The Beginning P L A N N I N G -1

• 9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered
together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
• 10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of
the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 Definition P L A N N I N G -1

Site Planning is defined by Kevin Lynch as “the art of arranging structures on the land and shaping the
spaces between; an art linked to architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and city planning.”
(Site Planning)

Harvey M. Rubenstein defines it as ”the art and science of arranging the uses of portions of land.
These uses are designated in detail by selecting and analyzing sites, forming land use plans, organizing
vehicular and pedestrian circulation, developing visual form and materials concepts, readjusting the
existing landforms by design grading, providing proper drainage, and developing the construction
details necessary to carry out the projects”. (A Guide to Site and Environmental Planning, 1980)

Site Planning Principles: Kevin Lynch

 Two methods of establishing a SITE : P L A N N I N G -1

1. SITE SELECTION PROCESS This process selects from a list of

potential sites one that suits best the given use and requirements
of the project.
2. DEVELOPMENT SUITABILITY PROCESS This process selects the
best possible use and development suited for a given site.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

SITE ANALYSIS
involves the study of the site in terms of the
following :

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

1. Geology
2. Geomorphology – physiography, landforms, soils, drainage,
topography and slopes, and soil erosion
3. Hydrology – surface, and groundwater
4. Vegetation – plant ecology
5. Wildlife – habitats
6. Climate – solar orientation, wind, and humidity.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 Cultural factors : P L A N N I N G -1

1. Existing land use – ownership of adjacent property, off-site nuisances

2. Traffic and transit – vehicular and pedestrian circulation on or adjacent to the site
3. Density and zoning – legal and regulatory controls
4. Socio-economic factors
5. Utilities – sanitary, storm-water, water supply, power supply, and communications.
6. Historic factors – historic buildings, landmarks, and archeology

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

Aesthetic factors : P L A N N I N G -1

1. Natural features
2. Spatial patterns – spaces and sequences
3. Visual Resources – views and vistas

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 NATURAL FACTORS P L A N N I N G -1

GEOLOGY is the natural science that studies the Earth – its composition; the processes that shaped
its surface; and its history. Earth is made up of rocks (including soil, sand, silt, and dust); rocks are
composed of minerals; minerals are made up of atoms: Igneous Rocks – rocks produced by
crystallization from a liquid.

Sedimentary Rocks – when igneous rocks are exposed to the surface and weathering reduces them
to particles, these particles are moved by erosional process and deposited in layers into rivers and
oceans.

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.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

GEOMORPHOLOGY - is that branch of Geology that deals with the origin, nature, and distribution of
landforms. Physiography – refers to the description of landforms. Landforms – are irregularities on
the earth’s surface. They are derived from volcanic, glacial, or erosional processes.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

COMPOSITION refers to the material that makes up soil:
P L A N N I N G -1

SOIL PROPERTIES:
organic matter, mineral particles, water, and air.

Mineral Particles 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,
a. Bearing capacity is a soil’s resistance to penetration from a weighted object such as a building foundation.
Organic Matter varies radically in soils and usually imposes a limitation to any building structure.
b. Organic matter is important only for soil fertility, moisture absorption, and retention, and landscaping.
c. Water content varies with particle 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.
d. Air is what occupies the remaining space that is not occupied by water. In layers where groundwater is formed by
gravity water in the subsoil and underlying rock, the air is absent.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

GEOMORPHOLOGY TEXTURE - is the term used to describe the

composite sizes of particles in a soil sample.

GEOMORPHOLOGY TEXTURE There are 12 basic terms for

texture, at the center of which is Class LOAM, ClayLoamSand
which is an intermediate mixture of 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20%
clay.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

GOOD DRAINAGE refers to the soil’s ability to transfer gravity water downward
through:
1. Infiltration – the rate at which water penetrates the soil surface (usually measured
in cm or inches per hour)
2. Permeability - the rate at which water within the soil moves through a given
volume of material (also measured in cm or inches per hour)
3. Percolation - the rate at which water in a soil pit or pipe within the soil is taken up
by the soil (used mainly in wastewater absorption tests and measured in inches per
hour)

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

POOR DRAINAGE - means that gravity water is not readily transmitted by the soil
and soil is frequently or permanently saturated and may have water standing on it
caused by :
1. The local accumulation of water.
2. A rise in the level of groundwater within the soil column.
3. The size of the particles in the soil being too small to transmit infiltration water.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

SLOPE ANALYSIS --Understanding slope forms for site design requires an

understanding of local geologic, soil, hydrologic, and vegetative conditions.

SLOPE FORM -- is expressed graphically in terms of a slope profile, a silhouette of a

slope drawn to known proportions with distance on the horizontal axis and
elevation on the vertical axis
Four basic slope forms are detectable on contour maps: straight S - shape concave-
convex

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP – a map of a portion of the earth that describes the shape
of the earth’s surface by contour lines. GEOMORPHOLOGY TOPOGRAPHY AND
SLOPES 7,000 6,000

Contours – are imaginary lines that join points of equal elevation on the surface
of the land above or below a reference surface such as the mean sea level.
Contours make it possible to measure the height of mountains, depth of the
ocean bottoms, and steepness of slopes.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

TOPOGRAPHY AND SLOPES P L A N N I N G -1

0 – 5% Generally flat Highly buildable

5 – 10% Gently rolling Moderately buildable
10 – 15% Gentle to mild slopes Moderately difficult to build
15 – 20% Mild to steep slopes Difficult to build
20% and over Harsh, steep slopes Unbuildable is 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.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

SLOPE PATTERN The process involves breaking down of topography into grades
which will establish the desired patterns for given land use as in the following
example :

In the analysis of the slopes, the distances for each Slope Pattern are computed
from the given topographic map, for use on the Slope Map. GEOMORPHOLOGY
TOPOGRAPHY AND SLOPES To compute the Distance of a slope from a topographic
contour map: % slope contour interval D distance = 10.00 m. 5 % D distance = X 100
X 100 D distance = 200.00 m for slope pattern 0-5 % This distance unit will figure in
the graduated scale that will be constructed for use in the slope map.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

A Slope Map is prepared to visually express these slope patterns on the

topographic map. Here’s how to:
a. Establish the site boundaries on the map.
b. Make a constructed graduated scale on the edge of a cardboard sheet,
representing the distances of each slope pattern (using the same scale as the topo
map).
c. Place the scale on the map (see illustration above) and mark the edges where
the scale matches the distances between contour lines.
d. Color- or hatch-code each area delineated by these edges. The result is a
colored or gradient-hatched SLOPE MAP.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

DESIRABLE SLOPES – when slopes are selected according to building type and the
activities associated with it.
- Flat or gently sloping sites are preferred for industrial and commercial buildings
-- Hilly sites are preferred for fashionable suburban residences. Slopes influence
the alignment of modern roads according to the class of roads; the higher the
class, the lower the maximum grades allowable.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

SOIL EROSION – when rocks are broken down (weathered) into small fragments
and carried by the wind, water, ice, and gravity. Energy for this process is solar and
gravitational.

SOIL EROSION PREVENTION Four factors to consider in forecasting erosion rates:

vegetation soil type frequency and intensity of rainfall slope size and inclination

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

1. Vegetation: • Foliage intercepts raindrops • Organic litter on the ground reduces

the impact of raindrops • Roots bind together aggregates of soil particles • Cover
density, in form of ground cover or tree canopy, decreases soil loss to runoff

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

Soil Type: • Intermediate textures like sand will usually yield (erode) first • To erode clay, the velocity of
the runoff should be high enough to overcome 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 long 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.
Frequency and Intensity of Rainfall: • Intensive rainfalls 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.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

HYDROLOGY P L A N N I N G -1

Hydrologic cycle – or the planet’s water cycle, described by the movement of water from the oceans to the
atmosphere to the continents and back to the sea. – the natural science that studies the Waters of the Earth,
their occurrence, circulation and distribution, their chemical and physical properties, and their reaction to the
living environment including their relation to all living things.

Water table – is the upper boundary of the zone of groundwater; the top of the unconfined aquifer.

Aquifer – A permeable geological stratum or formation that can both store and transmits 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 stormwater management.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

Climatic control
P L A N N I N G -1
2. Environmental Engineering
3. Architectural and Aesthetic Use The relevance of Plant Materials in site planning is in their role in :
Solar Radiation – is Earth’s source of light and heat. It warms the earth’s surface, is 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;
Scientists have recorded that with an air temperature of 84deg F, the surface temp of concrete paving
was 108 deg, while surface temp under shade trees was 20deg lower.
Wind – helps to control the 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 and Venturi effects.
Precipitation. Plants help to control precipitation reaching the ground. By intercepting rain and slowing
it down, they aid in moisture retention and the prevention of soil erosion. They also help the soil retain
water by providing shade, or protection from the wind, or by water shedding function of trees’ roots.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

Environmental Engineering
a. Air Purification – Plants clean air through the process of
photosynthesis where they use up carbon dioxide emissions 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.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1

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.
- Noise thick fleshy leaves and thin petioles

- Noise Tree trunks deflect sounds and it has been estimated that a 100 ft. depth
of forest can reduce sound by 21 decibels.
 P L A N N I N G -1

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 a primary means of preventing erosion from stormwater
runoff and controlling erosion during construction. Erosion is also minimized by the
plant's action of intercepting rain, decreasing splash, and increased water absorption.
- Vegetation with extensive root systems imparts stability to slopes. On sandy slopes,
the presence of woody vegetation can increase the angle of repose by 10 to 15
degrees. Vitiveria ziziainoides or Vetiver Grass ‘miracle’ grass of amazing bio-
engineering capabilities.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 Architectural and Aesthetic
P L A N N I N G -1

a. 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 affect peoples’ moods.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 WILDLIFE: P L A N N I N G -1

Wildlife relates closely to habitats provided by plant communities.

The three groups of habitat elements essential to the different species of
wildlife are:
1. Open land Wildlife – includes birds and mammals commonly associated
with crop fields, meadows, pastures, and non-forested lands. Habitat elements
essential for open land wildlife include a. Grain and seed crops b. Grasses and
legumes c. Wild herbaceous upland plants d. Hardwood woody plants
2. Woodland Wildlife – These species need various combinations of a. Grasses
and legumes b. Wild herbaceous upland plants c. Hardwood woody plants d.
Cone-bearing shrubs such as pines.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 Wetland Wildlife P L A N N I N G -1

wetland species include birds and mammals needing habitats with: a.

Wetland food plants or wild herbaceous plants of moist to wet sites,
excluding submerged or floating aquatic plants; b. Shallow water
development with water impoundments not deeper than 5 ft.; c. Excavated
ponds with ample supply of water at least one acre and average 6ft depth. d.
streams

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

 P L A N N I N G -1
In each, a site should be investigated in terms of:
a. Solar orientation for buildings;
b. The best-facing slopes; and c. Wind flows for breezes.
Climates can be generally classified into four types: COLD, TEMPERATE, HOT ARID, and
HOT HUMID.

Solar orientation

Best facing slopes Temperatures vary with elevation – by about 3 deg for every 1000
ft. (300m) in the daytime. The more perpendicular a slope is to the rays of the sun,
the warmer the surface temperature.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

THE NATURAL FACTORS P L A N N I N G -1

CLIMATE: Wind flows Abrupt forms cause unpleasant air turbulence. Smooth forms induce a smooth flow
of air.

THE NATURAL FACTORS SITE PLANNING CONCEPT USING NATURAL FACTORS:

PASSIVE COOLING – the technology of cooling spaces through proper siting of structure and use of energy-
efficient materials, with the overall objective of energy conservation.
• Solar Orientation
• Altitude
• Topography
• Vegetation
• Water Bodies

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

THE CULTURAL FACTORS P L A N N I N G -1

Land Use Plans are available in each city and municipality to determine the
areas for commercial, institutional, industrial, residential, and open space
uses. These were planned according to the most rational use of land
concerning the natural and socio-economic factors, and by compatibility
with adjacent land uses. Each site must conform to the land use plan: a
residential subdivision, for example, cannot be developed in a site
designated as Industrial.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

TRAFFIC AND TRANSIT SYSTEMS: P L A N N I N G -1

The relationship of the traffic pattern to each other and the site must be
studied for the adequacy of access and efficiency of circulation within and
outside of the site. SITE PLANNING REVIEW Efficient traffic and
transportation systems will result in the successful integration of the
different developments in the vicinity. The 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.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

DENSITY AND ZONING:
P L A N N I N G -1
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
utilities.

Density is expressed in the 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 present in every city and municipality to regulate the
type of development. It divides the city or municipality into land use areas that are
designated by building height, building coverage, the density of population, and open
space.
Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS: P L A N N I N G -1

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 to the project.
Any proposed project must be compatible with the economy of the particular
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.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

UTILITIES / SERVICES: P L A N N I N G -1

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. Storm drains to collect surface water and conduct it to rivers,
creeks, or other bodies of water.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

HISTORIC FACTORS: P L A N N I N G -1

1. Historic Buildings
2. Historic Landmarks
3. Archeology

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

THE AESTHETIC FACTORS P L A N N I N G -1

NATURAL FEATURES: 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.

SPATIAL PATTERNS: Spatial pattern is defined as the way an open space of a given site
is configured according to an arrangement of elements that evoke activity or flow,
both physically or SITE PLANNING REVIEW visually.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

VISUAL RESOURCES: P L A N N I N G -1

1. View – is a scene observed from a vantage point. SITE PLANNING REVIEW A

view can be a theme that may suggest and give added meaning to buildings.
The full view is not always the best.

2. Vista – is a confined view, usually directed toward a terminal or dominant

feature. It has three components: a viewing station, a view, and a foreground. A
view is usually better if enframed or seen through an appropriate screen.

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)

(End of Site Planning Lecture ) P L A N N I N G -1

Holy Bible :Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)