ARPL1 - PLANNING 1: SITE PLANNING &
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
• Introduction to Site Planning & Landscape
Architecture
o SITE PLANNING
Site planning is the organization
of an area of land fit a program
for its development which is efficient,
expresses the character of the site, and
provides attractive to use.
Site planning is the art and science of
arranging the structures on the land and
shaping the spaces between an arts of
arranging uses of land linked to architecture,
engineering, landscape architecture, and city
planning
Site plans locate objects and activities in space
and time. These plans may be concerning a
small cluster of houses, a single building and
its grounds, or something as extensive as a
small community built in a single operation.
*Purpose of Site Planning:
To learn and practice a logical method of fitting
design programs and sites harmoniously
To understand how natural factors
(landscape), socio- economic forces
(planning), and technological functions
(architecture & engineering) interact in the
design process.
To understand the importance of graphic and
verbal communication skills
*Components of Site Plan:
Buildings Roads Walkway Trees, garden, pool
(landscape) Water Plaza Pier
Environment
Etc.
*Scope of Work:
Site Planners designate the uses of land in
detail by:
Selecting and analyzing sites
Forming land use plans
Organizing vehicular and pedestrian
circulation
Designing visual form and materials
concept *Environment And Quality Of Life:
Readjusting the existing landforms by design Site planning is the organization of the external
grading physical environment to accommodate human
Providing proper drainage behavior.
Developing the construction details necessary It deals with the qualities and locations of
to carry out their project structures, land, activities and living things.
It creates a pattern of those elements in space
No matter sites are large or small, they must and time, which will be subject to continuous
be viewed as part of the total environment. future management and change
Spirit of place
*Related Professionals: Character of the place
Site planning is professionally exercised Nature of the project
directly by landscape architects, but there are Behavioral studies
related profession involved which are
architects, urban and regional planners, *Four Basic Models of Site Planning in History:
engineers.
On larger commissions the landscape architect
often serve as a member of a closely
coordinated professional team, which includes
architects, engineers, planners, and
scientist-advisors.

1. Fixing the Place or Space - the image and
form of the object building are capable of
fixing a space
2. Defining the Enclosure - a collection of
independent structures, which although
unattached, create a coherent image of a
place
3. Sense of Order - the form of the building
can be such that a place may be fixed by
the enclosure of the facades
4. Form of Axial - although the kinetic
implications of the word "path" are
somewhat contradictory, paths are
nonetheless capable of forming coherent,
meaningful images
*Layers of Site Planning:
Mass and Space
Zoning
Zoning
Service & Maintenance
*Site Planning Process:
In site planning, as in other forms of problem
solving, the critical thinking process of
research, analysis, and synthesis makes a
major contribution to the formation
of design decisions process.
*Flow Chart of Development Process:
Defining the problem Site & program analysis
Schematic design w/ preliminary cost estimate
Design development
Development process
o LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Landscape architecture is the profession which
applies artistic and scientific principles to the
research, planning, design, and management
of both natural and built environments.
Practitioners of this profession apply creative
and technical skills and scientific, cultural and
political knowledge in the planned
arrangement of natural constructed elements
on the land with a concern for the stewardship
and conservation of natural, constructed, and
human resources.
The resulting environments shall serve useful,
aesthetic, safe, and enjoyable purposes.
Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces
to serve specific purposes and meet certain
needs of the users
No one likes to be manipulated, but sometimes Draws the eye of the viewer to one major between each component and the design as a
we have to do it to get what we want... feature in each use area whole

Sometimes, we only have to change the Ex: Corner planting

existing landscape a little bit to meet our needs *Responsible Design Ideas:
But sometimes, we have to manipulate the 3. SIMPLICITY 1. What do I need, and how can I get it with the
existing least amount of disturbance to the natural
landscape a lot Seeks to make viewers comfortable within the ecosystem?
landscape 2. How can I meet the needs of the users in a
Principles of Design Excludes any unnecessary changes in shape way that protects their health and safety?
color, direction, etc. 3. How can I design an outdoor space with the
1. BALANCE least impact on our natural resources?
Materials are distributed evenly on opposite
sides of a central axis 4. RHYTHM AND LINE

o Macro-Range - the viewer sees the Repeating something at a standard interval

landscape from the most distant vantage or pattern creates rhythm and lines
point Establishes the shape and form of the
landscape replicating strong existing lines of a
o Closer Range - the views from other house or pool
location not as distant Functions of line plantings include
foundation planting, block a view, frame a
*Three Types of Balance view and provide privacy
a. Symmetric Balance
One side is a reflective mirror image of the
opposite side 5. PROPORTION
Most formal type of balance The size relationships between all the features
of the landscape including vertical, horizontal
b. Asymmetric Balance and spatial
Each side has as much interest as the other relationships

c. Proximal / Distal Balance Main proper proportional relationships in

Each balances right and left as well as a landscape between:
near and far Building & people
Building & plants
Plants & people
Plants & plants
2. FOCALIZATION OF INTEREST Masses & soils

Selects and positions visually strong items in

the landscape composition to create focal A design is in proper proportion and scale
points when a pleasing relationship exists among and
• Parameters of Site Selection and Analysis
SITE PLANNING
Site planning is the deliberate and systematic
process of guiding development of land
through determination of the detailed layout of
an area in relation to the natural environment
and human requirements.
In overall planning process, site planning
features after the strategic (overall) planning
has taken place and after location of land uses
has been decided in relation to social,
economic and environmental needs.
Site planning is essentially based on the
assumption that there is an interaction
between the social needs of users (space
required for different users, as well as their
physical comfort and psychological well-
being) and the physical and natural
environment characteristics of each site (slope
aspect, sunshine, soil, vegetation, and fauna,
etc.)
*Why Do We Need Site Planning?
To gain an understanding of the way people's
actions are constrained and limited by the
physical environment
To conserve what remains of the flora and
fauna that make up the natural world
To provide for people's primary needs such as
shelter, food and economic activity
To encourage the development of
environments which people experience as
satisfactory places in which to live, work or play
*What Entails Site Planning?
What should happen on a given area of land?
Where should it happen?
What will it cost to implement and manage the
project on that area of land?
An evaluation of the vast range of
environmental, social and economic factors
which should have a bearing on the decision-
making process
SITE SELECTION
For every site, there is an ideal use
For every use, there is an ideal site
Site selection indicates the practice of new
facility location, both for business and
government.
Site selection involves measuring the needs of
a new project against the merits of potential
locations.
The practice came of age during the 20th
century, as governments and corporate
operations expanded to new geographies on a
national and international scale.
*Site Selection Brief History:
Site selection was formalized in the 1940s and
1950s through several important U.S.
government projects.
The site selection process developed for these
projects was refined and later became
standard practice in the private sector.
As the U.S. economy and population
expanded in the post-war years, so did
corporate operations.
Large companies began using a
formal site selection process to identify ideal
locations for new corporate campuses and
manufacturing operations
o Edgar M. Hoover
one of the leading pioneers in the field of site
analysis
Authored a book “The Location of Economic
Activity"
Compilation crucial criteria of industrial site
selection as early as 1948 that still apply today
o Theodor Sabathil
's 1969 dissertation is consider one of the early
in-depth studies in the area of international site
selection.
Largely focused on country selection, which is
part of the site selection process
A theoretical approach to site selection; the
latter does not go into detail
Did not consider legal, natural, nor cultural site
factors in his considerations though he
discussed company-specific framework
conditions and psychological factors.
o Peter Tesch
made a dissertation in 1980
·
Tesch combines theories of international trade
and investment with site theories
He is the first to include country-specific
framework conditions in his analysis.
The main basis for his comments on the
various types of
internationalization are location-specific
competitive advantages.
Tesch developed a catalogue of criteria for
international site decisions grouped into three
categories:
Site factors affecting all company activities
Availability and costs of the site factors
impacting on the production factors
Turn-over-related site factors
o Thomas Goette
1994 study tries to classify important
international site factors and to structure the
process of international site selection
Goette distinguishes between:
measured against the merits of potential
locations.
The process typically includes selecting and
evaluating communities, real estate site
analysis and acquisition, and may include
negotiating tax incentives.
The process includes the following steps:
Define project criteria
Evaluate communities
Create short list of communities based upon
project criteria
Identify real estate sites within each finalist
community
Real estate analysis
Negotiate tax incentives
Site acquisition (rights)

Economic Site Conditions - sales potential,

competitive conditions, infrastructure and
transportation costs, labor, monetary
conditions
Political Site Conditions - tax legislation,
environmental protection, institutional market
entry barriers, support of business, political
risks
Cultural Site Conditions - difference in
language, mentality, religion, and the lack of
acceptance of foreign companies
Geographical Site Conditions - climate,
topography
SITE SELECTION PROCESS
The preliminary phase of architectural and
urban design processes dedicated to the study
of the climatic, geographical, historical, legal,
and infrastructural context of a specific site.
The result of this analytic process is a
summary, usually a graphical sketch, which
sets in relation the relevant environmental
information with the morphology of the site in
terms of parcel, topography, and built
environment
This result is then used as a starting
point for the development of environment-
related strategies during the design process.
As described by Edward T. White, the site
design process is divided up into three
sections:
1. RESEARCH PHASE
The first step is defining the problem and its
definition.
The site design and site planning process
begins with the initial problem to be solved.
This is started by a client contracting a planner
to work with a particular site.
2. ANALYSIS PHASE
The second step involves programming the
site as well as site and user analysis.
User Analysis - determination of the
characteristics of users which will influence the
development of the site.

The site selection process includes a detailed These three phases are divided into the eight 3. SYNTHESIS PHASE
evaluation of project needs which are then chronological steps in the design process. From the analysis, a program is developed
The third step deals with schematic design
of a site plan as well as preliminary cost
estimate for the site
Fourth step involves
more developed
designs and a detailed
cost estimate.
Fifth step is the construction document
or the plan
Bidding and contracting for the project follows
as the sixth step
Seventh step will be construction phase of the
project
Eighth step in the site design process is
occupation and management of the site
*Elements Of Site Analysis:
1. LOCATION
The site should be related to major
streets or landmarks
Aerial Photographs as an aid
Documentation of distances and time from the
major places
This should be completed by either driving or
walking the distance first-hand
2. NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT
Zoning of the neighborhood is important, and
information of this type can typically be found
at the city / municipal planning department
Features of this sort include architectural
patterns, street lighting, condition of existing
buildings (if there's any)
This would also include the immediate
surroundings of the site
The reaction of the surrounding buildings
towards the site and people moving around
should be analyzed.
Other important components of the
neighborhood context include an analysis of
existing paths (pedestrian, cyclist, vehicles),
landmarks and nodes.
Landmarks - distinctive sites that provide way-
finding for people in the area, and which define
the character of a neighborhood.
Nodes - key public gathering places that
encourage people to linger and socialize.
3. SIZE AND ZONING
Site boundaries can be located by either
verifying the dimensions physically or
contracting the tax assessor's office
Zoning classifications, set-backs, height
restrictions, allowable site coverage, uses, and
parking requirements are obtained by
obtaining zoning classifications from a zoning
map, which can be located from the
city/municipal planning department.
4. INFRASTRUCTURE & SOCIAL AND
POLITICAL BOUNDARY
Existing infrastructures that greatly affect and
will benefit/ could play disadvantageous to the
project.
Social and political boundaries dictates which
area is situated for a particular nature of the
project.
5. LEGAL
Typical legal information can be obtained from
the deed to the property.
The deed is held by the owner of the title
insurance company.
In the deed, information
such as property description, present owner,
and the government jurisdiction the site is
located in.
6. NATURAL PHYSICAL FEATURES
Most of this information will be derived from the
topographic features on the site
A contour map of this magnitude can be
located from the survey engineer
Drainage problems as well as existing natural
features of trees, ground cover, ground
texture, and soil conditions on the site should
be directly observed.
7. MAN-MADE FEATURES
Features located on the site such as buildings,
walls, fences, patios, plazas, bus stop shelters
should be noted
The site and location such features should be
directly measured
Documentation of existing historical districts
should be made, some of which may already
have reports completed.
8. CIRCULATION
The uses of streets, roads, alleys, sidewalks,
and plazas are important in this inventory step.
Vehicular and foot traffic within the immediate
vicinity of the site
Access point
9. UTILITIES
Information for utilities concerning the site can
be found through the utility departments and
companies in the local
area
Information in this print includes the location of
all utilities and their locations around or on the
site itself

10. SENSORY
Much of the sensory information collected will
be done
through firsthand experience
The information is obtained from sketching and
photographs (sometimes aerial photographs)
Direct observation of the sensory elements of
noise, odors, smoke, and pollutant areas must
also be completed.

11. HUMAN AND CULTURAL

This information can be obtained through
census statistics on the neighborhood.
Information regarding these statistics is
available from the local municipality planning
agency.
This information includes activities among
people on the
site and their relationships to these activities

12. CLIMATE
This information can be obtained through local
weather service.
Conditions such as rainfall, humidity, and
temperature over months must be considered
and analyzed.
The sun-path and vertical sun angles
throughout an entire year are important to
note.
• Ecological Consideration
ECOLOGY
The branch of biology that deals with the
relations of organisms to one another and to
their physical surroundings.
The political movement that seeks to protect
the environment, especially from pollution.
*Natural Factors:
GEOLOGY
Describe the structure of the Earth on and
beneath its surface, and the process that have
shaped that structure
Igneous Rocks - Rocks produced
crystallization from a liquid
Andesite can be used as aggregate, fill etc. in
the construction and roads
Tuff has been used as a building material since
ancient times because it is easy to work with
and relatively soft. Used or
famous statues
Sedimentary Rocks
- When igneous rocks are exposed to surface
and weathering reduces them to particles,
theses particles are moved by erosional
process and deposited in layers into rivers and
oceans.
Bituminous - these materials were initially
limited to road construction. Now the
application have spread over the area of roof
construction, for industrial purposes, carpet
tiles, paints and as a special coating for
waterproofing
by
Chert - decorative aggregates, as building
stone, as facing stone, garden decoration,
office bldgs., curbing, arrowhead, construction
aggregate, cutting tool, spear point
is an abundant, low-cost commodity in crushed
stone prepared for construction projects
Schist - use as a construction aggregate,
building stone, or decorative stone
GEOMORPHOLOGY
physiographic form, landforms, soils, drainage,
topography and slopes, and soil erosion
Deals with the origin, nature and distribution of
landforms
Physiography
Physical Geography
Refers to the description of landforms
Landforms
Irregularities on the earth's surface
They are derived from volcanic, glacial, or
erosional processes

Obsidian was used to make knives,
arrowheads, spear points, scrapers
Basalt is commonly crushed for use as an
aggregate in construction projects
Granite is used in buildings, bridges, paving,
monuments, and many other exterior projects.
Indoor, polished granite slabs and tiles are
used in countertops, tile floors, stair treads and
many other design elements
Flint for Interior: decorative aggregates, home,
interior decoration
for Exterior: As bldg. stone, as facing stone,
garden decoration, office buildings, paving
stone
Metamorphosed Rocks
- When sedimentary rocks are pushed to
deeper levels of the earth, they transform into
metamorphosed rocks due to changes in
pressure and temperature
When designing a piece of property for
architectural, architectural landscape, and
engineering usage, it is essential for the
designer to first confront the nature of the land,
particularly its form, slopes, and inherent
capabilities for surface and subsurface
discharge of water - for supporting vertical and
horizontal structures, and for resisting erosion
*Four Basic Geomorphologic Information:

Pumice is used as aggregate in lightweight
concrete, as landscaping aggregate, and as an
abrasive in a variety of industrial and consumer
products
Slate- it is popular for a wide variety of uses
such as roofing, flooring, and flagging because
of its durability and attractive appearance
Marble - it is used for its optical properties in
cosmetics, paint, and paper. It used because it
SOIL PROPERTIES
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
Composition
Texture
Are generally the most meaningful;
from them we can make inferences about:
bearing capacity, internal drainage, erodibility,
and slope stability.
COMPOSITION
Composition refers to the material that makes
up soil (Mineral particles, Organic matter,
Water, Air)
Mineral particles
It comprise 50% to 80% of the volume of the
soil and form the all important skeletal
structure of the soil.
Sand and gravel particles provide for the
greatest stability, usually yield a relatively high
bearing capacity
Bearing capacity - soil's resistance to
penetration from a weighted object such as
building foundation
*Soil Bearing Capacities:
Water
Content varies with particles sizes, local
drainage, topography and climate.
Most water occupies the spaces between
particles; only in organic soils do the particles
themselves absorb measurable amounts of
water
Air
Is what occupying remaining space that is not
occupied by water. In layers where
groundwater is formed by gravity water in the *Textural Groups:
subsoil and underlying rock, there is absence
of air
root
TEXTURE
Texture is the term used to describe the
composite sizes of particles in a soil sample.
There are 12 basic terms for texture, at the
center of which is Class LOAM
Sand, Loam, Clay which is an intermediate
mixture of 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay.
*Textural Classes of Soils:
*Soil Classifications:
general soil type based on soil texture
The triangle indicates the relative
proportions of three particle sizes (sand,
silt and clay)
 proportions with distance on the horizontal axis
and elevation on the vertical axis

*Four Basic Slope Forms (that are detectable

on contour maps):
Straight
S - Shape
Concave
Convex

DRAINAGE
Good Drainage refers to the soil's ability to
transfer gravity water downward through:

Infiltration
The rate at which water penetrates the soil
surface (usually measured in cm or inches per
hour)
Permeability
The rate at which water within the soil moves Angle of Propose - angle at which soil can be
Poor Drainage means that gravity water is not
through a given volume of material (also safely inclined and beyond which it will fail
readily transmitted by the soil and soil is
measured in cm or inches per hour)
frequently or permanently saturated and may
Percolation
have water standing on it caused by:
The rate at which water in a soil pit or pipe
within the soil is taken up by the soil (usually
The local accumulation of water
mainly in wastewater absorption tests and
A rise in the level of groundwater within the soil
measured in inches per hour
column 3. The size of the particles in the soil
being too small to transmit infiltration water
*Infiltration Variations by Soil Texture:

TOPOGRAPHY AND SLOPES

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
SLOPE ANALYSIS
A map of a portion of the earth that describes
Understanding slope forms for site design
the shape of the earth's surface by contour
requires understanding of local geologic, soil,
lines
hydrologic, and vegetative conditions
CONTOURS
SLOPE FORM
Imaginary lines that join point of equal
Expressed graphically in terms of slope profile,
elevation on the surface of the land above or
a silhouette. of a slope drawn to known
below a reference surface such as the mean *Types of Slopes:
sea level. Contours make it possible to Regular Slope
measure the height of mountains, depth of the Irregular Slope
ocean bottoms, and steepness of slopes.

MAP READING is a process of identifying VALLEY - is an elongated depression sloping

features on a map by using symbols and signs towards a drainage basin such as a sea, lake
or names or swamp, and which may contain water or
may be dry
*Importance of Map Reading: SPUR- is a prominent projection of raised land
Geological maps from higher ground, such as a hill or
Relief maps mountainside into lower land DRAINAGE - the natural or artificial removal of
Drainage maps suface and subsurface water from an area
Vegetation maps the most common drainage patterns include:
Soil maps
Radial Pattern
*Essentials of a Map: Dendritic Pattern
Title Centripetal Pattern
Scale Parallel Pattern
Key Trellis Pattern
Margin/boundary/frame
North direction/compass orientation
Date

*Reading and Interpreting Topographical

Maps:
Topographical maps are types of maps which
describe the physical (natural) and man-made
(artificial or cultural) features of a
give area

relief features
Spot height
Trigonometric station
Hill shading
Layer coloring / tinting
Hachures
Contours and form lines (isohyepes, isoline or
isopleth)

SLOPE - the inclination or slant of the land

SLOPE ANALYSIS
- An important analytical process made on a
topographic map that makes a proper match
between land uses and slopes and produces
an overall pattern of slopes which helps the
site planner in determining the buildable
portions of the site
The process involves breaking down of
topography into grades which will establish the
desired patterns for a given land use as
in the following example:
SOIL EROSION
When rocks are broken down (weathered) into
small fragments, and carried by wind, water,
ice and gravity
Energy for this process is solar and
gravitational
*Factors to consider in forecasting erosion
rates:
vegetation
soil type
slope size and inclination
frequency and intensity of rainfall
*Soil Erosion Prevention:
Vegetation
Foliage intercepts raindrops Natural science that studies the Waters of the
Organic litter on the ground reduces impact of Earth, their Occurrence, circulation and
raindrops distribution, their chemical and physical
Roots bind together aggregates of soil properties, and their reaction to the living
particles Cover density, deceases soil loss to environment including their relation to all living
runoff things.
Soil Type Hydraulic Cycle (Planet's Water Cycle)
Intermediated textures like sand will usually Described by the movement of water from the
yield (erode) first To erode clay, the velocity of oceans to the atmosphere to the continents
the runoff should be high enough to overcome and back to the sea
cohesive forces that bind the particles together
Similarly, high velocities would be needed to
move masses of pebbles and particles larger
than those of sand
Slope Size and Inclination
The velocity of runoff is closely related to the
slope of the ground over which it flows. Slopes
that are both steep and along produce the
greatest erosion because they generate runoff
that is high in velocity and mass
Slope also influences the quantity of runoff
since long slopes collect more rainfall and thus
generate a larger volume of runoff WATER TABLE - is the upper boundary of the
zone of groundwater; the top of unconfined
Frequency and Intensity of Rainfall aquifer
Intensive rainfall produced by thunderstorms
promote the highest rates of erosion
Accordingly, the incidence of storms plus total
annual rainfall can be a reliable measure of the
effectiveness of rainfall in promoting soil
erosion
HYDROLOGY
surface and ground water AQUIFER – A permeable geological stratum or
formation that can both store and transmit
groundwater in significant quantities.

WATERSHED - a geographic area of land
bounded by topographic features and height of
land that captures precipitation, filters and
stores water and drains waters to a shared
destination. Knowledge of watershed
boundaries is critical to water quality and storm
water management
VEGETATION
plant ecology
as assemblage of plant species and the
ground cover they provide
The relevance of Plant Materials in site
planning is in their role in:
Climatic Control
SOLAR RADIATION
Earth's source of light and heat
It warms the earth's surface, 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
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
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
Environmental Engineering
AIR PURIFICATION
Plants clean air through the process of
photosynthesis where they
use up carbon dioxide emission of cars and
trucks and in the process release oxygen into
the air
Trees also help filter out other pollutants, i.e.,
sulfur dioxide, dust, pollen, and smoke
NOISE
To understand noise: The sound level of
normal conversation is about 60 decibels; a
plane taking off produces 120 decibels at a
distance of 200 ft.
Sound energy usually spreads out and
dissipates in transmission 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. Tree
trunks deflect sounds, and it has been
estimated that a 100ft depth of forest can
reduce sound by 21 desibles
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.
EROSION CONTROL
Plants are primary means of preventing
erosion from stormwater runoff and of
controlling erosion during construction
Erosion is also minimized by the plants action
of intercepting rain, decreasing splash, and
increased water absorption
Architectural and Aesthetic Use
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 color and texture on the base
plane
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.
MOOD
Plants affects people's mood
WILDLIFE
Relates closely to habitats provided by plant
communities The three groups of habitat
elements essential to the different species of
wildlife are
Openland Wildlife - includes birds and
mammals commonly associated with crop
fields, meadows, pastures, and non-forested
lands
Grain and seed crops
Grasses and legumes
Wild herbaceous upland plants
Hardwood woody plants
Woodland Wildlife - these species need
various combinations of
Grasses and legumes
Wild herbaceous upland plants
Hardwood woody plants.
Cone-bearing shrubs such as pines
Wetland Species - include birds and
mammals needing habitats with
wetland food plants or wild herbaceous plants
of moist to wet sites, excluding submerged or
floating aquatic plants
shallow water development with water
impoundments not deeper that five feet
excavated ponds with ample supply of water at
least one acre and average six feet depth
streams
CLIMATE
solar orientation, wind, and humidity
Climate can be generally classified into four
types: Cold, Temperate, Hot Arid and Hot
Humid
In each, a site should be investigated in terms
of: a. Solar orientation for buildings
b. The best facing slopes
c. Wind flows for breezes
climate can be generally classified into four
types: cold, temperature, hot arid, hot humid
in each, a site should be investigated in terms
of solar orientation for buildings, the best
facing slopes, and wind flows for breezes
temperature vary with elevation by about 3
degrees for evry 1000 ft (300m) in the daytime
the more perpendicular a slope is to the rays of
the sun, the warmer the surface temperature
Wind Flows
Abrupt forms cause unpleasant air turbulence
Smooth forms induce smooth flow of air.
*Site Planning Concept Using Natural Factors:
Passive Cooling - the technology of cooling
spaces through proper sitting of structure and
use of energy-efficient materials with the
overall objective of energy conservation Solar
Orientation
Altitude
Topography
Vegetation
Water Bodies
• Social and Psychological Consideration
SOCIAL IMPACT
The effect an organization's actions have on
the well being of the community
Ex: The organization Habitat for Humanity has
a positive social impact on communities by
providing houses for the poor
SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Includes the process of analyzing, monitoring,
and managing the intended and unintended
social consequences, both positive and
negative, of planned interventions (policies,
programs, plans, projects) and any social
change processes invoked by those
interventions
*Historical Background:
The concept of SIA was introduced in 1969,
under U.S. National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), and is required to analyze the effect
of legislation on the "human environment".
The field of SIA emerged during the 1970s,
primarily as a response to a new
environmental legislation.
The concept of SIA was introduced in 1969,
under U.S. National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), and is required to analyze the effect
of legislation on the "human environment".
The field of SIA emerged during the 1970s,
primarily as a response to a new
environmental legislation.
Slowly, a range of SIA methods and processes
developed, from "technical" to "political"
approaches, short-term to long-term studies,
and from formal to informal studies, and from
formal to informal studies
The World Bank incorporated SIA in their
Project Evaluation procedures in 1986.
*Why do we need Social Impact Assessment?
To help individuals, communities, as well as
government and private sector organizations,
so that they can understand and anticipate the
likely social consequences on human
populations and communities of proposed
development project.
*Objectives of Social Impact Assessment:
Analyze how developmental proposals affect
people Identify and mitigate adverse impacts
Enhance benefits of the developmental
proposals Help manage social change
*Social Impact Assessment:
1. Hazard Assessment
A hazard is any practice, behavior, substance,
condition, or combination of these that can
cause injury or illness to people, or damage to
property.
An assessment is the process of identifying
hazards so they can be eliminated or
controlled.
2. Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is simply a careful
examination of what, in your work, could cause
harm to people, so that you can weigh up
whether you have taken enough precautions or
should do more to prevent harm.
3. Cultural Impact
The effect on the planned development /
progress to the characteristic's patterns of
attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors
shared by members of a society or population.
4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
An assessment of the environmental
consequences (positive and negative) of a
plan, policy, program, or actual projects prior to
the decision to move forward with the
proposed action. EIA - commonly used when
applied to actual projects by individuals or
companies
5. Strategic Environmental Assessment
(SEA)
applies to policies, plans, and programs most
often proposed of organs of state.
6. Project Program and Policy Evaluation
Program evaluation is a systematic method for
collecting, analyzing, and using information to
answer questions about projects, policies and
programs, particularly about their effectiveness
and efficiency
Policy evaluation applies evaluation principles
and methods to examine the content,
implementation or impact of a policy.

SITE VALUE
The site value (also known as land value or
taxable value) of your land is important
because it is used to calculate land tax.
Site value is the unimproved value of land
It excludes capital improvement such as
buildings
Local councils conduct site valuations on most
land every two years and use them to calculate
their rates.
*Reasons for Site Valuation:
Sale and Purchase
Land Leasing (Rental Value)
Development (Feasibility)
Financing (Lenders - Loan Security)
Agriculture
Government Actions (RE Taxes, Eminent
Domain)
Court Actions
*Three Approaches in Site Value:
a. Cost Approach - Land + Building = Total
Value Indicator
b. Income Approach - Certain Techniques
Require Allocation to Site
c. Sales Comparison Approach - Land
Value Estimate is often needed for
Comparison Techniques
*Five Methods to Value Land:
a. Market or Direct Sales Comparison
LOCATE VACANT
COMPARE EACH SALE
ADJUST PRICES FOR DIFFERENCES
ARRIVE AT VALUE
b. Allocation Method
Allocations by the Assessor may provide some
guidance, but not always reliable or up to date
c. Abstraction Method
Identify comparable improved property sales
Estimate Depreciated Cost of Improvements
Deduct Depreciated Cost to Abstract Site
Value
d. Development Method
Used to Estimate Value of land ready to be
subdivided
Used when no comparable land sales are
available, or detailed analysis (feasibility) of a
project is desired
Residential Subdivision - see example
Estimate Number of Lots to be developed
Estimate Total Gross Sales (Pesos)
Subtract Direct & Indirect Cost of Development
Allow for (Deduct) Developer's Profit
Conclude the Value of Land
e. Land Residual Method
Version of the Income Approach
Based on the Principle of Surplus Productivity
Used when there are no comparable sales
Suitable for Vacant or Improved Income
Properties (Actual or Hypothetical)
Estimate Net Income for Total Property
(L+Imp.)
Estimate Income Attributable to Improvements
Subtract Income to Improvement from Total
Capitalize Residual to Land @ Land Cap Rate
(R L)
BEHAVIORAL SETTING
Theorized entities that help explain the
relationship between individuals and the
environment – particularly the social
environment
The environment has a definite impact on the
individual, and our response may be adapting
to the imposed conditions.
Humans are continually manipulating or
choosing the physical surroundings in any
attempt to make a life physically and
psychologically more comfortable.
Behavior is the result of a complex interaction
between two main sets of variables:
The environment that surrounds and affects
the individual
The inner condition of the individual
Behavior studies in architecture include the
systematic examination of relationship
between the environment and human behavior
and their application in the design process
Human-environment studies
Social ecology
Human factors
Behavioral architecture
Programming
*Scope of Environment Studies:
User Groups
Different user groups have different need and
use patterns, they are patterns, they are
affected in different ways by the quality of the
environment, user group maybe socially
differentiated into:
Special interest group Urban/rural
Income Ethnicity
Age
Informal dwellers
Squatters/
slam dwellers
Environmental - behavior phenomena
This is looking at the aspect of human behavior
in relation to everyday physical environments.
PROXEMICS - are the different distances
between people that we considered
comfortable for social interaction. This shows
distinct distances: intimate, personal, social
and public
Privacy, density and crowding
Privacy - interpersonal control mechanism that
faces and regulates interactions with others
Density - a measure of number of people per
unit of space behavior c. Crowding -
psychological or environment concept which
refers to the experience of being hemmed in,
locked, or frustrated by the presence of too
many people
a. Personal Space
A specific environment behavior concept. It is
a small invisible, protective sphere or bubble
that an organism carries about The individual
personal space is dynamite, it changes its
dimensions, stress and anxiety can result from
intrusion
b. Territoriality
A refer to a group of behavior that a person will
personalize, marked, owned, defend, unlike
personal space, territories do not move, they
have five defining characteristics:
People will defend if violated by intruders
They are marked in either a concrete or
symbolic ways
They satisfy some needs or motives
They are owned control or processed by an
individual or group 5. They contain spatial area
c. Defensive Space
It is an extension of the concept of territoriality,
characteristics of space not make it more
defensible
BEHAVIORAL SETTING
Theorized entities that help explain the
relationship between individuals and the
environment particularly the social
environment
There has been a tendency in the social
sciences generally to polarize arguments
about consciousness, identity, behavior and
culture around either the mind existing "in the
head" or the mind being an artefact of social
interaction. "Mind" - in the sense used here - is
understood as the motivation for behavior.
Evidence indicates that both "facts" are
accurate
Behavior settings are mediating structures that
help explain the relationship between the
dynamic behavior of individuals and stable
social structure.
Social scientist Roger Baker first developed
this theoretical framework in the late 1940s.
*Surveying a Behavioral Setting:
According to Roger Barker (1968), a social
scientist who developed the theoretical
framework, a behavior setting survey consists
of the measurement of eleven key descriptive
attributes:
o Occurrence (0)
The number of days in a year the behavior
setting can occur

o Duration (D)
The number of hours the behavior setting
functions during a year
o Penetration (Pe)
The degree to which an inhabitant is involved
in the setting, ranging from onlooker to leader
o Action Pattern (AP)
The functional attributes of the patterns of
behavior (ex: religion, education, and
recreation)
o Behavior Mechanism (BM)
The modalities through which behavior is
implemented in the setting, such as gross
motor activity, talking, or thinking
o Richness
Composite measure of the variety of behavior
within the setting
o Pressure
The degree to which external forces act upon
a person to approach / enter or avoid /
withdraw from the setting
o Welfare
The relevance of the setting to a particular
group of inhabitants
o Local Autonomy
The geographic level at which the setting's
operations are determined (ex: town, district,
country, state)
USER REQUIREMENTS
The aim of this methods is to provide a clear
understanding of requirements as an early
input to development projects.
Help focus design work on those issues that
are central to the success of the development
in the eyes of the end-users.
Typical requirements gathering and analysis
methods include:
1. SURVEYS - both open-ended and focused
surveys, conducted electronically or on
paper
2. INTERVIEWS - typically conducted face-to-
face, but also over the telephone if deemed
more appropriate
3. FOCUS GROUPS - whilst being poorly
suited to evaluating a product, focus groups
are useful for discussing possible user
requirements and brainstorming ideas.
4. FIELD STUDIES - observing the end-user
situation and the environment in which the
development will be used is often extremely
useful in understanding user needs
5. EVALUATION OF AN EXISTING
CONDITION - provides a range of useful
information. Usability evaluation reveals
and clarifies good and bad aspects of
current solutions - valuable input to new
design work
6. TASK ANALYSIS- a deeper analysis of
users work with a system, useful for
analyzing how user's work tasks should be
supported by functionality in a system
7. USER PERSONANS AND USAGE
SCENARIOS - concrete and illustrative
data about typical users, their
characteristics, usage situation, task and
goals. Particularly useful in supporting early
user interface design work.
8. FORMULATION OF USABILITY GOALS
& OVERALL DESIGN CRITERIA - help
focus and steer the design process,
supporting the evaluation of early concepts,
prototypes and final designs.
*Cultural Factors:
1. EXISTING LAND USE
ownership of adjacent property, offsite
nuisances
Land Use Plans are available in each
city/municipality to determine the areas for
commercial, institutional, industrial, residential,
and open spaces 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
developed in a site designated as industrial
2. TRAFFIC AND TRANSIT SYSTEMS
vehicular and pedestrian circulation on or
adjacent to site
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 system 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
legal and regulatory controls
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 facilities
Density is expressed in number of families or
dwelling units per hectare
It may also be expressed in Floor Area Ratio
(FAR)
Density influences the privacy, social contact
among people, and freedom of movement of
an individual or a group of people.
Zoning regulations, laws and codes are Storm drains collect surface water and conduct
present in every city and municipality to it to rivers, creeks, or other bodies of water
regulate the type of development.
It divides the city of municipality into land use
areas that are designated by building height, 6. HISTORIC FACTORS
building coverage, density of population, and
open space. historic buildings, landmarks, and archaeology
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 community
For example, a high-end boutique is hardly
suitable in a low- income community.
The social structure of the community must be
taken into consideration to ensure that a
proposed development will not result in any
displaced families, and any major disruption in
their businesses and other activities.
5. UTILITIES
sanitary, storm-water, water supply, power
supply, and communications
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.
• Aesthetic and Physical Consideration
AESTHETIC
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of
beauty
SITE CONTEXT
Get the right synthesis
Set all Basic Parameters
S.W.O.T. ANALYSIS
Evaluation of each character area
landscape zone
The aim in design and management is to:
BUILT ON STRENGHT
minimize the weaknesses
take as many as oppurtuNITIES as possible
avoid threats
Strength and Weakness
are the aspect of the site itself
Opportunities and Threats
those aspect that affect it from outside/
immediate surrounding
STRENGTHS-ex.
Size of the area gives high carrying capacity
Presence of water in various form and size
Varied topography gives range of landscape
Road access
WEAKNESSES-ex.
Core area is a long way from public access
roads
Terrain is rough and steep
Insects are plentiful
Opportunities - ex.
To develop a range of recreational activities in
keeping with the demand of the community. To
protect vulnerable habitats from
development
To develop integral plan for management to
ensure minimal site degradation.
Threats-ex.
Commercial exploitation of forested areas with
good access. TOSL TOTAL OPEN SPACE WITHIN LOT
Forest fires Total open space within lot
Uncontrolled access The part of the lot NOT occupied by the
or Contribution to noise pollution building
TLA = PSO + TOSL
*Steps in Basic Parameters:
USA UNPAVED SURFACE AREA
Planning Regulations, Setbacks and By-Laws The portion of the open space that is unpaved
Calculated Assumption & Contextual
Relationship 3. Massing Study, Circulation & ISA IMPERVIOUS SURFACE AREA
Topography The portion of the open space that is paved
Revisit Contextual Relationship TOSL = USA + ISA
Work out few options using 3-D modelling
Fine Tune the best option
Start the Detailed Layout AMBF ALLOWABLE MAXIMUM BUILDING
FOOTPRINT
Footprint expressed in square meters
RULE 7 & 8
NATIONAL BUIDING CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES GFA GROSS FLOOR AREA
Total enclosed floor area (including balconies)
Excludes the following enclosed areas:
Parking, services, utilities
TLA TOTAL LOT AREA Vertical penetrations in parking floors if not
used for residential or commercial purposes
PSO PERCENTAGE OF SITE OCCUPANCY Balconies exceeding 10sqm, uncovered
The part of the lot occupied by the building areas, fire escape structures, etc.
(A.K.A. building footprint expressed in %)
TGFA TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA
Includes all enclosed floor areas, no
exceptions
AMVB ALLOWABLE MAXIMUM VOLUME OF
BUILDING
OFB Outer faces of the building
OSL OPEN SPACE WITHIN LOT
FLAR FLOOR TO LOT AREA RATIO
MACA MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE
CONSTRUCTION AREA
MACA = PSO + ISA
TLA = MACA + USA
*Zoning Classification:
R-1
Residential R-1 - a low-density residential
zone, characterized mainly by single-family,
single detached dwellings with the usual
community ancillary uses on a neighborhood
scale, such as executive subdivisions and
relatively exclusive residential communities
which are not subdivisions.
R-2
Residential R-2 - a medium-density
residential use or occupancy, characterized
mainly as a low-rise single-attached, duplex or
multi-level building/ structure for exclusive use
as multiple family dwellings. This includes R-2
structures within semi- exclusive subdivisions
and semi-exclusive residential communities
which are not subdivisions.
Basic R-2
a medium density residential use or
occupancy, characterized mainly as a single-
attached or duplex building/structure of from
one (1) storey up to three (3) storeys in height
and with each unit for separate use as single-
family dwelling
Maximum R-2
low-rise multi- level building/structure of from
three (3) up to five (5) storeys in height and for
use as multiple family dwellings
R-3 SITE CONTEXT
Residential R-3 - a high-density residential
use or occupancy, characterized mainly as a *Setback Requirements:
low-rise or medium-rise building/structure for
exclusive use as multiple family dwellings with RROW Road Right-of-way
mixed housing types. R-3 structure may Front, Sides, Rear
include low-rise or medium- rise residential
condominium buildings that are already
commercial in nature and scale.
Basic R-3: rowhouse building/structure of
from one (1) storey up to three (3) storeys in
height and with each unit for separate use as
single-family dwellings
R-4
Residential R-4 - a medium to high-density
residential use or occupancy, characterized
mainly as a low-rise townhouse building/ *Parking Slot Sizes:
structure for exclusive use as multiple family
dwellings.
R-5
Residential R-5 - a very high- density
residential use or Occupancy, characterized
mainly as a medium-rise or high-rise
condominium building/structure for exclusive
use as multiple family dwelling.
*Lot Types:
Inside lot
Interior lot
Corner lot
Through lot
Corner through lot
Corner through lot abutting 3 or more streets
End lot
*Occupancy Classifications:
GROUP A - Residential Dwellings
GROUP B - Hotels, Apartments
GROUP C - Education & Recreation
GROUP D - Institutional
GROUP E - Business and Mercantile
GROUP F - Industrial
GROUP G - Storage and Hazardous
GROUP H - Assembly Other than Group I
GROUP I - Assembly Occupant Load 1000 or
more
GROUP J - Accessory
ISA - Impervious Surface Area
Impervious Surface are mainly artificial
structures such as pavements (roads,
sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, as well
as industrial areas such as airports, ports and
*Lot Considerations: logistics and distribution centres, all of which
AMBF ALLOWABLE MAXIMUM BUILDING use considerable paved areas) that are
FOOTPRINT covered by impenetrable materials such as
PSO PERCENTAGE OF SITE OCCUPANCY asphalt, concrete, brick, stone and rooftops.
Soils compacted by urban development are
also highly impervious.
FLAR - Floor-Lot Area Ratio
This ratio is determined by dividing the total or
gross floor area of the building by the gross
area of the lot. A higher ratio is more likely to
indicate a dense or urban construction. Local
governments use FAR for zoning codes.
BHL BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT
Low-Rise from 1-5 storeys i.e. 4.0 m to 16.0 m
Medium-Rise from 6-15 storeys i.e. 19.0 m to
46.0 m
High-Rise from 16-60 storeys i.e. 49.0 m to
181.0 m
Very Tall Building taller than 60 storeys or
taller than 181.0 m
(Counter check with Civil Aviation Authority of
the Philippines - CAAP)
TGFA - Total Gross Floor Area
The total floor area with correspondence with
its number of storeys.
AMVB - Allowable Maximum Volume of
Building (Above-Grade) The limit of the total
volume of space that can be occupied by a
proposed
building/structure above grade level.
*Lot Considerations Formulas:
PSO + ISA = MACA
ISA + USA = TOSL
TOSL + PSO = 100%
FLAR X TLA = GFA
AMBF X BHL = TGFA
TLA X PSO = AMBF
AMBF X 100 = PSO
TGFA = AMBF X NO. OF FLOORS (Inclusive
of Roof Deck)
USA (actual) = USA (min.) + [PSO of lot = PSO
of actual]

PLINTH AREA
built up covered area of a building measured at
floor level at any storey.
calculated by taking the external dimension of
the building at the floor level excluding plinth
off-sets, if any courtyards, open areas,
balconies cantilever projections are not
included in plinth area.
Supported porches (other than cantilevered)
are included in the plinth area.
The following shall be included in the Plinth
Area:
All floor area of walls at the floor level excluding
plinth of sets if any.
Internal Shafts for sanitary installation provided
these do not exceed 2 sq m. in area air
condition ducts, lifts etc.
Area of porch other than cantilevered
Area of loft
Internal sanitary shafts provided these are not
more than 2 sq m. in area.
In enclosed balconies
Towers, sunshade, domes, etc. projecting
above the terrace level, not forming a storey at
the terrace level.
Architectural bonds, cornices etc.
Sunshade, vertical sun breakers of box
Louvers projecting out.
CARPET AREA
As the name suggests, carpet area means the
area of the property where you can lay your
carpet, measured wall to wall
Areas included in Carpet Area:
All Rooms Living Room, Bedrooms, Dining
Room, Dressing Room, Other Rooms.
Kitchen and Bathrooms
Stores and Balconies
Areas not included in Carpet Area:
External and Internal walls
Common Areas
BUILT-UP
Areas included in Built Up Area/ Plinth Area:
Entire carpet area
Internal and External Walls
Utility Ducts within walls of the unit
Areas not included in Built Up Area/ Plinth
Area:
Common Areas
SUPER BUILT-UP
Built up area plus common areas proportioned
to a unit
Areas included in Super Built Up Area
Entire Built Up Area:
Common Areas (lobby, lift ducts, staircases,
pipe ducts/ shafts, air ducts, covered
community centres/ clubs, other covered
common facilities)
Areas not included (generally should not be
included) in Super Built Up Area:
Roof Terrace
Open Areas like parks, gardens, play areas
etc.
AESTHETIC FACTORS
Natural Features / Existing Landscape
When sites are characterized by outstanding
natural features of earth, rock, water or plant
material, these may be incorporated in the site
development as natural assets of the land
*Visual Quality:
Landscape special character (Rocky
Outcrops)
Spatial pattern of the site
Visual quality (Urban view, Natural view)
Visual character (Vista, Panoramic View,
Framed View, Filtered View)
Visual disturbance
*Visual Resources:
VIEW - a scene observed from a vantage
point.
VISTA - a confined view, usually directed
toward a terminal or dominant feature:
vista has three components: a viewing
station, a view, and a foreground
SPATIAL PATTERNS
It is defined as the way an open space of given
site is configured according to an arrangement
of elements that evoke activity or flow, both
physically or visually.

SENSOUS QUALITITES
relating to or affecting the senses rather than
the intellect
A site includes many man-made details.
Their number becomes apparent when we try
to catalogue the furniture of some existing
area: fences, seats, signal boxes, signs, light
poles, meters, trash cans, fireplugs, manholes,
wires, lights and so on.
It is curious that the mere list conveys a sense
of clutter and disharmony.
GROUND FORM
In an urban area, space may be defined by
man- made structures, in less dense
development by the basic natural materials:
rock, earth, water and plant cover.
The configuration of the floor is determined by
the existing topography whose modelling
thoroughly understood before work begins.
must be thoroughly understood before work
begins
Ground Texture
The textural finish of the ground can be a
source of delight in itself
It can also set a general visual character and
scale
The texture of the floor imparts sensations of
touch as well as sight
The pattern of surface activity can be
expressed in the textural pattern and such
differentiations play a role in guiding and
controlling these type of activities:
Roads and Footpaths, Bicycle and Car Stalls,
drainage tunnels, play areas or spots for
standing and sitting.
Fine Ground Textures:
Moss or close-cropped grass - tend to
emphasize the shape and mass of the
underlying ground and to increase its apparent
size
Coarse Ground Textures:
Cobble, Bricks, or Blocks – work in the
opposite way, calling attention to the surface
itself, rather than an underlying mass
WATER
Water is equally elemental, simple nature but
extremely varied in effect.
The very number of descriptive terms in the
common language indicates its potential
richness in design: ocean, pool, sheet, jet,
torrent, rill, drop, spray, cascade, film (plus an
equal number of words for liquid motion:
trickle, splash, foam, flood, ripple, surge, run).
ex. Pool, Sheet, Torrent, Jet, Rill, drop,
cascade, spray, bitfall/film
Moving water gives a sense of life.
Still water conveys unity and rest and may be
used to clarify a plan.
Usually it is wise to place still water at the
lowest point in its immediate
surroundings.
In Landscape architecture and garden design,
water feature is one or more items from a
range of fountains, pools, ponds, cascades,
waterfalls, and streams.
Benefits for the project in introducing water
features:
From the aesthetic to the Psychological
Building Looks larger and more imposing
Water's evanescent, organic qualities can
soften the mood. •Appear to dematerialise
severe lines.
PLANT MATERIAL
living plant materials (Trees, Shrubs, Herbs,
Lawn) are materials popularly associated with
landscape work
Site Planning is thought to be the spotting of
trees on a plan after houses and roads have
been located there.
But it is more the organization of outdoor space
in which the plant cover is only one element.
Many great landscapes are treeless; there are
handsome squares that do not include a plant
in any description.
Plants are one of the fundamental landscape
materials. Planting is considered the "extra" in
site development, the first item to be cut when
the budget pinches.
• Movement and Utility System
the usefulness of any parcel of land, weather
urban, sub-urban, or rural, depends on the
existence of adequate roads and utilities to
serve it; this is true for a suburban or large
urban site
the site must be readily accessible
the primary consideration in planning; the use
of a site includes the adequacy of both
circulation, access and utility services
*Circulation Access Includes:
1. Pedestrian
2. Vehicular
3. Public transit movement systems
*Utility Services Includes:
1. Water
2. Sewer
3. Gas
4. Electricity
5. Communication System
Sustainable design planning attempts to
design infrastructure and utilities that work with
the natural ecosystem. Locating them in
locations that complement existing conditions
through sympathetic solutions which reflect the
local topography, climate and vegetation
CIRCULATION SYSTEM
Vehicular circulation systems are the primary
structuring element of a land use plan, often
determining the location of utilities and
communication networks and pedestrian
circulation systems.
In land planning and site planning, it is
standard to begin laying out the site with the
surface roads. This often determines the
patterns of land use and utility system.
Road system must be carefully adapted to the congested. Usually before this point reached,
topography. a freeway or expressway is introduced.
Utility services are generally located above or
below the road system a. FREEWAY
Surface drainage channels are usually located Major roads connecting residential areas and
alongside the roadways connecting to small businesses to highways and
underground storm water conduits. expressways.
As the amount of vehicular / pedestrian flow
increases, the need to organize and define the b. HIGHWAY
channels of flow also increases. (ex. which Wide roads that allow a higher volume of traffic
streets will channel the heaviest traffic) enabling intercity commute
As a result, those channels that carry large and transportation.
volumes over greater distances are often
physically separated from the region served. c. EXPRESSWAY
(ex. expressways, freeways, and railroads). Highways reserved exclusively for long-route
transportation where low-speed traffic and
*Forms of Circulation: pedestrians are not allowed.
*Pros of Highways:
The lower speed limit on highway makes them
safer
1. GRID The multi-lanes of the highways save a lot of
A grid system consists of equally spaced fuel costs by maintaining speed as per the
streets or roads which are perpendicular to preferred lane
each other.
Often used for its regularity, simplicity, and *Cons of Highways:
convenience. It simplifies the subdivision of With multiple toll plazas, highways are a costly
land for both agriculture and urban use, along affair The traffic signals and intersection
with providing a sense of orientation if not points, the traffic congestion can be a cause of
extended (vast) and sufficient landmarks are delayed journeys
present The mix of traffic, both motorized and non-
Grids can be used on sloped sites if carefully motorized, is often a cause of worry for both
configured kinds of drivers
Traffic flows can be controlled by increasing
capacity in certain channels while decreasing
them in others. This can direct heavier 2. RADIAL
through-traffic to those channels that can A radial system directs flow to or from a
handle them. common center, with straight channels of
A grid system can lose its effectiveness about circulation radiating from this center point.
circulation when its channels become
This is the typical pattern created by traditional
city growth outward (radially) from the original
settlement.
This usually causes the center point, where all
channels converge, to become congested.
This can be alleviated by creating "by-passes"
that connect outlying hubs/radials thus
allowing through traffic to avoid the congested
areas. As a result, a radio-centric pattern is
created. This can also sometimes create
concentric rings around the center.
3. LINEAR
A linear system of circulation connects flow
between 2 points, either along a single line or
along a series of parallel lines.
Activities can be situated along the route or be
routed into loops or branches on either side.
Excessive traffic along the route could
ultimately cause congestion.
A drawback to this system is a lack of focal
point and the on-and-off movements from the
branches or activities can impede the flow of
traffic. This can cause inefficiency and be
hazardous to oncoming traffic.
This type of system is useful for restricted sites
such as a narrow valley between hills, or when
parallel to existing infrastructure like railroad,
canal, or freeway.
Such routs lined with business are often called
"strip commercial" developments. These
businesses are often visually chaotic, very
inefficient in terms of land use. They serve as
good "incubator spaces", a place for new
businesses.
4. CURVILINEAR
A curvilinear system responds to
the topography of the land and aligns with
natural contours
This system works best at small scales
because the curving of the path reduces
speeds.
A network of curvilinear systems can conform
to the natural topography of the landscape as
well as the arbitrary. Most common to
residential neighborhoods / suburbs.
PUD's employ this system for more interesting
street layouts, better views, and site
adaptability (topographic changes).
VEHICULAR CIRCULATION
The development potential of land is largely
determined by the system of traffic access to
the land
Vehicular traffic flows in sequential order from
low intensity to high intensity
Local access streets, collector, distributor
streets, arterial streets, freeways
*Basic Categories of Traffic Arteries:
1. Freeways / Expressways / Motorways
Designed to allow movement of large volumes
of traffic between, around, or through urban
areas.
Velocity is reached because of high intervals
between traffic interruptions (on-off ramps)
All cross traffic is accomplished by overpasses
and underpasses eliminating all grade level
intersections which would impede traffic.
2. Arterial Streets/Highways
Continuous vehicular channels that connect
with expressways by means of on-and-off
ramps at carefully determined locations.
These are typically 2 and 3 lanes wide in each
direction
On-street parking is prohibited
Access to adjacent commercial property could
be restricted
Access to residential streets is allowed
All crossings are controlled by traffic signals
Typical speed limit is 35mph
Major intersection should be separated by at
least 80oft.
3. Collector-Distributor
Streets Serve as the transition between arterial
streets and the local access streets of a
neighborhood.
They provide access to adjacent residential
properties
They are usually discontinuous, thereby
preventing through-traffic and reducing
vehicular speed
Curb-side parking is allowed but only at certain
times of the day and may be limited or
prohibited
When collector streets intersect with arterial
streets, traffic signals are used
Local and collector streets are usually
controlled by stop signs.
 The paved vehicular right-of-way usually
slopes from a high point at the center, known
as the crown, to the sides at a rate of 1/8 to 1/2
inch per foot depending on the finishing
surface to provide positive drainage
Roads with heavier traffic are designed with a
6-inch curb and gutter
Residential streets can have 4-inch "roll cubs"
or simple gravel shoulders flanked by narrow
4. Local Access Streets drainage devices.
Provides access to low intensity uses fronting
on them
They carry low traffic flows
Such streets consist of loops and cul-de-sacs
or combination of the two
Unrestricted curbside parking
Unlimited pedestrian use There are certain types of intersections which
should be avoided:
*Road Design Criteria: − An acute angle intersection (2
Road design includes such elements as: approaching streets at less than 80-85
a. Pavement degrees) is difficult to negotiate and
b. Curbs limits driver visibility
c. Gutter For major roads, lanes should be between − Intersections that are (slightly) offset
d. Shoulders 11&12 feet wide. create difficult crossing situations and
e. Walks A 2-lane highway with 9' shoulders on either impede the intersection being crossed.
f. Landscaping side is therefore 40-42' wide Intersections with straight crossings or
g. Border strips Parking lanes should be 8' wide. For angled offsets (no less) than 150 feet are
h. Lighting parking 2-2.5 times that is typical preferred.
i. Signs Planting strips should be 7′ wide for trees and
j. Traffic signals 4' wide for simple ground cover. Tree wells or Intersections on major arterial roads should be
k. Utilities raised planters can be used as well separated by 800' Freeway on-off ramps are
usually separated by one-half to one mile
Depending on traffic intensities, the materials When designing roads, the services of a civil On minor roads "T" intersections are
often used for paving and roads include: engineer is required permissible
a. Concrete Actual roads consist of straight sections called
b. Asphalt concrete "tangents" which may or may not be level, and
c. Gravel horizontal/vertical curves
d. Decomposed granite Horizontal curves generally are arcs of a circle
e. Stabilized soil allowing a vehicle to negotiate the curves
f. Graded and compacted earth shaped smoothly
for drainage
 When intersection volume exceeds 750 cars 3. Two curves in the same direction
per hour, traffic signals are required (compound curves) should NOT be done
Grade separations, which are needed once
traffic volume exceeds 3,000 cars per hour is
the most expensive type of control and the
most space consuming.

When laying out roads horizontally, certain

practices are commonly followed:

1. Two curves in the same direction (broken-

back curves) should be separated by a
"tangent" (straight line) no less than 200' 4. Simple curves where a circular are
connects 2 tangents at either end (of the
arc) can have any size tangent.

2. Two curves in opposite directions (reverse

curves) should be separated by a "tangent"
(straight line) no less than 100'
Vertical Curves (changes in grade/height)
The length of cul-de-sac should not exceed Vertical road alignment is parabolic (flattened)
400'. Good vertical alignment provides a
There comfortable transition between 2 different
must be a minimum turn-around of 80' in grades avoiding overly steep inclines, sudden
diameter. bumps, and hallows
Maximum depth of loop streets is 700' Freeways, for example, may require
Maximum block length is 1,600' considerable cutting and filling which is
Minimum radii at major road intersection is 50', expensive and requires extensive reshaping of
minor road intersections 12' the landscape.
Slight distances are kept long, to maintain a
*Type of control devices: relatively
a. Stop signs distant forward view for the driver
b. Traffic signals
c. Turning Lanes
d. Islands
e. Medians
f. Graded separations
Most common type of grade separation
intersection is the "cloverleaf" (type of
interchange) configuration is based on a
system of right turns.
The Direct left turn interchange is used
where 2 freeways intersect, this configuration
is more complex and expensive than a
cloverleaf but allows for more high-speed
lanes and transitions
Diamond intersections are used where
freeways intersect secondary roads. These are
economical and use little space. The import
characteristic of these are ramp grades. Up-
ramp slopes are usually 3 and 6 percent; down
ramps are 8 percent.
Angled parking characteristics
When valet or attendant parking is utilized,
minimum standards can be 8' by 18' stall with
a 20' drive isle for go-degree parking. This is
usually a result of attendant familiarity with the
facility. In estimating total area need, it is
advisable to allow for 400 SF of parking area
per vehicle. Ex: For shopping centers: 3000-
4000 SF of parking for every 1000 SF of tenant
space should be considered. Such ratios are
usually specified in the local zoning ordinance.
PARKING (Refer to PD1096)
A desirable location for parking is to locate the
More cars can be parked in a 90-degree
onsite drive between the building and the
configuration than a 60- 45-degree
parking area, providing a clear view of the
configuration
building entrance. The approaching driver then
60 and 45-degree configurations establish a
knows where to enter the building and
one-way circulation system and are easier to
searches for a convenient parking stall.
maneuver in and out of 90-degree parking,
however, is less dangerous to back out of
All parking areas, surface or structure should
because of the greater drive isle width.
have handicapped parking clearly marked and
For structured parking, ramps should not
situated for easy building access. (less than
exceed 15% (speed ramp)
200 ft from entrance)
These spaces are specified in the ADA and
For slopes 10% or higher, a transition of 8 feet
ANSI legislated codes
on either side is required, the slope would
Parking/storage should be provided for
usually be half of the actual slope of the ramp.
bicycles and motorcycles as well
Ex: for a 10% ramp, 2 sections of 5% at 8' long
8'-4" is a reasonable minimum width for a
on top and bottom would be required.
typical parking stall
A ramped driveway exit rising to a public
sidewalk must have a transition section no
For parking angles less than 40 degrees, stall
more than 5% so as not to obstruct the driver's
width may be reduced to 8' since car doors are
view of pedestrians on the sidewalk ahead (the
clear of the next car
hood of the car)
Stalls are generally 18'-20' long
The minimum desirable width for a one-way
The parking surfaces should be sloped for
driveway is 12'
proper drainage between 1% and 5%
For go-degree parking, the width of the drive is
Parking areas used at night should be well lit,
determined by the required length to get out of
generally one-half to one foot-candle
a stall comfortably. Typical structured cross
Calculate land versus parking cost
section is 18' (stall)'+24'(drive isle) + 20'(stall)
= 64' wide
PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
Sidewalks should be no less than 5' wide
Collector walkways, handling larger numbers
of people should be no less than 6'-10' wide
Because pedestrian movement follows the
path of least resistance, it is quite common to
see footpaths worn into the turf on a college
campus. Paving these footpaths is an old and
practical technique
The primary objectives of good pedestrian
circulation design are:
a. Safety
b. Security
c. Convenience
d. Continuity Comfort
e. Attractiveness
To provide safety, pedestrian-vehicular
separation is desirable, this can be achieved
by grade-separation walkways above or below
streets
Security can be achieved through clear sight
lines and well-lit pathways
PUBLIC TRANSIT
In the years following World War II, American
cities experienced their greatest era of growth
and expansion
The federal government created a low-interest
home mortgage financing
In the 1950's it initiated the interstate highway
system
Together, these 2 programs were responsible
for the creation of the post war American
suburb, shopping center and industrial park
All urban transportation is public; automobiles
operate on public streets, as do buses. Most
rail transit systems and commuter systems are
also publicly own. Therefore, the term
"individual" and "collective" in reference to
transportation systems are considered public
system because the recourse such as the road
and/or track on which they run are public, but
the actual automobile is not, nor the space in
which it is parked.
No collective transit system can be operated
efficiently below a population density of 30
persons per acre. Such a requirement is
necessary for the proper operation of such a
system. Outlying developments should
coordinate their population densities with rail
and bus transit systems to establish and make
use of these resources efficiently. This is
currently happening in today's developments
which wasn't the case before.
*Public Transit Types:
1. WALKING
Walking speed varies from 2.5 to 4.5 miles per
hour. The maximum distance that most people
will walk to a destination is 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 mile
2. LOCAL BUS
Useful for trips in medium density areas. Buses
travel at an average of 15-30 miles per hour.
People are willing to spent up to a 2 hour for
most urban travel, whatever the mode.
3. EXPRESS BUS
Useful for trips between medium density areas
and at specially planned and convenient
stops/terminals between high density areas.
These travel at an average of 40 to 60 miles
per hour.
4. RAIL RAPID TRANSIT
Useful for trips between medium density areas,
high density areas and for short trips within
high density areas. These usually travel
between 40-70 miles per hour.
5. MONORAIL
One-rail system but most in fact have several
rails. These have the disadvantage of only
being above ground which may not be possible
in central city areas. A truly useful rail rapid
transit system should be capable of being
above, below or at ground level and thus fully
adaptable to the area it
serves.
Sustainable design encourages TOD (transit-
oriented design) development to encourage
the use of public transit and give the people of
housing, commercial, and institutional
developments more options for transportation.
This allows property owner to save energy,
invest more in their properties and spend less
money on private vehicles.
PROVISION FOR THE HANDICAPPED
(Refer to BP344)
There are at present between 18 and 20 million
people with physical handicaps in the US
Impediments are several types of disabilities,
each requiring special considerations in
planning and design. The five most
common are:
a. Non-Ambulatory Disabilities
confine persons to wheelchairs. This type is of
particular concern because it influences the
physical layout and configuration of sites and
buildings.
Movement and Utility System
b. Semi-Ambulatory Disabilities
cause persons to walk with insecurity or
difficulty and may necessitate the use of
crutches, walkers, or braces
c. Coordination Disabilities
manifested by impairments of muscles control
to the limbs
d. Sight Disabilities
affect sight, totally or partially, to the extent that
an individual functioning in public areas is
insecure and prone to injury
e. Hearing Disabilities
affect hearing ability. Totally or partially, to the
extent that an individual functioning in public
areas in insecure or prone to injury due to an
inability to communicate, or to hear warning
signals.
The basic wheelchair is shown in the figure,
the electric wheelchair is 9-inch longer
The minimum turning space for a wheelchair is
60" or 5'
The minimum space required for 2 wheelchairs
to pass each other is 60" or 5'. This suggests
that all public walks should be no less than 5'
wide
Minimum walkway gradient for wheelchairs is
1:20 or 5% with a max cross gradient of 1:50
or 2%
Where an accessible walk crosses a curb, the
width o the walk should be 3' minimum with
flared sides that slope a minimum of 1:10.
Where the curb height is 6", a minimum curb
cut out of 13' is necessary.
There must not be edges or cracks greater
than 1/2 inch.
Whenever 2 walks join, they should blend to a
common level.
The blend should not exceed a gradient of 1:12
or 8 1/3%
Curb cutouts should be identified by a 1/16"
yellow abrasive anti-slip epoxy finish applied to
the entire area of the curb cut-out, or by
abrasive strips 1/16" thick and 2" to 3" wide.
These yellow strips and paint color should be
placed wherever walkways intersect with street
no matter the type of curb or gradient treatment
used.
Where traffic islands intersect, pedestrian
walkways, a 3' wide street level path (cutting
through the island) must be provided.
RAMPS (Refer to BP344)
Ramps should be provided wherever a vertical
drop is greater than 1/2"
As before, the gradient of the ramp must not
exceed 1:12 or 8 1/3%. Preferably it should be
1:16 or 64% whenever possible.
Ramps should be a minimum 3' wide and not
exceed 30' in length • At all ramp surfaces
between inclinations, a 5' long level landing
must be provided
If a ramp rises more than 6" or runs longer than
72 inches, handrails must be provided.
A protective curb should be provided on either
side of the ramp if above finish grade.
PARKING (Refer to BP344)
The spaces should be a minimum of 8' wide
with a 5' wide access isle between every 2
spaces. These access isles must be
connected to the accessible route present at
the site.
The handicap spaces should be as close as
possible to the building entrance but never
more than 200' and clearly marked with the
symbol of accessibility.

*Ratio of parking to handicap spaces:
7 to 50 spaces = 2 handicaps required
54 to 100 spaces = 3 handicaps required
101 to 150 spaces = 5 handicaps required
150 + spaces = 5 plus 2 every additional 100
spaces
Ex:
550 spaces = 13 spaces required
150= 5
400= 8
Total = 13 spaces
Other handicap requirements include special
non-grasp hardware for doors, and other
characteristics for stairs, elevators, restrooms,
drinking fountains, telephones, signage, and
vending machines.
Special facility accommodations include
performing arts, school laboratories, and
kitchens.
SERVICES AND UTILITIES
The development of land for residential,
commercial, industrial, and community uses
depends largely on the availability of
various services and utilities.
a. Water Gas
b. Electricity
c. Communication system
d. Wastewater system
e. Drainage system
f. Flood control
Other services that should be considered are:
a. Trash collection
b. Snow removal
c. Fire protection
d. Mail distribution
e. Public transit
f. Provision for public health and safety
Public run utilities include water distribution,
water treatment, water collection, storage,
control of storm water and protection against
flooding.
Telephone service is always provided by
private companies
Public/private services include electricity, gas,
and transportation services depending on the
community.
Private companies operate under franchise
and are regulated by a government agency
such as the state utility commission.
Sustainable design planning encourages "infill"
development. Rather than disturbing an
existing natural site, existing building sites and
utilities are used instead of creating new ones.
This allows for:
− Possible lower first cost (re-using existing
infrastructure rather than creating new
systems)
− Less environmental impact (not disturbing
an existing, undisturbed, natural open
space)
− Creating higher density development,
which more efficiently uses the
infrastructure and supports nearby public
transit, parks, and commercial districts.
*Means Of Distribution for Utilities:
Some are transported in: conduits, pipes,
channels, and wires
There are beneath the public right-of-way
(roads) is the most logical and efficient location
for services to buildings. These may include:
a. Wastewater mains
b. Water mains
c. Gas mains
d. Electrical power conduits
e. Cable television lines
f. Steam mains
Planning for underground utilities is the
responsibility of the local
government, which has jurisdiction over the
streets. All utility requirements (paved). This
should include the connections to property
lines under the street curbs.
When planning for underground utilities, the
following should be considered:
− Wastewater lines should have priority
because of their gravity requirement.
− Locate trunk lines (mains) in side streets
rather than on a busy/major artery if
possible. Negates major road closure
− Trunk lines for several utilities should not
all be in the same street so if one is
affected, not all are disabled at ones.
− Wastewater lines should be in the center of
the right of way unless width allows for 2
wastewater lines on either side.
Future demands in urban areas are based on
population projections.
The type of distribution system used is
determined by:
a. The street plan
b. Urban density
c. The topography
Water supply systems are installed in either:
a. A branch pattern
b. Gridiron patterns - can be improved by
installing a "loop header". This ensures
that supply will come from more than
one direction. If one were to be
compromised, the other would
compensate.
In densely populated areas, the single or dual
main system is prevalent
Dual systems allow for connections on both
sides of the street reducing cost of connecting
to one's property
Conduits and piping used in distribution
system mains may be:
a. Cast iron
b. Wrought iron
c. Steel
d. Plastic or
e. Reinforced concrete (for larger sizes)
Water main sizes depends on location:
− In residential areas, 6" is typical
− High Density districts, 8" is typical
Shut-off valves are usually located at the
property line. Main line valves are at 500'
intervals, if one were to be compromised, only
that sections would suffer.
Fire hydrants are located 150' apart in high
density districts and 600' apart in suburban
areas
Public water supply is usually not available
where the population is less than 1000 person
per square mile.
WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
A wastewater system's function is to collect
and dispose of sanitary waste from plumbing
fixtures and other similar collection points.
The design of wastewater system involves:
a. Population projections
b. Industrial growth
c. Topography
d. Soil conditions
e. Rainfall
f. Water quality
g. Water reclamation
h. Movement and Utility System
Wastewater lines are maintained at a constant
slope depending on the size of lines and
capacity of flow. A velocity of 2.5 ft. per second
to convey solid waste materials is required.
This should never exceed 10 ft. per second.
A 2% grade/slope is required to transport
solids. If topographic conditions require,
pump/"drop manholes"/ lift stations are used to
convey the material.
When pump / lift stations are used over a long
distance, this is considered a "force main".
Although wastewater lines must conform to the
topography, grid patterns established by the
right-of-way (roads) dictate the wastewater
line's location.
Wastewater lines are usually the lowest
structure under the right- of-way (road). Where
street width prohibits, these mains can be
located on either side of the street.
ELECTRICAL UTILITY FACILITIES
Electrical power is generated primarily by
turbines powered by steam produced by
burning coal, oil, or gas or sometimes by
waterpower. Some power plants utilize nuclear
reactors to produce the heat to transform water
to steam. These are usually away from
population center.
Small plants that use diesel-driven generators
are commonly found in small communities.
Hydroelectric plants are located near water.
Substations are located to form "service
areas". These can be located underground, in
buildings, or enclosures screened by walls,
fences, or landscape.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH
Telephone trunk lines are generally placed in
underground conduits in street rights-of-way.
Local lines may be located on poles, generally
shared with power lines.
Fire and police alarm systems are closely
related to telephone systems.
Wires from alarm or call boxes are generally
placed in underground conduits.
CATV
Cable antenna televisions is popular in urban
areas that lack conventional TV broadcast
facilities, or where building heights,
topographical features, mineral deposits and
other conditions make conventional reception
unsatisfactory.
GAS UTILITY SYSTEM
Gas utility systems are located within the right-
of-way (road) under the sidewalk area on both
sides of the street, or in alley, or rear lot
easements.
Regulating stations are in various parts of the b. Ditches
community In residential areas, they are often c. Underground pipes (usually made of
located in underground vaults If natural gas is vitrified clay connected to manhole and
not available, it can be manufactured in a fed by inlets)
facility along with storage tanks which are in
industrial areas.
Gas systems are distributed in the same way
as water systems* The primary pipe is welded
steel; some incorporate cast iron since these
were the first to be used by the gas industry.
Because the steel pipe is buried, corrosion can
occur, to alleviate this problem asphalt, coal,
tar, and extruded.

Additional equipment needed for gas systems

are:
a. Valves
b. Pressure regulating systems
Drainage pipes bigger than 42 inches are
c. Flow meters
made of concrete
d. Compressor stations
Today, storm drainage systems are separate
from wastewater system to ease the load on
treatment plants and prevent overloading the
FLOOD CONTROL AND DRAINAGE
sanitary waste conduit.
SYSTEMS
Once the water enters the "inlet" water is
Sustainable design encourages building above
conducted by short branch lines to the main
the 100-year flood elevation
storm drain. These junctions are generally
"Storm water" refers to the flow of water on
located at manholes 500 feet apart. Manholes
ground surfaces or drainage channels
are also located at the ends of the lines and at
produced by rainfall or melting snow. It must be
each change in direction. The lines usually
collected, stored, and conducted to its eventual
have enough slope to promote high velocity
outlet to avoid water damage.
self cleaning.
Drainage systems are generally in the right-of-
The management of surface drainage may
way (road), but sometimes it is necessary to
involve regulation of density, minimizing paved
obtain an easement to pass through private
surfaces, maximizing planted areas, careful
property.
grading to ensure gentle slope and positive
flow, and utilize ditches, check dams, and
culverts.

A storm drainage system consist of the:

Drainage
a. Open gutters
• Site Development Plan and Landscape
Architecture
o Site Development Plan
− such a plan of site is graphic
representation of the arrangement of
buildings, parking, drives, landscaping
and any other structure that is part of a
development project
− a site plan is a set of construction
drawings that a builder or contractor uses
to make improvements to a property
− it addresses elements such as use,
building location and size, site circulation,
parking and access, landscaping, building
materials, and public improvements
− an architectural plan, landscape
architecture document, and a detailed
engineering drawing of proposed
improvements to a given lot.
− usually shows a building footprint, travel
ways, parking, drainage facilities, etc.
− set of construction drawings that a builder
or contractor uses to make improvements
to a property
− usually prepared by any of these licensed
professions: architect, civil engineer,
landscape architect
*Eight Cycle Steps Process of SDP:
1. Definition of the Problem
2. Programming and analysis of site and
user
o LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
3. Schematic Design and preliminary cost
estimate
4. Developed design and detailed costing
5. Contract documents
6. Bidding and contracting
7. Construction
8. Occupation and Management
*What to Include in SDP?
a. Bearing of the property line - center
line
b. Distances between corners
dimensions
c. Boundaries of the lot - roads, lot
boundaries, existing buildings, etc.
d. North orientation
e. Contour lines - to show the topography
f. For future development (big projects) -
to show the areas where to develop
further in relation to the proposed one
g. Fences - because this is part of the
property (solid lines)
h. Landscapes - softscape and hardscape
i. Entry and exit points - both for
pedestrian and vehicle
j. Outline of existing and proposed
structures - solid line for existing and
dash / broken lines for proposed
k. Distances between structures
l. Distances between buildings and
property lines - to show easement /
setbacks
m. Parking spaces
n. Driveway and walkways - both for
pedestrian and vehicle
o. Utilities
p. Name and address of site - for
identification
q. Owners - for project financing
*Importance of Landscape:
− to beautify our properties
− complement the structure
− to add visual impact
− increase our property values
*Important Role of Plants:
− oxygen
− keep us cool
- − renew the air
− slows down the wind
− hands soils in place
− provide a home for wildlife
− furnishing building material
− beautify our surroundings
o LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY
− also called the Green Industry
− functions to improve our natural
environment to meet the needs and
desires of people
o LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
− professionals who integrate the
disciplines of art and science and know
how plants and landscape factors will
react to the environments around them
o LANDSCAPE CONTRACTING
− the career field which deals primarily with
the installation of landscapes
− they are the link between the design and
the management of the landscape
− they must now scale, how to plant shrubs
and tree and lay out patio and brick and
retaining walls
o LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
CONTRACTOR
− spend their time totally on landscaping
such as large estates, shopping centers,
and professional buildings.
− they do fertilize, pruning, mulching,
flower care, repair walls, fencing and
driveways.
*Objectives of Residential Landscaping:
− to serve the needs and desires of people in
development of the outdoor environment.
− to determine the exact needs and desires of
the homeowners for their landscapes
− to determine the capabilities of the land
(site) to fulfill those needs and desires
− to develop the outdoor living areas of the
landscape in a manner like the way indoor
living areas are developed
− to design the landscape in such a way that
maintenance practices do not exceed that
which the homeowner is willing to do
− to keep costs within the budget of the
homeowner
− the needs of the homeowner can be best be
determined by an interview
− questions such as the following can be
answered:
1. How many family members are there?
What are their ages?
2. How much does the family use the
outdoor area around the home?
3. Does the family entertain frequently.
Large or small groups?
4. How much privacy from the neighbors
and passing cars do you desire?
5. How much maintenance are they willing
to do in the upkeep of the landscape?
6. Are there certain plants they are found
or dislike?
7. What service needs will the landscaper
be expected to accommodate? (Ex:
clothesline, trash cans, pets, vegetable
garden, compost pile, garden sheds)
8. Will the family be using the garden after
dark?
9. How much does the family want to
spend on the total development of the
landscape? Do they want to spread the
cost over several years?
10. Is the family willing to wait several years
to the plants to reach maturity or do they
want large plants installed for an
immediate effect?
o SITE ANALYSIS - the following are some of
the things to look for and take note of during
a site analysis:
a. dimension of the property
b. topography of the site (how flat or rolling
it is)
c. conditions of the lawn
d. types and condition of existing plants
e. location of utility lines, meters and utility
easements
f. good and bad views from the site
g. location of glass areas in the house and
where they open onto in the landscape.
h. architectural style of the neighborhood
i. environmental setting of the site and the
neighborhood
j. existing natural features such as
streams, rock outcropping, specimen
plants and wildlife habitat areas.
*Indoor Use Areas:
a. Public Area - that portion of the home
which is seen by anyone coming to the
house; includes entry foyer, reception
rooms and enclosed porch
b. Family Living Area - that portion of the
home which is used for family activities and
for entertaining friends; includes living,
dining, family and game room
c. Service Area - includes laundry room,
kitchen, sewing and utility (mud) room
d. Private Living Area - bedrooms or
dressing rooms
*Outdoor Use Areas:
a. Public Area - front yard which everyone
seen while driving or walking
b. Family Living Area - outdoor should be
connected to the indoor family living area,
when possible; this is the area you can relax
in; the area includes patio, barbequing,
swimming, or other activities
c. Service Area - includes hang clothes,
storage garbage, house the dog or a
vegetable garden
− all the outdoor use areas described so far
are most successful if they are connected
directly to the indoor rooms they serve
− a physical connection through a door is
highly desirable
− the outdoor wall defines the limit or size
of as the outdoor room
− it can also slow or prevent in a certain
direction; determines the vertical sides of
the room
*Materials Used for Outdoor Walls:
o Natural - shrubs, small trees, ground
cover and flowers
o Man-Made - fencing and masonry
a. Outdoor Floor - provides the surfacing
for the outdoor room
o Natural - grass, ground covers, sand,
gravel, or water
o Man-Made - brick, concrete, patio
blocks, or tiles
b. Outdoor Ceiling - defines the upper
limits of the outdoor room (ex. awning,
aluminum covering or shade trees)
*The Principles of Landscape Design:
− there are 5 basic principles which guide the
landscape architect or designer in planning
the landscape’s outdoor rooms
1. Simplicity
2. Balance
3. Focalization of Interest
4. Rhythm and Line
5. Scale and Proportion
*Landscape Maintenance:
− involves the technical knowledge of the
following skills:
c. Application of soil analysis - proper pH
a. Replacement of plant material
*Uses of Mulch:
− aesthetic appearance
− water holding capacity
− organic matter content
− weed control quality
e. Weed
levels and fertility needs
d. Pruning - in horticulture, the removal or
reduction of parts of a plant, tree, or vine
that are not requisite to growth or
production
control - includes many
techniques used to limit weed
infestations and minimize competition;
these techniques attempt to achieve a
balance between cost of control and crop
yield loss, but weed control is used only
after the problem exists; it is not
prevention.
f. Planting and caring for flower beds

b. Application of mulch to proper depth g. Proper mowing procedures

o MULCH
− the most common type of mulch is in h. Maintenance of landscape accessories
the form of wood chips (fountains, pools and lighting)
− a layer of material applied to the
surface of soil
− reasons for applying mulch include o XERISCAPING
conservation of soil moisture, − refers to the conservation of water
improving fertility and health of the through creative landscaping
soil, reducing weed growth and − originally developed for drought-afflicted
enhancing the visual appeal of the areas, the principles of xeriscape today
area have an ever-broadening appeal
− it may be applied to bare soil or around
existing plants

*Principles of Xeriscape:
1. Plan everything well in advance
2. Limit turfgrass to a minimum
3. Choose plants with lower water needs
4. Place plants with similar watering needs • Sustainable Site Planning
together
5. Use a targeted irrigation system to o WEATHER
reduce water waste − refers to atmospheric conditions that
6. Mulch around plants to reduce water occur locally over short periods of time
evaporation
7. Maintain / prune plants to prevent o CLIMATE
heavier water needs − refers to the long-term regional or even
global average of temperature, humidity
*Applications of Landscape Principles: and rainfall patterns over seasons, years
a. good design and planning or decades.
b. improving the soil
c. turf areas o GLOBAL WARMING
d. use of ground covers − a long-term heating of Earth’s climate
e. low water use system
f. plant selection − observed since pre-industrial period
g. use of mulch (1850-1900) due to human activities,
h. use of low volume irrigation primarily fossil fuel burning
i. proper landscape maintenance
o CLIMATE CHANGE
− refers to long-term shifts in
temperatures and weather patterns
that have come to define Earth’s local,
regional and global climates
− changes observed in Earth’s climate
since the early 20th century are primarily
driven by human activities, particularly
fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-
trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s
atmosphere, raising Earth’s average
surface temperature
− these human-produced temperature
increases are commonly referred to as
global warming.
o Green Architecture or Sustainable
Design - the philosophy of designing a
building that is in harmony with the natural
features and resources surrounding the site
a. GREEN ARCHITECTURE
− focus solely on the environment
− design process is optimized to
minimize negative impacts without
exhausting resources available in the
natural environment
− green design is only sustainable if it
makes sense financially as well
b. SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
− operates with all 3 sustainability
pillars in mind (people, planet, and
profit)
− design process is more directed
toward building a better future for the
next generation
− a site plan that has the least
environmental impact while still
meeting the clients project goals
o Sustainable Site Planning
− site selection is environmentally
responsible
− building orientation is optimized
− impervious surfaces are minimized
− site disturbance is minimized
− stormwater quantity and quality are
considered
− landscaping is water efficient and active
1. SITE SELECTION
*Considerations:
a. Limit development within / on
− 100-year flood plains (Flood
Hazard Map)
− prime agricultural land (National
Land Use Act)
− wetlands (DENR)
− high quality bodies of water (Water
Code of the Phil.)
− habitat for endangered or
threatened species (DENR)
b. Select previously developed sites:
o GRAY FIELDS - previously
developed area left unpolluted
o BROWNFIELDS - polluted by
hazardous substances, pollutants,
or contaminants
c. Select sites that encourage:
a. roof overhang
− non-motorized transportation
− use of public transportation
2. SITE / BUILDING LAYOUT
*Building Orientation:
− energy savings of more than 25%
− maximize north and south exposure
for daylighting
− minimize east and west facing
windows
− orient most populated areas to north
and south
b. light shelves
c. recessed windows
 − plantings in and around parking
areas
− green roofs

*Pervious Paving Options:

− pervious pavement
− pervious concrete
− permeable pavers
− grass pave systems

o PERVIOUS - allow water to percolate

through the surface
3. IMPERVIOUS SURFACES o PERMEABLE - passes around the
*Effects on the Water Cycle: paver opposed through it
− limit groundwater recharge o POROUS - cellular grid system filled
− increase pollutant load with dirt, grand or gravel
− increase run-off
− create heat island effect 4. Grading And Slopes
o SITE DISTURBANCE - any land or
vegetation change, including, but not
limited to clearing, grubbing,
stripping, removal of vegetation,
dredging, grading, excavating,
transporting and filling of land, that do
not involve construction, paving or
any other installation of impervious
cover

*Limit Site Disturbance:

− less than 12 meters beyond the
building perimeter
− less than 3 meters beyond surface
walkways, patios, surface parking,
and utilities
− less than 4.5 meters beyond primary
*Reduce Impervious Surfaces: roadway curbs
− minimize parking area
− less than 7.6 meters beyond
− zoning code minimum or less constructed areas with permeable
− incorporate compact car spaces surfaces (pervious paving,
− reduce lane sizes stormwater detention, and playing
fields)
 *General Slope Considerations:
a. Parking Areas - 2% to 5%
b. Drives - 2% to 8%
c. Vegetated Slopes - 3:1 or less
d. Vegetated Swales - 1% to 15%
e. Pervious Pavement – 0% to 5%
5. Stormwater Management
o Hydrology - maintain
development hydrology; rare usually
required
o Pre-development hydrology – the
combination of runoff, infiltration, and
evapotranspiration rates
volumes that typically existed on a
site before human-induced land
disturbance
o Stormwater Management - to − garden of native shrubs,
reduce or eliminates the negative perennials, and flowers planted in
impacts of stormwater run-off; a small depression, which is
includes controlling of floods, generally formed on a natural
reducing erosion, and improving slope
water quality − the purpose is to use soil plants
and microbes to treat stormwater
*Best Management Practices (BMP’s): before it infiltrated or discharge
a. Structural BMPs - detention pond
− 6” to 12” deep
− 8% to10% of site area
− less than 1/2-acre drainage area
b. Non-structural BMPs
c. Vegetative BMPs - swale, ditch
pre-
o RAINGARDENS / BIORETENTION
− depressed area in the
and
landscape that collects
rainwater from a roof, driveway,
or street and allows it to soak into
the ground
 − landscape islands d. place to filter and clean stormwater
− 4’ to 10’ between parking rows − raingardens in parking areas
− 8’ to 10’ for double loaded − bioretention rather than retention
ponds

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6. Landscape Design
*Considerations:
a. Limit potable water use
− use native species
− place landscape areas to receive
runoff
− use captured rainwater

b. shade large hardscapes

c. shade buildings in summer, allow

sunlight in during cold season