URDANETACITYUNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Course Code: Q408

Subject: PLANNING 1 - SITE PLANNING & LANDSCAPING
ARCHITECTURE

Requirement No.: 01
Requirement Title: “THE ART OF SITE PLANNING”
Date Due: March 21, 2023
Before 2 PM

Submitted by:

Name: Lawrenz Dave B. Aquino

Student No.: 20200733

Submitted to:

Arch’t. Maria Teresa Cuares-Velasco, MA EHURP

CEA- Instructor
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

COVER PAGE -

TABLE OF CONTENTS i

Questions

1 What is Site Planning? 1-5

2 What are the motives of Planner to do site planning? 6-7

3 Site Planning Process 7-12

4 Site Analysis & Site Selection 13-33

References 34
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What is Site Planning?

Site planning is the part of the architectural process where you organize access
to the plot of land, drainage and gradients, privacy, and, importantly, the layout
of all of the structures planned for the property.

An architectural site plan is not the same thing as a floor plan. Floor plans
provide a layout for a single structure, while site plans show the positioning of
every structure on a parcel, as well as foundational aspects of the land itself like
slopes, drainage, tree cover, and more.

Site planning tends to occur early in the architectural design process because it
gives you a wide-frame video of what is going to be required to complete the
project.

What Are Architectural Site Plans Used for?

Architectural site plans are used for various early-stage applications in the
building process. While they do not establish exactly what the structures on the
property will look like, site plans do show where the buildings will be and how
big they will be. This makes them useful for zoning permit applications.

Meanwhile, the broad view of a property that a site plan can provide can be
handy when you are attempting to describe to a client or colleague your ideas
for the development of that parcel.

Of course, it’s important to remember that site planning is just one part of the
process. The site plan itself will be one of many drawings used in the
development of the parcel at hand.

What’s Included in an Architectural Site Plan?

Site planning in architecture applications can be somewhat loosely defined.

That’s because each architect or other professional has their own ideas of what
needs to be included in a site drawing at this early stage.
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In general, however, there are a few pieces of visual and textual information
that need to make an appearance on any architectural site plan. These include
the following:

 The project’s title

 A clear definition of the type of drawing this is
 The address of the parcel of land
 The scale of the drawing
 The boundaries of the site
 Key dimensions of items like the structures on the property
 Levels and gradients
 The north point of the property
 Locations of landscape features like trees or water
 A listing of any legal orders that could affect the development of the
property (such as tree protection orders or historical district rules)
 Roads surrounding the property
 Access points for the site
 Parking areas
 Any existing buildings on the site that will need to be removed
 Existing landscape features that will need to be removed
 Service hookups for utilities like water, electricity, gas and more
 External sources of light or planned sources
 Fences and gates
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Important Site Planning Considerations

Site planning is a key part of the planning process for any property. However,
before you can dive into architectural site planning, you have to consider some
important factors about the area itself and what surrounds it.

Here are some of the factors you will need to account for when planning any
site:

Natural Factors

If your plan is to build something that’s in direct opposition to the nature that
surrounds it, you are going to lose. Nature always wins, so consider the natural
factors of the area, including everything from insect concentrations to wind and
weather conditions. Your best bet is to plan a property that works with the
nature surrounding it — not against it.

Geology

Is the property you are attempting to develop quite rocky? And if so, what kinds
of rocks are present? The answers to these questions will not just determine
whether you can develop the land in the way you would like, but how you
actually will go about it. For example, some rock sheets below the soil’s surface
can be impenetrable in some cases or act as unbelievably solid foundations in
others.

Topography

What’s already on the land you’re hoping to build on? You’ll need to include all
of these features in your site planning. That doesn’t mean they have to stay in
the final site plan, but your site planning should account for what you will do
with the topographical features like hills, valleys and the like.

Hydrography
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A quick surveying of the surface of the property will likely reveal surface water
features like streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, but there is much more to
consider when it comes to hydrography in your site plan. For instance, what
about subsurface water? The depth and stability of the water table will have
profound effects on any structure you plan to build. Additionally, you will need
to account for how water drains and flows on the property during rain or
seasonal floods.

Soil

What kinds of soil are on the property? This is not trivial — you really need to
know. Why? Because the type of soil determines the way you will need to build
on it, as well as how difficult construction, grading and similar tasks will be.
Rocky soil is going to behave differently than clay or highly aerated dark soil,
and you need to know that before you can complete your site plan.

Vegetation

What grows on the property? Come up with a comprehensive list of every

naturally occurring plant you can document on the property, from existing trees
to relatively small shrubs and even some weeds. Here’s why that’s important:
You can determine which natural vegetation you want to retain or use as part of
your site plan, which pieces you want to remove and which kinds of added
vegetation are likely to thrive on the property.

Wildlife

Wildlife can add value to a property or render it completely unusable.

Depending on which part of the world you are developing the property in, you
may be contending with apex predators or armies of rodents. You may also be
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afforded the natural beauty of majestic deer and wild horses. Whatever the case
for your project, you need to account for it as you complete your site plan.

Climatic Factors

The weather is a big deal for any property. Will there be lots of rain? Will there
be floods? What about extreme heat or cold? These factors will affect everything
from the way you design certain structures to the water sources and HVAC
systems you implement.

Cultural Factors

If you don’t account for the culture and history of the land you plan to develop,
you risk developing something that won’t be usable. That’s because culture and
history play a major part in all parts of the world. Ask yourself: Are there any
historic landmarks or buildings on this property? What is the history of this
parcel? Will there be people who don’t want to see this land developed or used
in a certain way? Account for the answers to these questions in your site
planning.

Existing Land Use

You need to account for not just the current use of the property you’re
planning, but also the use of the properties nearby. For example, what if you
plan to build a family home on the property but later find out the adjacent
farmland is regularly sprayed with harmful pesticides from loud single-engine
airplanes? That’s just one example to illustrate why it’s so important to know
what the land surrounding the property is actually used for.
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What are the motives of Planner to do site planning?

The motives of planners to engage in site planning can be diverse and complex,
as different projects and contexts may require different approaches and goals.
However, some common motives that may drive planners to engage in site
planning are:

1. Regulatory compliance and zoning requirements: Site planning often

involves compliance with local, state, or national regulations regarding
land use, environmental protection, and building codes. Planners may
need to ensure that the proposed development or land use is allowed by
the zoning ordinance, meets environmental standards, and follows
design and construction regulations.
2. Maximizing land use efficiency and economic benefits: Site planning aims
to optimize the use of available land and resources to achieve the best
outcomes for various stakeholders. Planners may seek to balance
different land uses (such as residential, commercial, industrial, and
recreational), minimize the environmental footprint of development, and
promote economic growth and job creation. Site planning can also
contribute to increasing property values, generating tax revenue, and
attracting investments and businesses to the area.
3. Improving public safety, health, and accessibility: Site planning can
address various aspects of public welfare, such as enhancing pedestrian
and vehicular circulation, reducing traffic congestion, providing adequate
parking, improving public transit access, and promoting walkability and
bike ability. Planners may also consider the health impacts of the
proposed development, such as air and water quality, noise levels, and
access to green spaces and recreation.
4. Preserving natural and cultural resources: Site planning can protect and
enhance the natural and cultural assets of a site, such as forests,
wetlands, historical landmarks, and archaeological sites. Planners may
collaborate with environmental specialists, cultural resource experts, and
community stakeholders to identify and mitigate potential impacts of
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development on these resources and to integrate their values into the site
design.
5. Enhancing community livability and quality of life: Site planning aims to
create environments that support healthy, resilient, and vibrant
communities. Planners may engage with the public to understand their
needs, aspirations, and concerns, and to involve them in the planning
process. Site planning can promote social equity, diversity, and inclusion,
by providing affordable housing, public amenities, and community
services that benefit all residents.

Site Planning Process

SITE PLANNING / DESIGN PROCESS

Planning and design occur as a process, by which we mean that they follow a
logical sequence of actions or events that must be carried out to arrive at a
viable solution. It is a multi-disciplinary problem -solving operation often
involving architects, landscape architects and engineers, and frequently may
require input from physical scientist as well to address environment issues. It
requires a logical objective for some steps, but also allows room for subjective
design interpretation at others.

There are several notable models from which we can draw to understand the
basic components of the site planning and design process. Kevin Lynch
outlines an eight-stage site planning cycle (see Fig. 1) that includes:

1. Defining the problem

2. Programming and analysis of site and user

3. Schematic design and the preliminary cost estimate

4. Developed design and detailed costing

5. Contract documents
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6. Bidding and contracting

7. Construction

8. Occupation and management (Lynch 11)

John Simonds outlines a six-phase planning-design process that applies to

architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering, this process (see Fig.

2), is organized as follows:

1. Commission

2. Research

3. Analysis

4. Synthesis

5. Construction

6. Operation
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There are many variations on these models. They differ essentially in the
breakdown of component phases and some, such as Simonds, extend the
process to include preliminary contractual agreement and post-construction
operations.

1. Research and Analysis Phases:

In this process, the designer can use this general goal statement plus the
identification of the site to begin collecting information relevant to the site and
the surroundings area and compiling it in a form in which it can be mapped.
This data is then

analyzed in terms of its implications for development of the site for stated
purpose.

2. Program Development:

The development of the program is the bridging step between the analysis
and the synthesis or design phases.

3. Design Phase

a. Conceptual Design

Conceptual design begins with functional diagram in which we explore the

relationships of program elements and activities. This is first done as 'ideal' or
non-site

related diagrams to establish the best abstract relationships among the various
components of the project program. This is essentially a diagrammatic
exploration in which the designer may move through a series of alternative
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arrangements until he/she achieves a solution which maximizes the positive

relationships and minimizes the number of conflicts.

c. Site Plan / Master Plan

Presuming that the project is to go forward, the designer refines the

development of the preliminary plan, giving precise form, dimension and
indication of materials to the proposed elements. In other words, he/she
precisely locates buildings and paved surfaces, delineates ground forms and
planted areas, and indicates necessary utilities.

FORMATION OF HOUSING PROJECT

The housing projects are formulated undo the following five categories

1. Detached / individual house

2. Semidetached houses (Twin houses)

3. Row / Line houses

4. Flats / Apartments

5. Sky scrapers / High rise building

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General Activities of the Site Planning-Design Process

1. Research (pre-project phase)

• Program Development
• Site Inventory
2. Analysis (site assessment)
• Site Analysis and Site Inventory (survey)
3. Synthesis
• Conceptual Design
• Preliminary Design
• Site Plan / Master Plan

1. Research and Analysis Phases

Site Location
Existing Conditions
• Topography and Slopes
0-2% - Most developable
2-8% - Easily accommodates most categories of development
8-16% - Some development restrictions; upper limits for roads and walks
16-24% - Significant restrictions to most development
24%+ - Generally restricted for development
• Geology and Soils
• Vegetation
• Hydrology and Drainage
• Microclimate
• Views
2. Program Development
• The development of the program is the bridging step between the
analysis and synthesis or design phases.
• Kevin Lynch defines the program as composed of the four “P’s”:
• “Population” refers to the actual user who may or may not be the client
per se.
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• “Packaging” involves the type and quantities of elements that will be

provided in the design.
• “Performance” standards set the quality of elements expected, whether in
terms of materials or function.
• “Patterns” refer to general physical relationships that should be achieved.
• As Simonds explains, in developing the program the designer responds
to the client’s initial statement of intent, modified on the basis of what
he/she has learned at the end of the analysis phase.
• While the analysis is based upon a basic program concept, the potential
of the site for development influences the planner’s ultimate program
recommendations. The program should include:
a. A statement of goals that the project should achieve.
b. A list of project objectives by which these goals will be
accomplished.
c. A list of project elements that will be included and a
description or analysis of their interrelationships.
3. Synthesis (Design Phase)
A. Conceptual Design
B. Preliminary Design
C. Site Plan/ Master Plan
D. Design Implementation
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Site Analysis & Site Selection

What is Architectural Site Analysis?

An architectural site analysis process will look at issues such as site location,
size, topography, zoning, traffic conditions and climate. The analysis also
needs to consider any future developments, or changes to the site’s
surroundings, such as a change of road designations, changing cultural
patterns, or other significant building developments within the area.

A contextual analysis is a research activity that looks at the existing conditions

of a project site, along with any imminent or potential future conditions. The
purpose is to inform us about a site prior to the start of our design process so
that our initial design thinking about a site can incorporate considered
responses to the external conditions.

The site analysis is done in the initial stages of a project. In a professional

setting, it usually takes place during Stage 1 (Preparation and Briefing) of the
RIBA Plan of Work. Site information including site surveys are sourced.

Why do you carry out an architectural site analysis?

Prior to starting any design, your client will want to know whether construction on the site is viable.
Carrying out an extensive site analysis [or context analysis] will assess whether development is
financially feasible, and establish parameters to implement the best design that
responds to the physical and environmental features of the site.
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A contextual analysis is a research activity that looks at the existing conditions

of a project site, along with any imminent or potential future conditions. The
purpose is to inform us about a site prior to the start of our design process so
that our initial design thinking about a site can incorporate considered
responses to the external conditions.

Understanding the context of a site is key to enabling the designer to weave the
new design in with the existing fabric of the site. It allows us to understand the
existing opportunities, or problems in a site, and make informed decisions on
how to respond to our findings. This response could be that the designed
building reflects the surrounding context and is designed to be in sympathy, or
perhaps to turn away or eliminate certain unwanted site conditions.

Making sure the architecture site analysis is thorough

It is important when carrying out a site analysis, that we endeavor to research

as much as possible and collect all available data that relates to the site and our
design. A poorly executed site analysis can lead to a substandard design due to
the designer not having all available information to respond to and develop
solutions for. You can never know too much about the site.

What kind of information are we collecting?

Our analysis data can be split into two main categories. Hard data and soft
data.

Soft data looks at site conditions that can be changed. Hard data looks at more
concrete elements such as site boundaries, site areas, utility locations,
contours, dimensions, site features, climate, legal information. Early site
investigations should look at hard data. From this, we are able to establish
which elements we consider to have a negative impact on the site or proposed
design and which conditions have a more positive influence. This allows us to
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create a hierarchy and gives a more systematic approach to understanding our

data and developing the design.

The general categories of data we will be looking at as we carry out our

architectural site analysis are:

• Location – where the site is situated

 Neighborhood context – the immediate surrounding of the site including
data on zoning and buildings and other impacts on our project.
 Zoning and size – dimensional considerations such as boundaries,
easements, height restrictions, site area, access along with any further
plans.
 Legal information – ownership, restrictions or covenants, council related
information, future urban development plans.
 Natural physical features – actual features of the site such as trees, rocks,
topography, rivers, ponds, drainage patterns.
 Man-made features – existing buildings, walls, surrounding vernacular,
setbacks, materials, landscaping, scale.
 Circulation – Vehicle and pedestrian movements in, through and around
the site. Consider the timing of these movements, and duration of
heavier patterns. Future traffic and road developments should also be
considered.
 Utilities – Any electricity, gas, water, sewer and telephone services that
are situated in or near the site, along with distances, depths and
materials.
 Climate – all climatic information such as rainfall, snowfall, wind
directions, temperatures, sun path, all considered during the different
times of the year.
 Sensory – this addresses the visual, audible and tactile aspects of the site,
such as views, noise, and so on. These again should be considered in
time frames and a positive or negative factor can be attributed to the
condition.
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 Human and cultural – the cultural, psychological, behavioral and

sociological aspects of the surrounding neighborhood. Activities and
patterns, density, population ethnic patterns, employment, income,
values and so on.

Desktop Study

Before you visit the site, there is a lot of information you can gain from a
desktop study. By carrying out thorough research prior to your visit to site, you
will arrive well informed, and possibly have identified specific things that you
want to check or look out for on your site visit.

Prior to your site visit it may be necessary to obtain an OS map of the site. From
this, and from client information you can clarify the location of site boundaries.

Things to look into before you go to site:

Location:

• Geological maps to discover predominant types of soil or rock on the site.

• Aerial photographs and maps (google and bing have really useful and
quite different aerial images).
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• Historical maps can also be interesting.

• Distances and travel times between the site and other locations of
importance.

Legal Information:

• Rights of way, rights of access, Town and Country Planning restrictions, is

the site in a green belt?
• History of the site – anything you can use to inform your design. Any
tunnels, disused mines, archaeological interests under the site could
curtail development.
• Historical use of the site – could industrial processes have contaminated
the land?
• If the site sits in a conservation area or close to listed buildings you may
need to go into more detail regarding cultural significance, historic
significance, etc.
• Developmental controls – is the site subject to any specific planning
controls, building control or health and safety?
• Are there any trees on the site? Do they have Tree Preservation Orders on
them?

Utilities:

 Determine whether water, electricity, gas, telephone, sewerage and other

services are connected to the land.

Climate:

 Climate conditions of the site/area.

 Sun path and angles.
 Is the area susceptible to flooding, is it considered a flood risk area?
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Some information is not freely available, but a client or their legal

representative should be able to clarify any issues regarding rights of way,
rights of light, legal easements and any rights of tenants.

There are many more things to look at, and each site is very different, but
hopefully this will give you a starting point for getting the best out of your site
visit. In the next section we will look at visiting the site, and some of the items
on the checklist according to the categories that you should look out for.

Visiting The Site

What to take with you for your architecture site analysis?

Depending on the project you will want to consider taking the following items
with you when you go to look at a potential site, or proposed site for your
design project. It is likely you will require PPE (personal protection equipment)
so make sure you have all the necessary items before heading to site.

• Camera – essential. Make sure you take pictures of everything. Also,

make sure you get some shots of the site from a distance so you can use
these in your final images, cgi’s and so on. Also take pictures of what is
opposite the site, so you can use these as reflections in windows of your
design. It is so frustrating when you go to the trouble of visiting a site
and come back wishing you had taken more pictures.

• Smart phone. If you have any apps that assist with taking panoramic
pictures, take a few of these too. You can do some interesting stuff when
you get to later design stages if you have a few panoramics to play with.

• Notebook. Really important to be able to make notes and jot down any
observations on site. Also to roughly sketch out any notable features of
the site.
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• Tape measure. Some sites may be close to hazards or situations where

you will need to measure the proximity. If you have one, a disto, or laser
measure could also come in handy, but not essential.

• Good weather! If you have a choice of when to visit the site, try to pick a
day when there is a bit of blue sky around. It will look better for your site
photos, particularly if you are planning on using them in future
presentations.

Architecture Site Analysis Checklist

To help with collecting information, we have made a checklist that is a starting

point for analyzing the site and gathering data. The checklist is not exhaustive,
which means you can add to the checklist every time you come across a new
issue or factor relating to a site

We would suggest you go with a list of items to look out for, and check off your
list so that you don’t miss anything. Our list would go something like this based
on the categories we established earlier:

Site and surroundings

• Location
• Site location details (road names, address, major landmarks etc.)
• Current context – existing buildings, car parking, roads.

Neighborhood context

• Look at existing and proposed building uses in the neighborhood

• What condition are the buildings in?
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• Are there exterior spaces and what are they used for?
• Are there activities in the neighborhood that may create strong vehicle or
pedestrian traffic?
• Existing vehicle movement patterns, major and minor roads, bus routes and
stops.
• Street lighting
• Vernacular context, materials, architectural features, fenestration, landscaping,
parking, building heights
• Any nearby historical buildings, or buildings of particular significance
• Sun and shade patterns during the year
• Building context – what style, period, state of repair are the surrounding
buildings? It is a historical/heritage/conservation area? Will your design need to
reflect the existing style?
• Is the site close to listed buildings?
• Surfaces and materials around the site.

Site and Zoning

• Site boundary and dimensions

• Any rights of way through the site and the dimensions
• Any easements location and dimensions
• Buildable area of the site
• Any building height restrictions
• Access to the site – car parking, bus routes, train stations, cycle routes,
pedestrian walkways.
• Access to site for construction – will there be any obstacles or restrictions
that could affect the construction process?

Natural Features

• Topography of the site, valleys, ridges, slopes etc.

• Vegetation – landscaping, greenery, shrubs and trees, open spaces.
• Site levels. How will this affect your design process? How does the site
drainage work, would there be any potential problems with drainage?
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• Soil types on site

Man-made features

• What was the previous use of the site? Would there be any contamination
concerns?
• Are there existing buildings on the site – what is their state of repair? Is
there any sign of subsidence or settlement damage?
• Are the existing buildings part of the project?
• Any walls, retaining walls on the site, or other built items

Circulation

• Circulation – how do visitors/pedestrians/traffic to or near the site flow

around or within it.
• Accessibility – current provisions of disabled access to the site and how
will this need to be considered.
• Does the existing pedestrian movement need to be preserved?
• What is the vehicle peak load and when?
• Public transport close to the site
• Locations of best access to site for both vehicles and pedestrians
• Travel time to walk across the site

Utilities

• Location of all services: electricity, gas, water, sewer, telephone. This

includes both underground and above ground.
• Location of power poles.
• Drainage
• Sub-stations
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Sensory

• Views – where are the best views to and from the site.
• What are the views of?
• Mark out the positive and negative views.
• Which is the most likely feature aspect?
• Look at views towards the site from different approaches to see how the
site would be seen when drawing near to the site. What are the best views
of the site, and would these change in the long term?
• Noise, odour and pollution – is the site in a particularly noisy area? Or
near industrial buildings that produce levels of pollution. Is it near a
facility that creates smoke?

Human and Cultural

• Negative neighborhood issues such as vandalism and crime.

• What are the attitudes towards the site and the potential build?
• What are the general neighborhood attitudes about the area?
• What are the cultural, psychological, behavioral and sociological aspects
of the surrounding area?
• What is the population, density, family size, ethnic patterns, employment,
recreation activities etc.?

Climate

• Orientation of the site.

• Weather – how does the weather affect the site? Is it well shaded,
exposed?
• How does the temperature, rainfall etc. vary throughout the year?
• What are the prevailing wind directions throughout the year?
• What is the sun path throughout the different times of the year, and day?
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Take some time to walk around the site as much as possible. Take note of the
general topography of the site, and any significant changes in level. Also note
any indications of what is underneath the surface, for example, any marsh
grasses could suggest that there is a high water table, if the soil is sticky it
could indicate the subsoil on the site is clay. If there is any rubble on the site, it
could suggest there has been previous development, or possibly landfill on the
land.

Many of these site issues (particularly services) would be picked up on a

topographical survey or other professional report, but for the benefit of a
student site analysis assignment We think it would be good to demonstrate that
you have considered the hazards that could be on or around the site.

Diagramming your findings

The best way to present much of the data you have collected is through
diagrams. There are varying approaches to expressing the features of the site,
some prefer to include as much information as possible on one diagram, while
others will produce a number of smaller diagrams to demonstrate particular
site conditions or features.

Both options work, but if you decide to present all the data in one drawing, it is
important to make sure it doesn’t become muddled and difficult to interpret the
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information. So a single diagram demonstrating many of the site conditions will

be a larger drawing than numerous individual diagrams demonstrating one site
factor. It is also important that the hierarchy of the drawing is clear – using your
pen thicknesses to demonstrate the different aspects.

You can represent data from your site visit in plans, elevations and sections,
isometrics or perspectives. Be sure to choose the best option for the date you
are trying to explain. We want to make sure the diagram is simple, and clear,
with the data we are presenting graphically bolder than the referent
information. You want the emphasis to be on the information you are
communicating, for example a path through the site, or the position of trees on
the site. If you choose to create a series of drawings, ensure that the site
drawing is always the same orientation, and preferably scale, so that the reader
can easily understand the drawings.

Evaluating Your Site Visit

So you have collected all this information and taken a shed load of photos, now
you’ve got to evaluate this information and consider the implications to your
design process. As well as considering all the points below you also have to
integrate the requirements of the brief. You are slowly putting together the
pieces of the puzzle in order to come up with a great design.
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Your diagrams and data collection will be starting to build a picture of the site,
helping you to evaluate what you have found and begin to consider solutions.

When looking at your site and considering your design think about the
following:

The Site

• Street patterns
• Street section
• Scale and the hierarchy/form/space
• Land use
• Typologies
• Neighborhood relationships, formal street variation
• Perspective relationships, views
• Edge conditions, surfaces and materials
• Natural and man made
• Movement and circulation within and around the site
• Vehicle vs. pedestrian
• Access
• Public space vs. private space
• Open space
• History
• Climate – sun angles and sun shadows
• Negative and positive spaces – we move through negative spaces and
dwell in positive spaces
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The Building

Think about how your proposal is going to link in with the site, and how the
site will connect with the building. Make a few notes about each of the points
below about what you are looking to achieve.

• Massing
• Structure
• Circulation
• Axis
• Symmetry
• Scale and proportion
• Balance
• Regulating lines
• Light quality
• Rhythm and repetition
• Views
• Geometry
• Hierarchy
• Enclosure
• Space/void relationship

During your evaluation of the site, it may be useful to create a model of a

particular aspect, or even the site itself. A model may demonstrate something
better than a drawing or photograph, particularly three dimensional situations.
Land contours are often demonstrated using a simple site model. This base
model could then be used as part of your concept development.
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Presenting your Site Analysis

Typically, your site analysis will be included in the initial pages of your
portfolio. The sheets will most likely contain architectural drawings such as Site
or Location plans, accompanied by diagrams and text.

It may not be a requirement to present your site analysis information, but in

many cases it is. Whether you are putting together a couple of plans with your
findings, or a full report, here are some tips and ideas to help you get the
information across.

• Give an overview of the site and the information you have found.
• Show some of the key photographs of the site.
• Give more detail about the elements of your site analysis that you feel will
be important in your design process.
• Make sure you include images. There are various ways you can do this:
• Sketches from site
• Photographs from site
• Annotated photographs
• Present any relevant data found (climate, sun paths etc). Keep data clear
and concise, don’t bore everyone with complicated graphs and tables.
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Instead, make your own chart or table that picks out the important
information.
• Present your sun paths and angles as some sort of annotated drawing.
Sketchup can be a useful way of presenting sun path drawings.
• Be sure to show the North Arrow on plans
• Depending on what has been asked of you, sometimes it is useful to
present a couple of overlay drawings showing some initial ideas you have
worked on. This will demonstrate your understanding of the site.

The most important thing when presenting your site analysis is to ensure that
the information is clear, and the reader can understand what you have found. In
my opinion there is no point labouring away on fancy graphics if the
information is not clear and difficult to digest.

Site Selection

Site selection is the process of examining multiple options and assessing their
relative advantages and disadvantages. Site selection comes after the needs
assessment is completed. If you select a site before the needs assessment, you
may compromise on key design aspects due to site limitations. The site
selection process involves the following interrelated tasks:

 Assemble an experienced site selection team. It should be a sub-team

with representation from the project development team.
 Review site selection criteria, identify a site, and devise a plan for your
project.
 Initiate the loan process with a lender.

Importance of Site Location

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Learn about the neighborhoods of your potential sites. Walk through the area
and chat with residents to better understand whether the site is a viable option
and if your school is welcome. For site selection in cities such as Los Angeles,
Boston, and Washington, D.C., use a benchmark of one acre and search within a
one- to two-mile radius of your target area. If this is not possible, search for
sites in fringe zones (e.g., commercial).

Avoid developing a site plan too quickly. Professionals recommend developing

one to three alternative site plan concepts for potential sites. With multiple site
options, you can rank project priorities — e.g., cost, location, and size.
Exploring more than one site option also makes clear to lenders and other
funders that you are committed to building the best project possible. And,
analyzing alternative site plans allows you to compare costs and design
features in a practical rather than abstract way. The site selection team may
find a site that is not ideal, but with a creative design plan can meet your
requirements. By contrast, you may conclude that no redesign can overcome a
site’s inherent deficiencies.

Before purchasing a piece of property or a building, confirm that the zoning

allows your school to occupy that site. This should be investigated during the
due diligence period prior to closing on the purchase. Other due diligence items
include verifying that adequate public utilities are available, determining that
there are no environmental hazards on the site, and conducting a geotechnical
(soils) investigation if new construction is planned. When reviewing your site
options, use the Site Selection Criteria provided in this section to assess the fit
of the site, compare and contrast sites, and prioritize needs. Also, there are
rating systems that offer “green” site selection criteria. See Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) for Schools and the Collaborative for High
Performance Schools (CHPS) Best Practices Manual.
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For more information, visit www.usgbc.org/leed and www.chps.net/.

Site Selection Criteria

(1) Location

 Is the site located in the community which the charter school serves?
 Is the site accessible to target student demographics? Can the site serve
as a community hub?
 Is the site accessible by public transportation and convenient for students
and staff?
 Are nearby traffic levels acceptable?
 Is the site visible to passersby on foot or in vehicles?
 Are adjacent businesses appropriate (e.g., no adult video stores)?
 Is there a history of crime or vandalism in the area?
 Is the area suitable for evening events?

(2) Site/Land

 Is there access to utilities (e.g., electricity, sewer, water, gas, and phone)?
 Will the site require heavy maintenance (e.g., topography, drainage,
retaining walls, or geotechnical issues)?
 Is the proposed use for the project permitted by zoning? (For example,
can you build the type of project you want on the site?)
 Is there adequate space for parking?
 Are the soil conditions conducive to the project’s structural needs?

(3) Building

 Is the size adequate, and can it accommodate future growth?

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 Is it structurally sound?
 What is the condition of the roof, exterior walls, and windows?
 What is the condition of all major systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical, and
heating/ventilation)?
 Is there proper drainage in the basement?
 Can the seller or broker provide recent utility bills from all seasons?
 Will projected energy costs be reasonable?
 Has the building been checked for asbestos, lead paint, or other
hazardous materials?
 Are there appropriate fire exits?
 Is the building American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant?
 Is it a sustainably designed/green building or LEED-certified?
 Can the space be easily reconfigured for educational and administrative
space?
 What is the condition of adjacent and nearby properties?

(4) Costs and Renovations

 Is a recent appraisal available?

 Is the purchase price (or lease rate) reasonable and comparable to similar
sites of similar age and quality?
 Are the preliminary costs for improvements reasonable? Has your
architect or project manager confirmed the costs?
 What are the estimated maintenance costs?

(5) Legal and Timing Issues

 Is the property or site vacant and available immediately?

 Is the seller motivated to sell within your timeframe?
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 Is sufficient financing available to complete the transaction within the

required timeframe?
 Are there zoning restrictions? Will there be a need for zoning variances or
lengthy hearings? Required setbacks? Legal easements or rights-of-way
across the property? Prior title issues?
 Are you permitted to display signage on the site?
 Will building permits be available within the required timeframe?
 Are there any political issues that would block approval of the site? Are
the neighbors likely to be supportive?

Calculations to Assist Site Decision-Making

As you consider your site options, use common calculations. An appraiser or

broker can assist you in comparing these measures against comparable charter
school costs.

 Cost Per Square Foot (cost psf) is the total cost divided by the total
square feet of space.
 Cost of Improvements is based on your preliminary budget for a potential
site. Your cost of improvements should include both hard costs and soft
costs.
 Rent Per Square Foot (rent psf) is your annual rent divided by total square
feet. The square footage used is the net leasable area. If you are planning
to lease space, be sure to understand what expenses you will pay versus
expenses the landlord will pay. Also, factor in one-time costs to improve
the property so it is ready for occupancy. Some landlords provide a
“tenant improvement allowance,” which is factored into the rent psf
calculation.
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 The Site Acquisition price for a land purchase may be quoted on a per-
acre or per-square-foot basis. It is typically quoted on a per-square-foot
basis in urbanized locations.

Types of Sites

Creativity and flexibility are important when seeking an appropriate home for
your charter school. The following chart summarizes advantages and
disadvantages of various types of space.
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REFERENCES

https://cedreo.com/blog/site-planning/

Some sources that discuss the motives of planners to engage in site planning
include:

Alexander, E. R., & Faludi, A. (Eds.). (1989). Planning theory in the 1980s.
Pergamon Press.

Cuthbert, A. R. (2011). The form of cities: Political economy and urban design.
Wiley-Blackwell.

Sanyal, B. (2005). Comparative planning cultures. Routledge.

Hall, P. (2002). Urban and regional planning. Routledge.

McCann, B., & Ewing, R. (2003). Planning for sustainable communities. Island
Press.

https://www.brainkart.com/article/Site-Planning-And-Design-Process_3935/

https://primumnilnocerefiles.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/april-9-site-
planning.pdf

https://www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk/architecture-site-analysis-guide-2/

https://www.lisc.org/charter-schools/understanding-your-needs/site-
selection/determine-criteria-site-
selection/#:~:text=Site%20selection%20is%20the%20process,aspects%20due%20
to%20site%20limitations.