Building and Space

Analysis
Chapter 5
INSTRUCTORS: DR. HANA AL JAWDER, DR. FATEMA QAED, DR.
ANAMICA JIWANE, DR. NEHAL AL MERBATI, DR. REEM SULTAN,
DR. HAWR A AL SHAIKH, MRS FARIEL KHAN.
Chapter
Objective
1. Understand the relationship
between the project site and
building for Interior Design

2. Collect site and Building Shell

information

from various sources including

maps, Google satellite map, city
records, internet sources, existing
plans and field surveys.
3. Analyze the site in terms of
Physical possibilities and
constraints

4. Analyze the site in terms of

social, economic, cultural and
historical contents.

5. Become familiar with the

terminology associated with site
analysis.
Why we do site
analysis?
 Site analysis is investigating and
evaluating the project context, site
context and existing conditions. It is
part of due diligence and a necessary
H T T P S : / / W W W. Q P R ACT I C E.
COM/PROGR AMMING -SITE-
part of the design process.
A N A LY S I S /
ANALYSIS OF THE BUILDING/ SPACE
This includes the methods through which the students can analyze and document the building/ space
selected for their project

It is divided into 3 parts:

1. Site analysis

2. Building analysis
3. Interior space analysis
Chapter outline

5.3 Interior space analysis

5.1 Site analysis
5.3.1 Facilities available on building
5.1.1 Graphical Site Analysis
5.1.2 Location 5.4 Program Analysis (Zoning)
5.1.3 Orientation and Climate
5.5 Conclusion
5.1.4 On site characters 5.5.1 Positive Critics
5.2 Building analysis 5.5.2 Negative Critics
5.2.1 Shape and Size
5.2.2 Type of Structure
5.2.3 Style of Architecture/Interior
5.2.4 Entry/exit points
5.1 Site Analysis
5.1.1 Graphical site analysis:
Neighborhood; local landmarks, wind conditions public transport
points of pride
Adjacent uses- uses of nearby Noise, odor or any other non-
Zoning – what is the surround properties ( very adjacent) visual qualities
area land use; area for
Adjacent structures- their height,
commercial use, institutional use
configuration etc
etc.
Utilities, infrastructure- water,
Landscaping availability
Sewer, electricity etc
Water and wind - nearness to
Traffic type and pattern-
water bodies and
Pedestrian, access by car,
Site Analysis:
Context
SURROUNDINGS

1. Immediate Neighborhood

2. Natural Features

3. Access

4. Architecture Characteristics

Etc.…
 5.1.2 Location
Analysis
•Are there any landmarks near to this
location which make it easier to be
recognized by users?
•Does this building need to be located in
an active or quite area?
•Type of use of buildings on the
adjacency and Neighboring buildings.
5.1.3 Orientation and Climate

1. SUN PATH 2. NOISE 3. SMELL 4. WIND ETC.…

Sunlight &
Shadow
Cycle
Sound &
Noise
SMELL
SPOTS
WIND
DIRECTION
SMELL
PATH
CARRIED
BY WIND
5.2 The Building analysis
-Existing structure within the property lines- like building, sheds, garages, and other structures

-(A site plan should be produced may be aerial view)

-Existing natural and manmade features- trees, rocks, water body etc

-Existing entry and access points into the site

-Parking

-Views- interesting points of views for

outdoor

-Elevation characters of the building

5.2.1 SHAPE AND
SIZE
The shape of the building should complement space function.

For example: Some building functions require unusual shape, because

sometimes building shape can attract people to visit the building or
give an indication about what to expect inside.

Shape should not limit the design.

“The form of the adaptation must be based on the form of the original
building.” Greame Brooker and Sally Stone
The size of the building is measured
according to space functions and
designed activities.

This course requires the size/area of

the building not be less than 3000
sq.m.
5.2.2 TYPE OF
STRUCTURE
Is it RCC/ Framed structure;
load bearing ? What are the
clear heights? Availability any
double height areas?
STRUCTURAL
ANALYSIS
Structural analysis is a lacked skill and the
structure grid of the building needs to be
understood and you can not play with it. So
do a proper vertical and horizontal analysis
and understand the column size and locations,
and zone in between the structure.
5.2.3 STYLE OF
ARCHITECTURE/ INTERIOR
Define the exterior/interior based on the past historical styles
5.2.4
ENTRY/EXIT
POINTS
No. of entry , exit points and
their locations
5.3 INTERIOR SPACE ANALYSIS
It includes both the QUANTITAVE INFORMATION such as no. of windows, openings, Sill levels, ceiling
height etc as well as QUALITATIVE INFORMATION such as quality of light, indoor temperature,
Acoustics, ergonomics of spaces etc

Understanding the building system and interior in details.

FOLLOWING POINTS CAN BE USED TO MAKE
THE ANALYSIS OF INTERIOR AND SYSTEM:
Architectural Analysis: Detail dimensions and area calculations

Structural Analysis

Mechanical Analysis

Electrical Analysis

Fire Safety

Acoustical Analysis

Building Codes and Regulations

Building and Finishing Materials for Interior Design

5.3.1 FACILITIES
AVAILABLE ON
BUILDING:

like parking, electrical, lighting,

water, Mechanical ,fire and
safety measures, means of
vertical circulation- staircase,
elevators etc.
MOVEMENT &
CIRCULATION
VISUAL
CONNECTION
AC C
ESSI
BILI
TY
ANY OTHER
POINT
SUGGESTED BY
STUDENTS WITH
RELEVANCE TO
THEIR PROJECT
5.4
PROGRAM
ANALYSIS
DOES THE BUILDING FIT THE PROGRAM?
A. Feeling of the site- inside and out

(Qualities of space, including smell, touch, taste, safety issues, emotions etc )

B. Neighborhood and regional context

( demographic and adjacent uses)

C. Exterior and site conditions

(The style or character of the building, location of parking , pedestrian walkways etc.)

D. Interior configuration

(Structural system and other interior building systems)

ZONING : SHOW HOW THE BUILDING FITS THE PROGRAM
5.5 CONCLUSION- CRITICAL APPRAISAL

The conclusion should be in the form of critical appraisal from

both positive and negative sides.
1. Positive Critics: all the positive aspects of site, building and its interior
2. Negative Critics: The negative aspects or lacunae in building/ site/ interior of the
selected building

Note: The student must attach all the Architectural/ structural drawings including Plans, Sections,
site plan and any other details
The student must visit the site to get the personal feeling of the space.
Chapter outline

5.3 Interior space analysis

5.1 Site analysis
5.3.1 Facilities available on building
5.1.1 Graphical Site Analysis
5.1.2 Location 5.4 Program Analysis (Zoning)
5.1.3 Orientation and Climate
5.5 Conclusion
5.1.4 On site characters 5.5.1 Positive Critics
5.2 Building analysis 5.5.2 Negative Critics
5.2.1 Shape and Size
5.2.2 Type of Structure
5.2.3 Style of Architecture/Interior
5.2.4 Entry/exit points
Example
The building analysis should be directly to the zoning, building size
and plot area to be considered when you are selecting a vacant
land. Be careful about the building byelaws of the municipality. The
building will need a land around in the ownership of the client to be
used for parking and other services required. Do not only rely on
Google maps, visit the site to check the possibilities. if the building
size is bigger than the required, propose zoning for future potential;
and if it is less add building masses within the structural order
 will we add you need to identify the needs of parking lots and their

the parking? locations as per the entry/exits

Can we change
the facade?
YES
Should we choose any
empty land as the location
of the building, or should
it be specific land from
the municipality for sale,
for example ?
Submission date : 08/12/2022