, economical, and environmentally sensitive approach
to site development.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

 Knowledge of climate, topography, soils, and natural
features
 Knowledge of site utility distribution systems
 Ability to evaluate site access and circulation factors
 Understanding of building siting considerations
 Familiarity with planning and zoning ordinances
  Ability to analyze multiple factors objectively
 Ability to work with related or specialty disciplines

SKILLS
Site analysis services may be performed by an interdisciplinary
team or by an individual capable of directing the work of
others. For the designer, skill in the initial evaluation of the
physical features and quality of a site is fundamental. The
designer leading a site analysis effort must be able to evaluate
the site in terms of climate, topography, geotechnical and soil
characteristics, utilities, natural features and surroundings,
transportation and access, and historic preservation and
landmarks. Familiarity with planning and zoning requirements
such as parking, building density, use, open space, and design
controls also is essential. Accurate assessment of the political
climate surrounding new development in a particular
neighborhood or community is increasingly important. Good
market analysis consultants can provide this assessment along
with assistance in evaluating real estate value. Consultants
with a planning or real estate background are frequently part
of the site analysis team. Other disciplines normally involved
include landscape architects and civil, power, and geotechnical
engineers. Depending on the project, other specialists may be
required. These might include traffic engineers or traffic
planners, hydrologists, economic analysts, environmental or
wildlife scientists, archaeologists, historians, real estate
attorneys, or programming specialists.

PROCESS
The size of the site, its anticipated use, and the
programming requirements will have a major effect on the
scope of work for site analysis services. The site location,
configuration, topography, and access and the complexity of
adjacency, utility, and environmental issues related to the site
are other key factors. Sites associated with controversial
development issues may require more involvement, more
related services, and more time.
When assembling the project team, a prime consideration
is the level of investigation that each site factor requires in
relation to the skills of the project manager. The consultant’s
familiarity with local conditions should be considered,
especially when working in foreign countries or in areas with
distinctive regional cultures. During site analysis, an architect
often explores the potential for a client to become an accepted
part of a community. The site analysis team should be fully
capable of making a good impression on a community and
dealing effectively with its representatives.

An empty site to be analyzed for construction

 When analyzing the site, we also have to consider
the impact of the structure on the surrounding
environment. If the proposed structure would have any
negative impact on the environment. In one of our
earlier articles, we have discussed “Site selection” and
“Site Analysis” with respect to the environmental
impact.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE STEPS TO BE

FOLLOWED FOR SITE ANALYSIS:
1. Google Maps
 Locate your site on the google maps.
 It will give you an idea of the:
Site contours
The connectivity to the main road and other sub
roads
The distances from the major landmarks such as:
 Shopping centres
 Railway Station
 Airport
 Bus stand
 Visit the site.
 Dimensions of the site
 Get the exact dimensions of the site.
2. Site Surveying
Hire a surveyor and get the survey of the land. It will help you
figure out the geological and hydrological structure of the site.
3. Accessibility to the site
The main entrances and the main road abutting the site also
has to be noted. Easy accessibility to the site is very important
for any kind of project. But of course, the significance varies if
we are to compare an industrial project with residential
project.
4. Major Landmarks
After spotting the major landmarks, analyze the integrity of
their existence in close proximity to the site. It is essential to
know as to what kind of impact would these structures have on
our site.

5. Orientation of the site

Mark the orientation of site. Orientation of site will help you in
orienting the structure correctly in the process of designing.
6. Climatology Factors
Climate can be subdivided into two major divisions:
1. Micro climate
2. Macro climate
We have to study the micro climate and macro climate of the
place in order to design a Bio-climatic structure. We have
already discussed Bio-climatic Architecture. You must give a
read before advancing further. It will give you a clear idea of
the Bio climatic aspects to be considered while designing.

7. Economic feasibility
The site location and detailed site analysis will give you an
idea of the economic feasibility of the project. It means that
the type of building or construction you are looking forward to
proposing on that site would be a successful venture or not
depending on the conditions of the site.
For example:
If you propose to build a five star hotel on a highway, it would
not be economically feasible because you would not have the
kind of users you would like to target for your venture to
become successful. Hence, going for a construction of a
Highway Restaurant would be much more feasible.

8. Sustainability Factors
Apart from environmental Sustainability, we are also looking at
Sustainability in terms of construction.
That is, it is important to satisfy three important principles
of Green Architecture which aims at Sustainability:
  Energy Efficiency
 Water Efficiency
 Material Efficiency
9. Site Services
Study of services on site is also very important. The
major site services include:
1. Water Supply
2. Electricity Lines
3. Drainage Lines
After the absolute study of the site, one can conclude
on the kind of project to be executed, its feasibility and
also its sensitivity to be shown towards designing the
structure and the site as well.

10. Site selection. Often a client has a development

program in mind and is looking for the best site for it. It may
be necessary to survey the region, town, or neighborhood for
available sites and then to evaluate potential sites in terms of
the requirements of the development program. The objective
of site analysis during the site selection process is to identify
the best site based on the physical, cultural, and regulatory
characteristics of the site and its surroundings, as well as the
site’s adaptability to and compatibility with the proposed
program.
A site is selected on the basis of the demand of the
construction.
An already existing site is taken, is analyzed and the kind
of project to be proposed on that particular site is decided.

SAMPLE SITE SELECTION STUDY

This study examines a series of possible sites for a
corporation seeking to relocate its headquarters within
a few miles of the interchange of two interstate
highways.
EVALUATION FACTORS
Traffic Factors
 Restrictions due to traffic congestions
 Cost of necessary traffic improvements and method
of payment
 Mass Transit accessibility

Geotechnical Factors
 Foundation Conditions
 Earthwork
 Expansion or collapse potential of upper soils
 Seismic shaking
 Faulting
 Seismic liquefaction potential
 Slope stability problems
 Groundwater problems
 Environmental Hazards

Utilities
 Availability of water costs for added water capacity
 Availability of sewer costs for added sewer capacity
Development Factors
 Height Limitations
 Other zoning requirements
 Planning review process
 Neighboring uses
 Available acreage

Economic Factors
 Land per square meter

11. Program definition. Here the client may have control of

a site and perhaps have a general idea—from experience,
intuition, or formal market research—of how to develop it. The
focus in site analysis will be on determining the development
capacity of the site so the program can be further defined in
terms of density, open space, and environmental quality. The
resulting site program will set the stage for site design.

12. Site accommodation. When a client has both a defined

program and a selected site, the site analysis objective will be
to maximize the potential of the site for its intended use by
developing a thorough understanding of the opportunities and
limitations it offers.

GENERIC STEPS TO PERFORM THE SERVICE

The typical phases in site analysis are program
investigation, site investigation and analysis, site evaluation,
and report development.
Program investigation. The building program is
investigated with respect to the selected or optional building
footprints; area required for parking, circulation, open space,
and other program elements; and any special constraints or
requirements such as security, easements, preserving natural
habitat, wetlands, and the like.
Site inventory and analysis. The physical, cultural,
and regulatory characteristics of the site are initially explored.
The site evaluation checklist identifies factors that may be
considered. Some of these factors can be assessed by
collecting and analyzing information; others are best
addressed by walking the site and traversing its environs. A
preliminary assessment of whether a location and site have
the potential to accommodate the building program is made.
Priority issues—those (such as environmental contamination)
that may preempt further investigation—are identified. A site
analysis plan is developed. When this has been approved by
the client, consultants may be hired to further explore issues
that require analysis beyond the capabilities of the core
project team.
Site evaluation. At this point, thorough assessments are
conducted when necessary to develop the site analysis plan.
These may include physical testing of aspects of the site, its
improvements, and adjoining properties.
SITE EVALUATION CHECKLIST
PRACTICE IN TRANSITION
13. Development potential evaluation.
In some cases a client already owns or is
considering the purchase of an undeveloped
or underdeveloped property and seeks site
analysis to accurately define the general
development potential and market value of
the property.

14. Special site studies. Each site will

present a unique set of issues and concerns.
As part of site analysis, special studies may
be required. Examples are utilities studies,
environmental impact studies, historic
resources inventories, and studies of special
opportunities, such as the construction of
co-generation plants or solid waste disposal
systems. Some clients want architects to
provide assistance with initial site analysis
and/or planning and zoning assistance on a
speculative basis. They promise that the
architect’s costs will be recovered later
through compensation for other services if
the project goes forward. As noted above, a
good site analysis will enable the client to
exploit the full development potential of a
site. Effective planning and zoning
assistance can maximize the potential for
regulatory approvals and significantly
reduce the owner’s risk of economic loss.
Related services include site design,
geotechnical services, real estate
evaluation, programming, site surveys,
market studies, economic evaluations, and
land use studies.
OTHER FACTORS TO BE
CONSIDERED
Choosing a site on which to locate a new
home is not a simple task. Countless factors
– natural, man-made, social and economic –
must be examined. Where we choose to
build and how we build on a site have an
impact on the local and global
environments, ongoing costs (utility bills,
maintenance) and our physical and
psychological well-being. With today’s rapid
growth, dwindling resources and increasing
pollution threats, concern for human and
environmental health are causing us to take
a closer look at our building practices,
starting with the building site. Whether
selecting a site or working with an existing
site, and whether the site is urban,
suburban or rural, there are many aspects
that can be examined with respect to how
“green”, that is how healthy for people and
the planet, the home on that site can
potentially be.

1. Location
Selecting a building site close to work,
schools, shopping, etc. will minimize travel
distances and time. Short distances,
sidewalks, bike paths and bus stops will
allow for healthier modes of transportation
and the avoidance of excessive costly,
polluting automobile trips. A lot in an
established neighborhood located close to
town is a particularly good choice for many
people. This land has already been
dedicated to residential development, so
more natural land does not have to be
destroyed and the costly roads and utilities
are already in place.

Avoiding environmentally sensitive areas

helps protect some of the features that
makes many areas so special – our creeks,
lakes, aquifer, tree-covered hills, wildlife,
native wildflowers & plants. Flat to
moderately sloped sites are preferable to
steeply sloped lots, as soil erosion, loss of
hillside vegetation and damage to
waterways are more difficult to avoid when
building on steep slopes.

“Site Repair” is a special approach to

selection of a building site that can have
economic and aesthetic benefits for the
prospective homeowner while restoring the
local environment rather than burdening it.
This involves choosing a site that has been
abused (stripped of vegetation, eroded,
invaded by exotic (non-native) vegetation,
etc.) for the location of the home.
Placement of the new home on the
“scarred” area often leaves the more
beautiful areas to be looked out upon and
enjoyed.

2. Design For The Climate, Flora,

Fauna & Soils
The chosen building site can greatly affect
the comfort and energy efficiency of the
home built upon it. A south-facing slope or
good southern exposure on a lot which
allows for the long sides of the building to
face north and south will facilitate the
utilization of our prevailing summer breezes
and desirable winter solar heat gain. A hot,
bare site will require a greater investment in
wide overhangs, shading devices such as
awnings or trellises, and shade trees to keep
utility bills down and comfort levels up.

Examination of a particular site’s unique

characteristics is important. The top of a hill
may be too windy, drying and exposed to
the hot sun. A valley may be too damp,
windless, foggy or subject to flooding.
Location and type of trees should be
evaluated for summer shading assistance,
summer breeze channeling or blocking,
winter wind blocking, and winter solar heat
gain penetration.

A lot that allows for placement of the house

on a relatively flat area and in a natural
clearing will minimize disruption of the
natural vegetation. This will avoid erosion,
discourage growth of invasive exotic
vegetation, and be less expensive than
massive reconstruction. Minimizing
disruption of natural drainage patterns is
generally less expensive up front and avoids
costly maintenance of elaborate constructed
drainage systems. When native trees and
vegetation must be removed, they can often
be replanted elsewhere on or off the site.
Respecting existing wildlife trails and habitat
will enhance wildlife observation enjoyment.

3. Minimization of Raw Materials

One of the best ways to minimize the use of
raw materials is to select a site that already
has a home on it, and remodel as necessary.
At times it makes sense to move an existing
home to a new site. Some sites may offer
sources of usable building materials such as
wood, stone, clay and sand which, if
carefully and thoughtfully considered, can
be a sound alternative to importation.

One of the best ways to minimize the

amount (and cost) of building materials
required is to keep the size of the home
reasonable. With thoughtful design a small
home can be very comfortable, functional
and respectful of privacy. Smaller, more
affordable lots should not be overlooked.

4. Social/Psychological/Functional

How the site “feels” – inviting or

forbidding, hot or cool, open or
intimate – may affect how much the
new homeowners take advantage of
outdoor living spaces. Maximum use of
patios, decks, natural clearings, or
other outdoor rooms can result in the
need for less indoor square footage
that needs to be constructed then
heated and cooled, not to mention the
psychological and physical benefits of
being outdoors. A prospective building
site should be examined for existing
tree groupings, landforms or structures
that will aid in creating pleasant,
usable outdoor spaces. Off site
conditions which may affect outdoor
livability or indoor living with open
windows (such as traffic noise, odors or
pollution) should be considered before
selecting a site.

Many site selection and home design

decisions that are good for the
environment also have direct positive
benefits on the occupants’ health, well-
being and budget. Helping to preserve
our environment through more
thoughtful site selection and home
design is one very important step
toward a continued high quality of life.