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  For every site there is an ideal use,
 For every use there is an ideal site.

 Suitable site for suitable program

– The matching of a given program for a project (…school,
resort) with a suitable site is a function of site analysis
– Site selection is determined by a comparative analysis of
several available sites for the same determined program to see
which site can best fit the requirements.

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Factors influencing site planning

 1. Natural factors : Geology and soil, topography,

habitat, microclimate, Hydrology
 2. Man-made factors : existing uses, man-made
features, legal regulations and historical
associations.
 3. Aesthetic factors : visual qualities and relationship.
 The categories of data and its interpretation is related to the
proposed project. The level of detail depends on the nature of
the program --how simple or complex and the type of site --rural
or urban

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Natural factors: Landscape diversity
 Landscape diversity or
landscape characters
◦ Hot-dry Desert-like Region, low
moisture, salt lakes or flats
◦ Cold region, snow half of the
year or more, high mountain.
◦ Cool-temperate Region,
seasonal change, topographic
scenic - - marine, plain, pastoral,
mountainous areas.
◦ Tropical rain Hot- humid
Region

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Natural factors: Geology
 Geomorphology : the geology dealing with the origin and
nature of landform with emphasis on erosional process.
 Physiography : the description of landform.
 Bedrock: is consolidated rock material lying at various
depths below all points of earth surface.
 Geologic map
 The important of geologic information
 where to get the information (sources of data)

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 Typical questions:
1. Which kind. What type
of bedrock in which
area?
2. How deep is the
bedrock?
3. Is mass movement of
land surface likely to
occur?
Tectonic: the
movement caused along
earth fault line, often
accompanying
earthquakes.
Geologic base: The depth and type of rock Surficial process:
surface material -
below the soil’s surface are significant factors
mass movement caused
for site development, to answer the question by the force of
of its specification as a foundation base. gravity and unstable
09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors land such as area of
fill or ledge.
Natural factors: Topography

 Landform
 Topographic map and interpretation
 Slope analysis
 The constraint and opportunity of landform
 where to get the information

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Topographic map
Information provided
in topographic map.

Locations

natural features
man-made features
elevation

vegetation

hydrographic, water body

roads, buildings
contour line
Example of a U.S.Geological Survey map.
Source: A Guide to Site Planning and Landscape Construction

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Slope analysis
 Slope analysis is the tool to indicate each portion of land with percent
slope to see the potential in developing each part for suitable use.

 Typical questions:
1. Contour interval,
pattern of
landform
2. Natural drainage
pattern
3. Unique features
4. Slope analysis
and percent
slope.
5. Site danger
signal.
steep slope district: undisturbed natural
slope with greater than 25% grade, or
precautionary slopes is 15-25% grade
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 Natural factors: Hydrology
 Hydrological circle
 surface and subsurface water
 Sensitive landscape character
 floodplain
 where to get the information :
Hydrographic service
department, harbor  Hydrological circle
◦ Surface water :
department  existing drainage pattern
 water body - - pond, lake, wetland
◦ subsurface water :
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 Aquifer
/Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors
 Aquifer recharge areas
 Natural factors: Hydrology
 Typical questions Floodplains: Flood circle is the natural process
which should be recorded as hydrological data
1. Drainage pattern and affecting directly to the planning of that site
major water channel
2. Unique feature and
size such as water
body
3. Aquifer and recharge
area, the depth of
rise and fall of water
table
4. Floodplain of 50 and
100 year storms.
5. What pattern,
quantity and quality
will be affected by
the design

09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors

 Natural factors: soil
 Soil classification
 soil survey data
 the important of soil
information
 where to get the information:
Department of underground
resources, Boring test and
results analysis from
agricultural department
 Soil classification: general soil type based on soil texture. The triangle
indicates the relative proportions of three particle sizes -- sand, silt and clay.
 Key words for soil characteristics-- Soil texture, soil porosity, Soil
chemistry, soil moisture

09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors

Natural factors: soil
Soil map
Soil survey data and
the important of soil
information
 related to building
construction and
basement
 related to water supply
and septic system
 related to functions of
land use planning
 related to vegetation
and wildlife habitat.
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 Typical questions:
1. Which kind and what
depth for engineering
and plant value?
2. Chemical property of
soil for engineering
and plant value?
3. How deep is the
water table and how
much it fluctuates?
/Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors
 Natural factors: vegetation and
wildlife Vegetation map
 Vegetation map or existing trees
 Landscape ecology
map
 the important
 mapping the existing habitat  Existing mature trees with 7-10
 movement pattern cm. or more in caliper.
 where to get the information  Existing plant groups which is
important to preserve the ecology
and landscape character
Evidence of life form
pattern of movement

09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors

Natural factors: climate
 Climate : region
 temperature
 micro-climate
 WIND VOLOCITY Cold
 PRECIPITATION RATE
 TEMPERATURE
 HUMIDITY
 where to get the Cold-temperate
information:
Department of Hot-arid
Meteorology
Hot-humid

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Natural factors: climate
Climate and how to create micro-
climate
 The Alhambra is the example of how
architecture in hot-arid area can create
inside micro-climate suitable for human-
comfort by using pool and fountain in the
courtyard

The microclimate study of Woodland New

Community, Texas for the site planning
and energy conservation design of the
building

The site planning proposal for Woodlands

New Community which follow the energy
conservation and fit to the site natural
environment (WMRT architects&planner)

09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors

Man-made factors: land use
Site surrounding
 Existing land
use on-site,  Aerial
0ff-site photo-
 the potential graph
of change  Overall
 color symbol view of
of land use the site
 facilities or  Site
site amenity surroun-
ding and
its fabric
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Man-made factors: land use
Potential of change Facilities
The map
shown
facilities’
location of
Bronx
Community,
Transformation of also shown
agricultural landscape the
pattern to a suburban recreation
housing pattern . The facilities
road network is the such as
primary organizing parks and
structure. Streams has Zoo in the
largely been channeled, site extend
straightened or Public school

eliminated Social service

(Courtesy of USDA Soil Hospital

Conservation Service)
Fire station

Library, Post office

 Man-made factors: circulation
 Linkage and Street system

movement pattern
 communication
 circulation system :
The street system of
 accessibility 
Philadelphia 1960 and
 potential of change New town Risender 1972
The Potential of
comparison
between
change
mass transit The escalated
and private Highway project
car which runs
Street The number through the city
Capacity of people in center usually
one hour rejected by the
between community such
each type of as in Philadelphia,
transportati Chicago and San
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on Francisco
Man-made factors: Law and
regulation
 Floor area ratio(FAR)= building area
 Density : F.A.R Site area
 FAR is one of the density
 Zoning district control device, FAR is a
term the zoning ordinance
 Set back, fire lane will use to quantify and
limit the amount of square
and other footage of building area as
a function of the building One-story bldg. Two-story bldg.
regulation site

 Parking schedule
 Zoning setback and height
limits-- these minimums
and maximums provide
the basis for the maximum
building envelope on the
site.

09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors

 Aesthetic factors: Visual quality
• Landscape special  Natural features
character  Urban features
• Spatial pattern of the  Visual value/
characters
site ◦ vista
• Visual quality & ◦ panoramic view Rocky outcrops
character ◦ visual channel
◦ framed view/ filter view
• Visual disturbance ◦ point of interest

Panoramic view

Natural view Urban view

Vista Framed view Filtered view

09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors
Aesthetic factors: Visual quality
Off-site condition
Site extend, site surrounding and network which also related to off-
site land uses and quality. The off-site condition analysis must
concern both existing and potential change.

On-site condition
•Site quality and quantity
•Character and quality of existing analysis will be
effected by design

Site evaluation.
Both on-site and off-site condition of the site, every factors
related must be evaluated which will lead to site analysis
and suitability map of the site.
Grading

This grading context requires relatively flat slopes, modest embankments, &
accessible ramps. Key visual objective is to create a level appearance while
utilizing a low-point drainage system in unobstructive zones away from intensive
activity or playing fields. Contour pattern is typically subtle and requires careful
study to achieve graceful transitions. Landforms & significant planting for
screening, edge definitions, and storm water diversion are commonly employed.
BUILDINGS, Grading
SURROUNDING
SPACE, AND
SERVICING
INFRAS-
TRUCTURE

Grading in this context need to accommodate single or multiple building

structures & related roads, drives, service bays & parking. Key visual objective is
to create a “fit” between large structures & existing landscape features. This
commonly requires use of retaining structures to improve accessibility & save
existing large trees. In partially wooded sites, designer should consider saving
strategically positioned large tree stands to help integrate new development into
existing landscape. Generally, structural requirements of materials, issues of
accessibility, & angle of repose govern slopes.
 LINEAR
Grading ROADS,
PATHS,
DRAINAGE
SWALES,
PONDS, &
NO-CUT/
NO-FILL
TRANSITIONS
Linear type of grading requires careful horizontal & vertical alignment the flows
with landscape contours while avoiding significant vegetation stands, fragile
areas, poor soils, or bedrock. Grading should also conform to kinetic & slope
criteria of particular road or path (speed, drainage ,sight-distance, climate,
pedestrian access.) Longitudinal & cross slope criteria vary by climate zone.
Swale centerline & side slopes vary by local precipitation rates & soil texture. No
cut/no-fill transition zones are typically created by parabolic embankments for
erosion resistance. To insure tree survival it is generally better practice to be in
slight cut or level with grade at existing tree stands rather than in fill
Grading
PROPOSED DESIGN LAYOUT

 KEY TASK IS TO ACHIEVE DESIGN’S VISUAL &

CULTURAL OBJECTIVES WHILE AT THE SAME
TIME MINIMIZING OVERALL LANDSCAPE
DISTURBANCE.

 IDEALLY DESIGN SHOULD RESULT IN

SMALLEST FOOTPRINT POSSIBLE TO
ACCOMMODATE PROGRAM.

 A SMALLER FOOTPRINT RESULTS IN LESS

EROSION DURING CONSTRUCTION.
Grading : Diagnostic Assessment

 What general grading consideration help ensure

best environmental, cultural & economic fit
between existing & proposed landscape
features?

Careful observation of existing landscape conditions is first step in

attempting to facilitate a design approach that best addresses
environmental, cultural, & economic impacts of reshaping land.
Grading approach that appears to function topographically should
be carefully questioned to determine overall effects on multiple
landscape scales.
Grading : Diagnostic Assessment

 What specific grading strategies can be applied

to different land use context that will best
ensure a topographic fit between existing &
proposed landscape features?

Landscape architects typically addresses problems of grading in 3

different landscape contexts: area grading, comprised of open
general use areas & playfields; nodal grading, comprised of
buildings, surrounding spaces, & servicing infrastructure; linear
grading, comprised of linear roads, paths, drainage swales, ponds,
& no-cut/no-fill transitions. Specific grading strategies that attempts
to create a topographic fit are applicable to each context.
Grading : Diagnostic Assessment

 What types of topographic data are required to

calculate the relative appropriateness of a
grading scheme?

Grading requires a thorough understanding of minimum/maximum

ratios of slope gradients & their implication on pedestrian &
vehicular accessibility & long-term maintenance. In addition, it is
necessary to calculate the amount of earth moving required by any
proposed grading scheme with ultimate goal of balancing cut and
fill.
Grading : Analysis of Existing
Conditions Diagram existing landform

characteristics, including high
points, low points, & slope
classes, & identify the resulting
drainage patterns.
 Note existing conditions that
may limit proposed
development: surface rock, soil
bearing capacity, water table
level, etc.
 Determine fixed control points
that cannot, or should not, be
disturbed by proposed
development, including existing
structures, boundaries,
vegetation, topography or
subsurface conditions.
Grading : Schematic Design
 Apply schematic design, setting
grades of key elements, slopes
of key planes, & amount & type
of grade separation.
 Develop a contoured grading
diagram, identifying grades on
roads, walks, walls, swales, &
other structures, & labeling
cross slopes on all surfaces.
 Make certain that all gradients &
slope are within
maximum/minimum criteria for a
particular use, e.g., lawn,
roadway, terrace, & cut slope or
embankment.
Grading :
Gradients
Evaluation of Scheme
 Is the proposed grading scheme
compatible with existing site
conditions?
 What are the impacts on the
adjacent landscape & the larger
region?
 Are the substrate conditions & soil
characteristics able to support the
proposed grading scheme?
 Does the amount of cut adequately
compensate for required fill?
 Have adequate grading & drainage
precautions been taken to minimize
on-site & off-site erosion during all
phases of project development,
including long-term management?
Grading : Contextual Grading
Strategies
Area Grading for open playfields,
parking areas, general open
space:
 Locate control points at edge of
proposed area to capture existing
vegetation where appropriate.
 It is generally desirable to run new
contours roughly parallel to existing
contours to maintain a consistent fit
with existing conditions.
 Place catchment areas & swales at
edge of open surfaces & away from
intensive human activities.
 It is better to broadly crown flat turf
areas to create enough pitch for
adequate runoff, to avoid excessive
surface folding & numerous catchment
areas.
Grading : Contextual Grading
Strategies
Area Grading for open
playfields, parking areas,
general open space:

 Avoid sheet flow distance

over 60m (200ft) to prevent
excess ponding at low
point during heavy rains.
Parking lot sheet flow
distance should be limited
to 20-30m (65-100ft),
especially in frost/thaw
climates, or in hot/humid
high precipitation areas.
Grading : Contextual Grading
Strategies
Area Grading for building
entrances & drop-off areas:
 Determine slope of existing
topography at key points in
design: parking area, entrance
drive, etc. Check to determine
if any existing grades are
steeper or flatter than
proposed maximum &
minimum standards.
 Study contour flow & pattern of
existing drainage to see how
closely proposed grades might
conform to existing landform..
 Determine lowest possible
elevation of footing drain,
which would still allow gravity
flow daylighting.
Grading : Contextual Grading
Strategies
Area Grading for building entrances & drop-off areas:
 Determine the first floor elevation which would result in ramps no steeper
than 5% at entrances, & pavement slopes no greater than 4% maximum.
 Pedestrian drop-off points should be flush at walkway and pavement edge for
unambiguous handicapped accessibility.
 Slope pavements away from building entrances & from pedestrian transition
points.
 Locate low point away from human activity zones, or from vehicular
maneuvering zones.
 Set tops of curbs to meet existing grades to save existing trees within
turnaround circles or at critical spaces between roads, walks, and buildings.
Grading : Contextual Grading
Strategies
Linear Grading for path
and road:
 In steeper topography, paths
& roads typically traverse
contours diagonally or in
broad sweeping curves to
maintain slopes within limits
of pedestrian & vehicular
safety.
 Roads traversing side slope
are commonly built half in fill
& half in cut to balance
earthwork or either side of
centerline. Weaker soils may
require more cut in order to
build bearing portion of
roadbed on undisturbed
subgrade..
Grading : Contextual Grading
Strategies
Linear Grading for path
and road:
 Super elevation on curves for
both pedestrian & vehicular
paths allows for collection of
runoff on inside edge & away
from outside edge
 It is common to crown two-
way roads and to cross-slope
single lane paths and
driveways.
 It is proper to drain pavement
water onto turf and planted
areas, but poor practice to
drain turf and planned areas
onto pavements due to silting
and freeze/thaw cycles.
 Grading : Expressing Slope
 Slope is expressed in terms of a percentage, a degree of slope, or a
proportional ratio. It is common practice to indicate the rate as well as the
direction of slope, using an arrow pointed down the slope.
 Percentage of Slope
 The percentage of slope can be calculated by the formula:
:G = D/L x100 where: G – grading, %
D – vertical rise, m (ft)
L – horizontal distance, m (ft).
 This is the most common method of expressing slopes less than 25%.
 Degree of Slope
 Slope may be expressed in degrees, with 0º representing a flat surface and
90° representing a vertical surface. Typically, this method is used only in
large-scale earth-moving projects such as strip-mining and other extractive
operations.
Grading :
Contextual
Grading
Strategies
Linear Grading for path
and road:
Grading : Estimating Cut & Fill

The 3 Methods of Estimating Cut and Fill are:

 Grid Method

This method is relatively simple, quick, and easy to use. It is useful for
estimating excavation of buildings, pools, etc.
 Average End-Area Method

This is commonly used to estimate volumes on linear elements, such as roads.

Cross sections are taken at 15 – 30m (50-100 ft) intervals perpendicular to the
centerline. Simplest average end-area procedure is to average areas & multiply
by distance between them.
 Contour Method

This method is widely used because it is very accurate for making final grading
adjustments & for preparing cost estimates.
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
Hospitals : After Grading & Improvement
• Site analysis Factors influencing site planning
eu.lib.kmutt.ac.th/eLearning/Courseware/ARC354/PART2/.../
esite4_5.pp

 Brown, Kyle D & Dines, Nicholas T., Landscape Architect’s

Portable Handbook

 Google Maps
vicenteabealvarezrelleve, fuap piep