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Development
Site Selection
Suitability Process
SITE SELECTION selects a site that suits
selects the best use
AND ANALYSIS best the given use
and development
and requirements of
PLN 1 suited for a given site
a project

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Site Selection Site Selection

❖This is usually done by screening: blocking off on an area map
the regions that, in the light of objectives, are unacceptable for
such reasons as excessive grade or cost, poor soil, small size,
previous development, or lack of access.
❖The remaining lands not blocked off are then reconnoitered to
eliminate any other obviously unacceptable localities, and the
surviving plots of adequate size are treated as alternative sites,
each of which is analyzed in some depth for the critical factors.
❖Analyses are arranged comparatively, and preliminary layouts
are made on each site, since nothing illustrates the character of
an area so well as its influence on the layout itself.
❖From these comparative displays, an informed choice can be
made.

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Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site n Site Analysis

Site
Weight
Criteria Score SxW Score SxW Score SxW Score SxW
❖is the process of studying the contextual forces that influence
how one might:
❖situate a building,
❖layout and orient its spaces,
❖shape and articulate its enclosure,
❖and establish its relationship to the landscape.
Total Total Total Total

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What should one look for?

❑Physical data
SITE
DOCUMENTATION
Site Inspection, Site Survey, Site Recording

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Physical Data What should one look for?

✓Physical data ❑New balance
❖Soil and rock ❑Danger signals ❑Ecology
❖Groundwater ❑Past sensitivity ❑Behavior settings
❖Topography ❑Site equilibrium ❑Human use
❖Climate and microclimate ❑Unique character ❑Intangible qualities
❖Landscape families ❑Unintended effects ❑Coherent pattern

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How does one record a site? How does one record a site?
1. Draw the area and shape of the site as defined by its legal 5. Identify steep and moderate slopes that may be unsuitable for
boundaries. development.
2. Indicate required setbacks, existing easements, and rights-of- 6. Locate soil areas suitable for use as a drainage field, if
way. applicable.
3. Estimate the area and volume required for the building 7. Map existing drainage patterns.
program, site amenities, and future expansion, if desired. 8. Determine the elevation of the water table.
4. Analyze the ground slopes and subsoil conditions to locate the 9. Identify areas subject to excessive runoff of surface water,
areas suitable for construction and outdoor activities. flooding, or erosion.

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How does one record a site?
10. Locate existing trees and native plant materials that should be
preserved.
11. Chart existing water features such as wetlands, streams,
watersheds, flood plains, or shorelines that should be
protected.
12. Map climatic conditions: the path of the sun, the direction of
the prevailing winds, and the expected amount of rainfall.
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How does one record a site?
17. Ascertain the availability of utilities: water main, sanitary and
storm sewers, gas lines, electrical power lines, telephone and
cable lines, and fire hydrants.
18. Determine access to other municipal services, such as police
and fire protection.
19. Identify the scope of desirable views as well as objectionable
views.
20. Cite potential sources of congestion and noise.
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What do these data mean for your project?
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How does one record a site?
13. Consider the impact of landforms and adjacent structures on
solar access, prevailing winds, and the potential for glare.
14. Evaluate solar radiation as a potential energy source.
15. Determine possible points of access from public roadways and
public transit stops.
16. Study possible circulation paths for pedestrians and vehicles
from these access points to building entrances.
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How does one record a site?
21. Evaluate the compatibility of adjacent and proposed land uses.
22. Map cultural and historical resources that must be preserved.
23. Consider how the existing scale and character of the
neighborhood or area might affect the building design.
24. Map the proximity to public, commercial, medical, and
recreational facilities.
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SWOT Analysis
❖Strengths (+), Weaknesses (-), Opportunities (+), Threats (-)
❖Internal and External
❖Albert Humphrey
❖ Long Range Planning Service of Stanford Research Institute: Robert
F. Stewart, Otis J. Benepe, and Arnold Mitchell
❖SOFT: the "satisfactory" in present operations, "opportunities" in
future operations, "faults" in present operations, and "threats" to
future operations
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Categories for SWOT Analysis Internal External

Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
Social
Physical
Environmental
Social Physical Environmental Economic Institutional
Economic
Institutional

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https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pallavi-Tiwari-2/publication/334114333/figure/fig3/AS:775199523864576@1561833377528/Typical-Site-analysis-diagram.jpg https://i.pinimg.com/originals/aa/89/22/aa89221a451534c5efdca4c0deedddd4.jpg

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References
❖Ching, F. (2008). Building Construction Illustrated. John Wiley and
Sons, Inc.

❖Lecture Notes on Site Planning and Landscape Architecture

❖Lynch, K. (1971). Site Planning. The M. I. T. Press

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