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SITE PLANNING
Each site has a unique nature of its own. The purpose for which it is to be used should be
clearly understood. Every site when disturbed takes time to experience the mutual
adjustment of its elements. For example, the flow of water creates a drainage pattern. Many
factors are involved in the analysis of the site. These include the factors above the ground,
below the ground and on the ground, as discussed in the following.

INTRODUCTION

 The art of arranging structures on the land and shaping the spaces between; an art linked to
architecture, engineering, landscape architecture and city planning
 The art and science of arranging the uses of portions of land. These uses are designated in
detail by selecting and analysing sites, forming land use plans, organizing vehicular and
pedestrian circulation, developing visual form and materials concepts, readjusting the
existing landforms by design grading, providing proper drainage, and developing the
construction details necessary to carry out the projects.
1. There are two methods of establishing a SITE:
 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.
2. Site analysis involves the study of the site in terms of the following:

(A) Natural factors:

1. Geology
2. Geomorphology – physiography, landforms, soils, drainage, topography and slopes, and soil
erosion
3. Hydrology – surface and ground water
4. Vegetation – plant ecology
5. Wildlife – habitats
6. Climate – solar orientation, wind, and humidity.

(B) Cultural factors

1. Existing land use – ownership of adjacent property, off- site nuisances

2. Traffic and transit – vehicular and pedestrian circulation on or adjacent to site

3. Density and zoning – legal and regulatory controls

4. Socio-economic factors

5. Utilities – sanitary, storm-water, water supply, power supply, and communications.

6. Historic factors – historic buildings, landmarks, and archaeology.

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(C) Aesthetic factors

1. Natural features
2. Spatial patterns – spaces and sequences
3. Visual Resources – views and vistas

THE NATURAL FACTORS

1.GEOLOGY is the natural science that studies the Earth – its composition; the processes that shaped
its surface; and its history. Earth is made up of rocks (including soil, sand, silt and dust); rocks are
composed of minerals; minerals are made up of atoms

2. GEOMORPHOLOGY - is that branch of Geology that deals with the origin, nature and distribution
of landforms. Physiography – refers to the description of landforms. Landforms – are irregularities
on the earth’s surface. They are derived from volcanic, glacial, or erosional processes.

 When designing a piece of property for architectural, landscape architectural and

engineering usage, it is essential for the designer to first confront the nature of the land,
particularly its form, its slopes, and its inherent capabilities for surface and subsurface
discharge of water, for supporting vertical and horizontal structures, and for resisting
erosion. This exercise requires four basic geomorphologic information such as
 Soil Properties – Composition and Soil Texture
 Drainage
 Topography and Slopes
 Soil Erosion
 In site planning, it is important to establish the relationship between soil composition and
land uses (other than agriculture). Soil surveys help guide in site selection for residential,
industrial, and other forms of development that involve surface and subsurface structures.
Several features, or properties, are used to describe soil for use in site design. Of these
COMPOSITION AND TEXTURE
are generally the most meaningful; from them we can make inferences about bearing
capacity, internal drainage, erodibility, and slope stability.
 COMPOSITION refers to the material that makes up soil: organic matter, mineral particles,
water, and air.
 TEXTURE - is the term used to describe the composite sizes of particles in a soil sample.

GOOD DRAINAGE refers to the soil’s ability to transfer gravity water downward through

POOR DRAINAGE - means that gravity water is not readily transmitted by the soil and soil is
frequently or permanently saturated and may have water standing on it TOPOGRAPHY AND
SLOPES

The form of land is called its topography.

Understanding slope forms for site design requires understanding of local geologic, soil,
hydrologic, and vegetative conditions.

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SOIL EROSION is the washing or blowing away (by water or wind) of the top layer of soil
(dirt).

SOIL EROSION PREVENTION Four factors to consider in forecasting erosion rates:

 vegetation
 soil type
 frequency and intensity of rainfall
 slope size and inclination

3.HYDROLOGY

Hydrologic cycle – or the planet’s water cycle, described by the movement of water from the
oceans to the atmosphere to the continents and back to the sea. – the natural science that
studies the Waters of the Earth, their occurrence, circulation and distribution, their chemical
and physical properties, and their reaction to the living environment including their relation to
all living things.

Hydrography provides information about all types of water bodies present in and around the
site: lakes, streams, any marshy land(swamps), or natural wells. It also reveals the availability or
otherwise of a groundwater table and the depth at which it is available.

Water table is the upper boundary of the zone of groundwater; the top of unconfined
aquifer.

Aquifer A permeable geological stratum or formation that can both store and transmit
groundwater in significant quantities.

4.VEGETATION relevance of Plant Materials in site planning is in their role in:

1. Climatic control 2. Environmental Engineering 3. Architectural and Aesthetic Uses

1. Climatic control

a. Solar Radiation – is Earth’s source of light and heat. It warms the earth’s surface, is
reflected by paving and other objects, and produces glare. Trees are one of the best controls
for solar radiation because: • they block or filter sunlight; • they cool the air under their
canopies providing natural air conditioning;

b. Wind – helps to control temperature. When winds are of low velocity, they may be
pleasant, but when velocity increases, may cause discomfort or damage. Trees help to buffer
winds in urban areas caused by convection.

c. Precipitation. Plants help to control precipitation reaching the ground. By intercepting rain
and slowing it down, they aid in moisture retention, and in the prevention of soil erosion.
They also help soil retain water by providing shade, or protection from the wind, or by water
shedding function of trees’ roots.

2. Environmental Engineering

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a. Air Purification – Plants clean air through the process of photosynthesis where they use
up carbon dioxide emissions of cars and trucks and in the process release oxygen into the
air. Trees also help filter out other pollutants, i.e. sulphur dioxide, dust, pollen, and smoke.

b. Noise Sound waves can be absorbed, reflected or deflected. Plants absorb sound waves
through their leaves, branches, twigs, especially those with thick fleshy leaves and thin
petioles.

c. Glare and Reflection Plants reduce glare and reflection caused by sunlight. A light source
received directly produces primary glare while reflected light is secondary glare. Plants may
be used to filter or block glare by use of plants with the appropriate size, shape, and foliage
density.

d. Erosion Control Plants are a primary means of preventing erosion from storm water runoff
and of controlling erosion during construction. Erosion is also minimized by the plants action
of intercepting rain, decreasing splash, and increased water absorption.

4. Architectural and Aesthetic Uses

a. Space Definition Plants can help in several ways: as wall elements to form outdoor spaces,
as canopies to provide shade, or as ground covers to provide colour and texture on the base
plane.

b. View Control While trees and shrubs can screen out objectionable views, they can also
provide backdrops for sculpture and fountains. Additionally, they may provide filtered views
of buildings or spaces, or frame a view, maximizing its effect.

c. Mood – Plants affects peoples’ moods.

5.WILDLIFE

Wildlife relates closely to habitats provided by plant communities.

This is an important consideration when choosing sites for parks and recreation. Fishing and hunting
are major recreational activities. The selection of land suitable for such activities depends on natural
wildlife present in the area. Wildlife also adds form, colour and movement to the landscape.

One might also want to be informed about the wildlife present in the area to preserve it and not
disturb the animal’s natural habitats due to the construction.

6.CLIMATE: In each, a site should be investigated in terms of:

a. Solar orientation for buildings;

b. The best facing slopes; and

c. Wind flows for breezes.

Climates can be generally classified into five types: COLD, TEMPERATE, COMPOSITE, HOT ARID and
HOT HUMID.

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THE CULTURAL FACTORS

1.EXISTING LAND USE:

 Land Use Plans are available in each city and municipality to determine the areas for
commercial, institutional, industrial, residential, and open space uses.
 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. Each
site must conform to the land use plan: a residential subdivision, for example, cannot be
developed in a site designated as Industrial.

2.TRAFFIC AND TRANSIT SYSTEMS:

 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.
 Efficient traffic and transportation systems will result in successful integration of the
different developments in the vicinity.
 Direction of dominant traffic flow, both vehicular and pedestrian will also help establish
points of highest visual impact for the site.
 Access must also consider pedestrian movement.

3.DENSITY AND ZONING:

 Density refers to the population per unit land area. This data will determine whether existing
utilities and land areas will be sufficient to sustain additional future development, which will
naturally add to the existing population and bear on the capacity of these utilities.
 Density is expressed in number of families or dwelling units per hectare. It may also be
expressed in Floor Area Ratio (FAR).

4.SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS:

 The study of the community and its social and economic structures are done to determine
whether there is a need, an interest, or any objections on the project.
 Any proposed project must be compatible with the economy of the particular community.

5.UTILITIES / SERVICES:

 It is important to determine the existing availability of utilities on site in terms of adequacy

and efficiency. This includes:
• Sanitary/sewage system
• Electric power supply
• Water supply
• Drainage Most water systems will supply domestic, industrial, and fire stand-by
supply from a distribution system.
 Storm drains collect surface water and conduct it to rivers, creeks, or other bodies of water.

6.HISTORIC FACTORS:

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1. Historic Buildings

2. Historic Landmarks

3. Archaeology

AESTHETIC FACTORS
1.NATURAL FEATURES: When sites are characterized by outstanding natural features of
earth, rock, water or plant material, SITE PLANNING REVIEW these may be incorporated in
the site development as natural assets of the land. THE AESTHETIC FACTORS

2.SPATIAL PATTERNS: Spatial pattern 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 SITE PLANNING REVIEW visually.

3.VISUAL RESOURCES:

1. View – is a scene observed from a vantage point. SITE PLANNING REVIEW A view can be a
theme that may suggest and give added meaning to buildings. The full view is not always the
best view.

2. Vista – is a confined view, usually directed toward a terminal or dominant feature. It has
three components: a viewing station, a view, and a foreground. A view is usually better if
enflamed or seen through an appropriate screen.

SITE NEEDS STUDY/ANALYSIS IN TERMS OF

• Location,

• Accessibility

• Shape and size

• Topography,

• Vegetation,

• Infrastructure,

• Orientation

• Wind Direction

• Local culture, soil conditions

• View from site /View to site

• Prevailing typology of buildings

• Existing structures within site

• Existing encumbrances- electric /gas lines, water bodies etc.

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• Local Building bye laws

• Developmental Controls- Height, FAR, Setbacks, land use etc.

SITE PLANNING PRINCIPLES.

 Neighbourhood Character

 Physical Characteristics

 Physical Characteristics Site planning incorporate an accurate description of:

 Shape, size, orientation of site and easements.

 Levels / contours of site and -- difference in levels between site / surrounding properties.

 Location/ height of existing buildings on site and surrounding properties. use of surrounding
buildings, including location of habitable rooms.

 Site and Slopes

Good designing follows grades and run along ridge lines.

• Steep site slopes often require increased cut and fill, if building is sited using conventional methods
of designing

• If incorporated into initial subdivision/layout process-- slope can be asset to development.

 Set backs

 Setbacks most important in site planning and positioning of buildings

 Adequate Setbacks vital for promoting sustainability and liveability

 Identify worst orientation and leave minimum setbacks.

 Maximum setbacks given in the front for safety, security, sealing from noise, privacy,
developing green spaces, avoiding demolition during widening/laying infrastructure-
especially when facing North/east

 Leave minimum setbacks for fire safety, air-light and ventilation in buildings

 Identify open spaces to be left within buildings before siting of buildings and defining
setbacks

 Minimum Fingerprints of Building

 Use Site Finger-printing

 Site finger-printing (minimal disturbance techniques) can be used to:

-- further reduce limits of clearing and grading

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--minimizing hydrologic impacts.

 Site fingerprinting includes:

-- restricting ground disturbance by

-- identifying smallest possible area

--clearly delineated on site.

-- Reduce paving and

--compaction of highly permeable soils.

 Minimum damage to site

 Make no changes to site that will degrade the surrounding environment. ---Promote projects
on sites -where previous disturbance /development presents an opportunity to regenerate
ecosystem services through sustainable design

 Design with Nature and local Culture

 Design with nature and culture Create and implant designs that are responsive to: -
economic, -environmental, and cultural conditions with respect to: -- local, regional, and
global context.

 Promoting Pedestrian

 Using hierarchy of

 Preservation,

 Conservation and

 Regeneration

 preserving existing environmental features --conserving resources in a sustainable manner,

and --regenerating lost or damaged ecosystem services.

Identification of site and its preparation

SITE PLANNING ELEMENTS

• Buildings: 1. Main building 2. Service building

• Roads: 1. Private 2. VIP 3. Service

• Pedestrian Walkways

• Access: 1. Cars 2. Pedestrians 3. Services 4. Drop-offs 5. Emergency

• Parking: 1. Ground 2. Underground

• Landscape 1. Soft cape 2. Hardscape

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BUILDING

Building is the key element of the landscape all elements or directly indirectly connected to the
building. Pathways are connected to the building to serve it purpose. Main building is key of the
whole planning it’s the place that’s being landscaping is done for. Thus main building is to be planned
at first position in site process of site planning.

ROADS

Roads are the connectivity part of the site planning roads connects and form a grid for movement
of people. •Private roads •VIPs' road •Service road Private roads are the main road that connect
the building to the outer world these are the entrances of the building

WALKWAYS

 Pedestrian walkways are the connective grids of the building that allows pedestrian to walk
around the building or to the building. Landscaping these walkways is very important part of
site planning because these are the places of physical movement of the people.

ACCESS

 Car access are the access for the cars in the building for allowing cars to enter the premises
Pedestrian access are that ways built for the people to enter the premises and to walk in Car
Access Pedestrian access
 Service access is the access given for the services that serves the building services usually at
back of the building
 Drop offs are the dropping point where the people are checked out of the premises and thus
used as a drop point or exiting area.
 Emergency access are the basic recruitment of the building in any case of mishappening
these serves as a very good access to save people. Emergency access

LANDSCAPE

 Landscape architecture is the design of outdoor public areas, landmarks, and structures to
achieve environmental, social- behavioural, or aesthetic outcomes. It involves the systematic
investigation of existing social, ecological, and geological conditions and processes in the
landscape, and the design of interventions that will produce the desired outcome.

• HARDSCAPE • SOFTSCAPE

HARDSCAPE

 Hardscape, in the practice of landscaping, refers to the paved areas like streets & sidewalks
large business complexes & housing, and other industrial areas where the upper soil profile
is no longer exposed to the actual surface of the Earth. The term is especially used in heavily
urbanized or suburban areas with little bare soil.

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SOFTSCAPE Softscape refers to the elements of a landscape that comprise live, horticultural
elements. Softscaping can include, flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, etc. The purpose of
Softscape is to lend character to the landscaping, create an aura, ambience, and reflect the
sensibilities of the inhabitants. The term softscape stands in contrast to hardscape which represents
inanimate objects of a landscape such as pavers, stones, rocks, etc.

KEY STRATEGIES AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLR SITE PLANNING

 Make more efficient use of space in existing occupied

buildings, renovate and re-use existing vacant buildings,
sites, and associated infrastructure and consider re-
development of brownfield sites. Design buildings and
renovations to maximize future flexibility and reuse
thereby expanding useful life.
 When new development is unavoidable, steer clear of sites
that play a key role in the local or regional ecosystem. Identify and protect valuable
greenfield and wetland sites from development.
 Recognize that allowing higher density development in urban areas helps to preserve green
space and reduce urban sprawl. Invest time and energy in seeking variances and regulatory
reform where needed.
 Evaluate each site in terms of the location and orientation of buildings and improvements in
order to optimize the use of passive solar energy, natural daylighting, and natural breezes
and ventilation.
 Make best use of existing mass transit systems and make buildings and sites pedestrian and
bike friendly, including provisions for safe storage of bicycles. Develop programs and
incentives that promote car-pooling including preferred parking for commuters who carpool.
Consider making provisions for re-fueling or recharging alternative fuel vehicles.
 Help reduce the urban heat island effect by reducing the building and site development
footprint, maximizing the use of pervious surfaces, and using light colored roofs, paving, and
walkways. Provide natural shading of buildings and paved areas with trees and other
landscape features.
 Reduce impervious areas by carefully evaluating parking and roadway design. Pursue
variances or waivers where local ordinances may unintentionally result in the over-design of
roadways or parking.
 Optimize the use of on-site storm water treatment and ground water recharge. Minimize
the boundaries of the construction area, avoid needless compaction of existing topsoil, and
provide effective sedimentation and silt control during all phases of site development and
construction.
 Use landscape design to preserve and restore the region’s natural habitat and heritage while
emphasizing the use of indigenous, hardy, drought resistant trees, shrubs, plants and turf.
 Help reduce night-time light pollution by avoiding over-illumination of the site and use low
cut-off exterior lighting fixtures which direct light downward, not upward and outward.

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