Unit 1. Site Analysis

UNIT 1.
SITE ANALYSIS
Importance of site analysis; On site and off site factors; Analysis of natural,
cultural and aesthetic factors – topography, hydrology, soils, vegetation,
climate, surface drainage, accessibility, size and shape, infrastructures
available - sources of water supply and means of disposal system, visual
aspects; Preparation of site analysis diagram. Study of microclimate:-
vegetation, landforms and water as modifiers of microclimate. Study of land
form;- contours, slope analysis, grading process, grading criteria, functional and
aesthetic considerations – Case studies and exercises on the above.
Site Surveying and Planning 1. Site Analysis
SITE ANALYSIS
Site Analysis is the act or process of investigating the natural, Man-made and cultural
characteristics in and around the site to determine how they present opportunities and
constraints for achieving the project design goals.
IMPORTANCE
 Development proposals need to illustrate design decisions, which are based on

careful analysis of the site conditions and their relationship to the surrounding context.
 By describing the physical elements of the locality and the conditions impacting on the
site, opportunities and constraints for future development can be understood and
addressed in the design.
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OFF-SITE FACTORS
 Adjacent Land Uses
 Upstream/upwind issues: pollution; run-off…
 Noise, Visual Pollution, Odours: Road traffic, airplane flight path, rifle range…
 Soil/Air/Water: Pesticides, factory emissions, acid rain, toxic farm runoff…
 Electrical Pollution: Power lines, transmission boxes
 Continuation of Wildlife Corridors: Deer paths, bluebird trail…
 Social Community
 Potential Sharing/Bartering: People, business, plants/seed, biomass, timber…
 Potential Markets
 Public Open Space
 Threats of Local Development
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NATURAL FACTORS
 Sun Direction: Orientation (locate a north arrow on your base map drawing)
 Wind/Air: Seasonal direction winter; summer; air drainage
 Water: Ponds, streams, bogs, marches; springs; rainwater runoff/drainage; flood plain;
fords; dams; swales, ditches; where does run-off go/come from?
 Microclimates: Frost pockets; thermal belts; airflow; shade; solar gain/refection
 Topography: Elevation above sea level; contours; key lines key points; valleys; ridges
 Slopes: Aspect; gradients (gentle, medium, steep)
 Soils: Types - rocky, fertile, wet, clay; color, compaction, erosion
 Rocks, sand, minerals: Potential building materials, obstructions, microclimate
 Flora: Trees, crops, gardens, ground covers, (wild or exotic); “edges”; native edible
forage, wildlife habitat; (Stage of succession, invasive, poisonous…
 Fauna: Domestic; native wildlife
 Views
CULTURAL FACTORS
 Site history :
o Previous land use,

o nature,
o buildings, people, disasters..
 Land use, Ownership and control :
o Present zoning of site, adjacent property;

o Function and pattern of land use;
o Location, type and size of pertinent community;
 Economical value :
o Land costs,
o Future potential
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AESTHETIC FACTORS
 Landscape special character
 Natural features,
 Urban features,
 Visual value/ characters :
 panoramic views,
visual channel, framed
view/ filter view, point
of interest
 Spatial pattern of the site
 Visual quality and character
 Visual disturbance
TOPOGRAPHY
 Topography refers to the slope and level of the land – whether the land is flat and
plain, or whether it is sloping? From a design point of view, a sloping site will be more
challenging.
 If a site is sloping, the exact slope can be interpreted from a detailed Contour map.
 The contour locations and spacing of contours will play a big role in the siting of the
building.
 It is always better to design buildings along with the contours, integrating it into the
design to reduce unnecessary cutting and filling of soil.
 Also, during the site visit, it is important to check out the stability of the slopes –
whether the slopes are solid enough to permit construction on it.
 Major topographic features such as high points, low points, ridges and valleys, slopes
and flat areas are also noted
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WHY TOPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION IS NEEDED
 Building locations, technology and cost are influenced by topography.
 Topography, combined with aspect, affects microclimate and vegetation.
 Topography influences and can be exploited for recreation and aesthetic
enjoyment (see also ‘Visual and Sensory Experience
 Topography influences access and circulation
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HYDROLOGY
 Hydrology, as the name suggests, refers to things related to water. During the site
visit, we need to identify water bodies present in and around the site like ponds, lakes,
rivers etc.
 The location and size of these water bodies should be studied so that they can be
integrated into the design scheme.
 The presence of water can lead to reduction in the overall temperatures. It will also
affect the moisture content in the atmosphere.
 One thing to be checked is whether there is any excessive glare present.
 The water table is another very important feature in any site study. This refers to the
level below the soil at which water is present.
 For areas close to water bodies, the water table may be very shallow. A shallow water
table will affect the stability of foundations and additional precautions will have to be
taken.
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TYPICAL QUESTIONS
1. Drainage pattern and major water channel
2. Unique feature and size such as water body
3. Aquifer and recharge area, the depth of rise and fall 0f water table
4. Floodplain of 50 and 100 year storms.
5. What pattern, quantity and quality will be affected by the design
6. Water table level
7. Qualitative analysis of soil:
8. Alkalinity, Color of water, pH level, taste and odour…
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USE OF WATER
 Like all living things, plants and lawns need water to survive and flourish, and in many
areas of the country, this is provided by sprinkler systems, which may be designed or
specified by the site planner
 Aesthetic in nature—the still water of a lake is soothing and evokes a feeling of
serenity.
 In contrast to the tranquility of still water, the swift moving water of a fountain or
waterfall is dramatic and exciting, both visually and aurally
 The rigid geometry of a reflecting pool may also provide a contemplative setting
 Water also moderates the microclimate of a site, as discussed in the previous lesson
 The sound of falling water may be used to mask urban noise from cars and other
sources, as in Park
 The recreational uses of water are many and varied: swimming in a backyard pool,
sailing or waterskiing on a lake, snorkeling in the ocean
SOIL
 Soils vary from place to place. Their properties also vary according to the type of soil.
Sandy soil, clayey soil, laterite etc, all have different properties, which affect the
design of the building.
 This is very important from a structural point of view while designing buildings. The
safe load bearing capacity of the soil is to be found out after which the structural
system and the foundations will be designed accordingly.
 Some soils have peculiar properties. The Black cotton soil for example, is perfectly
normal when in a dry state. However, as soon as it comes in contact with water, it
starts to expand, which will have a very adverse effect on any building designed on it.
 Thus, it is important to be aware of these characteristics to avoid problems in future.
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TYPE OF SOIL
ALLUVIAL SOIL:
• These are formed by the deposition of sediments by rivers.
• They are rich in humus and very fertile.
• They are found in Great Northern plain, lower valleys of Narmada and Tapti and
Northern Gujarat.
• These soils are renewed every year.
• Mainly found in plains of Gujarat,Punjab,Bihar Jharkand
RED SOIL:
• Red soils develop on granite and geneses rocks under low rainfall condition.
• The dissemination of red oxides of iron gives the characteristic red color of the soil.
• These soils are friable and medium fertile.
• Found mainly in almost whole of Tamil Nadu, South-eastern Karnataka, North-eastern
and South-eastern Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand the major parts of Orissa, and the Hills
and Plateaus of North-east India.
BLACK SOIL:
• The black soils have developed extensively upon the Lava Plateaus of Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh mainly Malwa.
• The regur is clayey, becomes very sticky when wet.
• Its special merit lies in its water holding capacity.
• These soils are very fertile and contain a high percentage of lime and a moderate
amount of potash.
ARID/DESERT SOIL:
• The soils of Rajasthan, Haryana and the South Punjab are sandy.
• In the absence of sufficient wash by rain water soils have become saline and rather unfit for
cultivation.
• This soil type is more gritty and feels more like sand.
• It usually drains well but does not contain so many nutrients as other types of soil.
• It can also shift and blow away with the wind, too, unlike clayey soil which tends to clump
together in one place.
LATERITE SOIL:
•Laterite soils in India are found in the Eastern Ghat of Orissa, the Southern parts of Western
Ghat, Malabar Coastal plains and Ratnagiri of Maharashtra and some part of Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Meghalaya, western part of West Bengal.
• They are formed by decomposition; because of they are found in black soil regions having
heavy rainfall.
• The rocks are completely leached out having a high proportion of iron and aluminium as
residue.
• The Laterite soils in India are not fertile at all and are not suitable to agriculture.
MOUNTAIN AND FOREST SOIL:
• Soil type is mainly found on hill slopes and are formed by deposition of organic matter from
woodlands and forests.
• Mostly located in dry and cold districts like Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti District.
Soil survey data and the importance of soil information:
 related to building construction and basement
 related to water supply and septic system
 related to functions of land use planning
 related to vegetation and wildlife habitat.
TYPICAL QUESTIONS
1. Which kind and what depth for engineering and plant value?
2. Chemical property of soil for engineering and plant value?
3. How deep is the water table and how much it fluctuates?
PROBLEMS IN SOIL
 Expansive Soil
 Weak Soil
 Poorly/Excessively drained soil
 Soil acidification
 Soil contamination
 Desertification
 Soil erosion
 Soil salination
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VEGETATION
 The vegetation will consist of all the trees, flora and fauna present on the site.
 These should me marked onto the site plan so that it will assist during the
design stage.
 Along with the location, the type of trees, the size of the trees, diameter or spread of
the branches, heights etc., are to be identified.
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 Different trees have different characteristics – the spread of leaves, the speed of growth,
the spread of roots, falling of leaves, water requirement, soil nourishment etc.
 All these features will vary from tree to tree and will also play a major role in
the design.
 Along with trees and vegetation, other natural features like rock formations,
swamps, marshes etc. are also to be identified.
 If we think of larger plant materials forming the walls and ceiling of the
outside environment, then ground cover is its carpet.
 Ground cover defines a space or surface, provides visual interest because of its
color or texture, and retains soil and moisture.
 Trees or other plant materials may be used to frame a view.
 However, plants of varied shapes, colors, and textures may be added to provide more
interest. Too little variation is dull and monotonous, while too much is busy and even
chaotic.
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CRITERIA'S FOR SITE VEGETATION ANALYSIS
 The age of the existing planting – young trees will get taller
 Growth patterns
 Condition and nature of the tree
 Diameter of the Girth
 Spread of the tree
 Height of the tree
 Sensual qualities
The location and identification of vegetation on a site helps to preserve and take
advantage of native plant material.
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CLIMATE
 The climatic aspects of the specific site or areas on the site are called the
microclimate.
 The specific characteristics of the site are analyzed only after one has a good
understanding of the macroclimate and general climatic characteristics which give an
overview of the climate for your region.
 The microclimate must be studied not only for the natural elements, but for how any
man-made elements, such as buildings and landscaping are affecting and/or will affect
the site.
 For example, a windbreak that protects against the winter winds can change the
microclimate of the site significantly
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CLIMATIC ELEMENTS
SUN
 The sun path direction tells one which will be the side from which the maximum heat
will be coming, especially in the afternoons. In warmer climates, the design will try to
reduce the amount of incident sunlight so as to reduce the heat intake to a minimum.
 The lesser surface area of the building which is exposed to the sun, lesser will be
the conductive heating.
 In colder climates, the design will try to maximise the amount of sunlight incident
on the building so as to have maximum warmth as possible.
 Existing elements (natural or man-made) on and around the site will have definite
shading patterns. Understanding those patterns can help in determining the
building location and configuration.
WIND
 Most of the locations will have a general major direction from which the wind comes.
However, this will not always hold true and will vary from location to location.
 If we are to design a climatologically responsive building, it will be important to
consider the direction of the wind so that it can be channelized through the interiors.
This will play a major role in placement & size of openings.
 The thing to be remembered is that the wind direction may vary from place to place
inside the site itself and thus have to be checked from a few different places especially
if it is a large site.
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 When wind testing is not feasible, the designer can understand wind direction and
speed by using five basic principles of air movement: velocity, direction, pressure,
density and the venturi effect.
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TEMPERATURE
 The microclimate temperatures of the site may be different from the general data
collected at the airport and can vary significantly at the site.
 Again, large bodies of water will tend to stabilize temperatures on the land adjacent to
them.
 The average temperature of the area, as well as the monthly average temperature has
to be studied to determine the temperature range and the fluctuations, which will
impact the design.
HUMIDITY
 The Relative Humidity of the place also has to be found out to determine the moisture
content in the atmosphere.
 A higher relative humidity suggests a humid climate, for which cross circulation of wind
at the body level is a must for comfort.
 A lower relative humidity will suggest a dry climate.
DRAINAGE
In grading, SURFACE RUNOFF is the primary method to remove excess water. This
is usually in some form of STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM, which collects, conducts
and disposes excess surface water caused by runoff from rainfall.
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collect
conduct
collect
Dispose
Factors which determine drainage needs are:
1. LAND USE --urban or rural area, function, density and how fast we must drain the
water.
2. TOPOGRAPHY --the steeper the area, the faster draining it will be, drainage must
be provided above and below steep bank
3. SIZE OF AREA TO BE DRAIN -- determines the size of underground and surface
structure. Typically, the larger the area, the larger the underground structures or
surface ditches.
4. TYPE OF SOIL -- determines the rate of percolation or amount of water the soil will
absorb.
5. VEGETATION -- any thick, matty ground cover will slow down the rate of runoff
and reduce the need for elaborate drainage systems.
6. INTENSITY OF RAINFALL -- amount of water from rainfall will affects the type of
drainage system.
GOOD DRAINAGE PRACTICE
 Design the grading and drainage plan as to respect, reinforce, and duplicate the
existing natural systems.
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 New runoff must never be purposefully redirected from one property onto
neighboring property.
 Surface drainage is generally preferred to underground systems for two reasons: cost
and ecology.
 Avoid the design of a system that necessitates the drainage line through a foundation
or under slab.
 Always consider some method to slow runoff water down and let it be absorb into the
soil.
 Slow-moving water will create a bog, while water moving too fast create erosion and
unwanted gullies.
 Paved areas (parking, sport court, etc.) look better when graded almost level-- avoid
wildly sloping paved area.
 Avoid draining large amounts of water from paved areas across pedestrian paths or
sidewalk. Install a catch basin or trench drain to collect most runoff before the
sidewalk.
 Always design a secondary drainage route to handle runoff in case of the primary
one become clogged.
DESIRABLE SLOPES FOR SURFACE DRAINAGE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
 Open land - 1/2 percent minimum
 Streets - 1/2 percent minimum
 Planted areas - 1 percent minimum to 25 percent maximum
 Large paved areas - 1 percent minimum
 Land adjacent to buildings - 2 percent minimum
 Drainage swales - 2 percent minimum to 10 percent maximum
 Planted banks - up to 50 percent maximum
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METHODS OF SURFACE DRAINAGE:
1.SWALE
Sloping areas can be drained by creating swales, which are graded flow paths similar to
valleys. Swales are graded around structures with finish contours always pointing uphill and
flow paths shown perpendicular to the revised contours
2. SLOPING PLANE.
This is the simplest, cheapest, and, consequently, the most common way to drain a relatively
level area. The area tilts in one direction, so that the water drains to the low side. Adjacent
structures are always located at the high side
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3. Warped plane:
The high side is level, similar to the sloping plane. The contours, however, are fan-shaped,
so that the entire area drains to one low corner.
4. Gutter:
Gutters are formed by two sloping planes that create a valley. The planes are slightly warped
so that water can run down the valley to a collection point. When adjacent to a structure, the
top edge of one sloping plane will be level
5. Central inlet:
Large flat areas, especially where enclosed (courtyards, patios, etc.) employ a central drain
toward which all surfaces slope.
SURFACE DRAIN: DRAINING LEVEL AREA
 Most use areas -- play fields, courts, patios, roof garden, etc. require a dry level
surface. Level area do not drain well, so we must TILT all use areas slightly to allow
water to runoff.
 REMEMBER to set the building finish floors at least 15 cm. Higher than the outdoor
elevation.
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CONTOURS
TOPOGRAPHIC CONTOUR MAP
 They are composed of a series of line that designate the elevation of the land above
sea level.
 Each line called contour line represents specific level (, elevation).
 Contour Interval is the difference in elevation values between two adjacent contours,
so it indicates the elevation change from one contour line to the next one.
 Contour Interval is the same value for every elevation change in the same topography
map.
TOPOGRAPHIC CONTOUR MAP INTERPRETATION
 The topographic contour map represents an elevation data to show landform in two-
dimensional drawing
 Graphical slope information can be generated by simple techniques from the contour
map. Constructing a slope profile from a topographic contour map is to plot the
elevation of contour lines on a two-dimensional graph.
 Contour interval: the height between each contour line.
 Cross section show specific section of that shape
 X axis represents distance, Y axis represents level change
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TOPOGRAPHIC MODELS
Models are good mediums to give the feeling of the earth form and study the natural
drainage pattern.
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TOPOGRAPHIC CONTOUR MAP INTERPRETATION
To know the characteristics of contours is important for their interpretation and essential to
understand the nature of that landform.
 A Uniform slope is indicated by evenly spaced contour plan.

 A Ridge and Valley are shown similarity, but note that RIDGE with the higher contour
inside (contour line pointing down to lower level), VALLEY with the lower contour
inside (contour line pointing up to higher level)
 If two sides of VALLEY contour lines are quite closed, it indicates STREAM.
 CONVEX and CONCAVE landforms are the most common landform found in nature
and express the felling differently.
 High point on SUMMIT or low point in a DEPRESSION is indicated by spot elevation.
 Existing contour lines are shown in dashed line,proposed new Grade is shown in a set
of solid lines.
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TOPOGRAPHY MAP - CONTOUR CHARACTERISTICS
 Same elevation on one contour line and same level change in between each contour
line. (called contour interval)
 Every contour closes on itself.
 A summit or depression indicated by the elevation at highest, lowest points.
 Contour lines never cross.
 Uniform sloping surface
 Convex slope
 Concave slope
 Valleys
 Steep slope
 Relatively level.
 Ridge
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STUDY OF CONTOURS
Slope analysis of 20.8 acre site. Diagram shows the use of graduated scale for mapping
slopes from a contour map.
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SLOPE CRITERIA
Suitable & recommended slope for each use concerning mobility, possible cut-fill,
maintenance and drainage ability.
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MAPPING SLOPE FROM TOPOGRAPHY MAP
Slope compares the vertical distance to the horizontal distance. This comparison can be
expresses as an angle, a percentage or as a ratio. the slope ratio is expressed by putting
horizontal distance firse and vertical distance second such as a 4:1 slope means 1 metres
of vertical rise in 4 metres of horizontal distance
WHAT IS ANGLESOF REPOSE?
Maximum angle for earth material that it can be inclined, and it will fail if beyond. Angles of
repose for various types of slope materials. (Angles are given in degrees.)
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SLOPE PROBLEMS
Slope failures generally fall into 3 catagories
1. Grade: slopes that are too steep or too gentle for particular land uses and inclined by
undercutting by construction processes (cut-fill)
2. Erosion: slopes with steep inclinations, less vegetative cover, loose soil materials and
eroded caused by waves, streams, heavy rainfall.
3. Failure: slopes that are composed of weak, soft material which have low bearing capacity
and have tendency to mass movement problem such as mudflow, slides, sinking which
worsen by increased or decreased ground water.
GRADING
Grading is the act of re-modeling the land form. It is one of the most important items in site
planning, landscape design and construction. Grading serves three main purposes:
1. To create a level to put something on; for a house, car, sport play field, a hotel, etc.
2. To create circulation ways; roadway, loading ramp, handicapped ramp, bicycle track,
etc.
3. To create special effect and solve special problem ; make a mound to hide parking lot
or reduce sound, prevent erosion and landslide, aesthetic or psychological purposes.
GRADING PROCEDURE
 Topographic characteristic and natural drainage pattern.

 Locate unusual soil type -- sandy soil, clay.
 Fixed elevations or points on the site such as roads, trees, adjacent buildings
 All area that need to be kept dry and elevations
 The location and extent of the existing sewer system (both public and private system)
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MAKINGAN AREA LEVEL:
BY CUTTING ONLY
 thesoil is stable
 requireless cost for foundation construction
 beable to do very steep slope
 costto transport earth from the site
 Retaining wall high cost
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BY FILLING ONLY
 easier to make a very level elevation

 good for low land, flood problem area.
 Unstable earth, needs a compaction.
 Cost of transporting earth into the site
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BYTHE COMBINATION OF CUT AND FILL
 balance earth in the site

 no transportation cost.
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GRADING WHEN NOT TO GRADE
Avoid grading on the following conditions
 Grading that results in radical loss of vegetation and topsoil

 Grading that interrupts the natural drainage
 Grading that results in aesthetic degradation
 Grading on difficult slopes (excess of 25%)
 Grading in environmental unique condition; floodplain, bogs,
 Grading in areas effected by natural disaster; mudslides or along earthquake faultlines
GRADING FOR CIRCULATION
 Circulation routes should be level as possible.

 Two ways to travel up slope terrain(maximum slope for local street is 8%)
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The normal grading method is something between the two extremes with roads or paths
climbing and falling gently so as to allow the quickest trip with the least effort.
Circulation routes crossing level country are relatively easy to grade-- providing uniform
surface and assuring the roadway drains properly.
 A uniform surface means smoothing out the bumps by spacing contours evenly.
 Draining the level road sometimes requires creating artificial high and low points for
water flow direction. These can be shown graphically with contours, spot elevations, or
sections.
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Section through road withCROWN Road slopedfrom side to side
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 Shortest distance but results extensive cutting,

 common design guide is to align the road centerline with or parallel to the contourlines
with minimal grading
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 When grading bycutting,begin with the lowest contour and work up, by filling, begin
with the top contour and work down.
 Contours are spaced according to the gradient of the proposed route typically
expressed in percent. For 10% slope, one meter interval contours would be spaced
10m.apart
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 The most common way if existing topography is NOT to steep.

 The procedure is to select the contour in the middle of the road and cut half the
contour above, fill half of the contour below.
 If cut/fill creates a steep bank, a heavy rainfall can induce mudslides and erosion.
 Alternatives to separate the roadway (if it is wide enough) should be considered along
with the use of retaining wall on the high side of the slope.
NEIGHBOURHOOD CONTEXT
 Map of the neighborhood indicating existing and projected property zoning.
 Existing and projected building uses in the neighborhood.
 Age or condition of the neighborhood buildings.
 Present and future uses of exterior spaces in the neighborhood.
 Any strong vehicular or pedestrian traffic generating functions in the neighborhood.
 Existing and projected vehicular movement patterns. Major and minor streets, routes
of service vehicles such as trash, bus routes and stops.
 Solid-void space relationships.
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 Street lighting patterns.
 Architectural patterns such as roof forms, fenestration, materials, colour, landscaping,
formal porosity, relationship to street, car storage strategies, building height etc.,
 Neighborhood classifications that might place special restrictions or responsibilities on
our design work such as "historic district".
 Nearby buildings of particular value or significance.
 Fragile images or situations that should be preserved.
 Sun and shade patterns at different times of the year.
 Major contour and drainage patterns.
SIZE AND SHAPE
 Dimensions of the boundaries of our site.
 Dimensions of the street rights of way around our site.
 Location and dimensions of easements.
 Present site zoning classification.
 Front, back and side yard setbacks required by zoning classification.
 Square meter of buildable area inside setbacks (should also subtract easements).
 Building height restrictions required by zoning classification.
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 Zoning formula for determining required parking based on the type of building to
occupy the site.
 The number of parking spaces required (if we know the building area).
 Any projected changes that would alter the dimensional characteristics of the site such
as street widening or purchase of additional property.
CIRCULATION
 On site sidewalks, paths and other pedestrian movement patterns including users,
purposes, schedule of use and volume of use.
 Off site pedestrian movement patterns using the same characteristics mentioned for
on site movement.
 If a pedestrian movement pattern is considered valuable and to be preserved or
reinforced, our analysis should also include an evaluation of how the existing pattern
could be improved.
 Off site or neighborhood vehicular movement issues such as traffic generators
(buildings or uses that are significant destinations or origins of vehicular traffic) as well
as the other traffic characteristics outlined under on site traffic. Adjacent or nearby
parking areas that may be used for off site car storage in our project. Off site traffic
patterns should also include the relation of our site to the public transportation routes,
stops at or near our site, probable directions of approach to our site by the users of the
new building and directions of dispersal of traffic from our building. Traffic analysis
should document future projections to the extent they can be made.
 On site or adjacent vehicular movement patterns including type of traffic, origins and
destinations, schedule, volume of traffic and peak loads. Also included should be
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intermittent traffic such as parades, festivals, concerts, fire truck routes, service truck
fleets, etc.
 Locations of probable or optimum access to our site for each type of pedestrian and
vehicular traffic that will use the new building or move through the site.
 Travel time to walk across our site, to drive across the site or by the site where these
times may be important to our design (time it takes to walk between classes at a
school). It may also be useful to record the time it takes to drive to or from related
locations in the city (from our site to downtown, the university, the shopping center,
etc.).
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UTILITIES
 Location, capacity and conveyance form (type of pipe, etc.) of power, gas, sewer
telephone and water utilities. This should involve the depth of each utility underground
and, in the case of power, whether it is above or below grade. Location of power
poles.
 Where utility lines stop short of our site boundaries, their distances from our site
should be given.
 Where there are multiple opportunities to connect to utilities that are adjacent to our
site, we should record those locations or edges on our site that seem to offer the best
connection opportunities. This may be due to the capacities of the utility lines, contour
conditions on our site in relation to sewer, the need to minimize on site utility runs,
being able to collect utility runs, bringing utilities in at the "back" of the site or dealing
with site barriers or difficult soil conditions.
VISUAL ASPECTS
 Views from the site including positions on the site where the views are not blocked,
what the views are of, whether the views are positive or negative, the angles within
which the views can be found, whether the views change over time and the likelihood
of view continuance for the long term.
 Views to points of interest on the site from within the site boundaries. Includes what
the views are of, whether the views are positive or negative, positions on the site
where the views are best arid where they are blocked, the angles within which the
views can be found and whether the object of the views changes over time.
 Views to the site from areas outside the site boundaries, including streets, walks, other
buildings and vistas. Includes when the site is first seen, angles within which it is seen,
most dramatic views of the property, best views of the site and areas that are
viewable, particular points of interest that may be objects of views from outside our
site and potential for these views to continue or be blocked by development outside
our site over the long term.
 Views through our site from positions outside the property. Involves the objects of the
views and the various positions where the views occur, whether the views are positive
or negative, the angles within which the views can be found, and the likelihood of the
view targets as well as the view paths remaining open over the long term.
Page | 46
 Locations, generators, schedules, and intensities of any significant noise on or around

the site. This analysis should include likelihood of continuance over the tong term.
 Locations, generators, schedules and intensities of any significant odors, smoke or
other airborne pollution on or around our site. This analysis should include likelihood
of continuance over time.
Page | 47
OVERLAY TECHNIQUE FOR SITE ANALYSIS
Base map
Percent of Slope
Soil
Drainage & Elevation
Vegetation & Wildlife
Climate
Visual impact
Page | 48
Site development potential
EXAMPLE
Page | 49
Page | 50
CHECKLIST
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS (ENVIRONMENTAL & BUILT ENVIRONMENT)
 Solar orientation, wind conditions, climate considerations

 Streetscape characteristics, street furnishings, building patterns, signage
 Roadway design, crosswalks, signalization
 Handicapped access - facilities and routes
 Street patterns, parking locations, parking design, building orientation
 Landscaping, vegetation, vegetation massing, habitat areas
 Pedestrian routes - sidewalks, trails, pathways, ‘shortcuts’
 Surface conditions, subsurface conditions, utilities
Page | 51
 Land uses, building types, height and massing, fenestration patterns

 Land forms, topography, drainage characteristics
 Water bodies and characteristics
 Prevalent building, surface materials, glare, heat, etc.
 View characteristics and view types
 Spatial characteristics - enclosure, etc.; connections
OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
 Transit routes, bus stops and bus shelters or furnishings

 Defensible space considerations
 Traffic patterns, speeds, turning movements, signalization and other traffic controls
 Prevalent pedestrian and bicycle use and movements
 Noise factors, dust, odors
 Distances to destinations, adjacencies
 Wildlife
LEGAL CONSTRAINTS
 Plans, policies and guidelines

 Regulations and codes
 Special districts and designations
 Land ownership, easements
EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE
 Utilities: Electric, gas, oil, wood, etc. (poles, pipes, conduits; from where?)
 Water: Drinking water source - well (depth), municipal (from where?)
 Sewage: Septic, municipal, composting (where does your sewage go?)
 Garbage: Municipal, composting, recycling where does your garbage go?)
 Food Production
CHARACTERISTICS THAT CONVEY ‘MEANING’
 Landmarks
 Community gathering places or centres
 Favourite routes
Page | 52
 Parks and recreation areas
 Shopping areas
 Public and private ‘zones’
 Defensible space characteristics
 Historic features

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLIMATIC ZONES:
India has a large variation in climate from region to region, due to its vast size.
India experiences climate from four major climate groups. These can be further
subdivided into seven climatic types. Based on the Koppean Climate Distribution,
the various climatic types in India are as follows:
1) Hot and Dry
2) Warm and Humid
3) Moderate
4) Cold and Cloudy
5) Composite
6) Cold dry
1) Hot and Dry
a)Solar radiation:
Intense: 800-950 W/m2
b) Mean temperature:
Summer day: 40-45 degree Celsius
Summer night: 20-30 degree Celsius
Winter day: 5-25 degree Celsius
Winter night: 0-10 degree Celsius
c) Relative Humidity:
Very Low: (25-40%)
d) Precipitation:
Low, generally less than 500mm per year
e) Winds:
Dust laden local winds in the afternoons and isolated whirlwinds in the evenings.
f) Sky Conditions:
Cloudless skies with high solar radiation causing glare in dust laden sky
Occasional darkening of sky due to sandstorms
2) Warm and Humid
a) Solar radiation:
Usually diffused radiation due to cloud cover or vapor content in air
Intense radiation on clear days
Dissipation of accumulated heat from the earth to the night sky usually
prevented by clouds and humid air.
Very High : 70-90%
d) Precipitation:
High, generally in excess of 1200 mm per year
e) Winds:
Usually one or two prevailing directions with velocities from low to very high
f) Sky Conditions:
Generally overcast (cloud cover ranging between 40 and 80%) causing
unpleasant glare
High humidity levels and low diurnal temperature variations cause discomfort, in
absence of air movement.
3) Moderate
a) Solar radiation:
More or less uniformly moderate throughout the year
Variable, between 30-80%
d) Precipitation:
Fairly well distributed over the year
Total annual rainfall exceeding 1000mm
Relatively dry winters
e) Winds:
Variable generally high during summers
Intensities and direction mainly dependent on topography
f) Sky Conditions:
Mainly clear , occasional overcast with dense low clouds in summer.
4) Cold and Cloudy
a) Solar radiation:
Low in winter with a high percentage of diffuse radiation
Winter night: -3- -4 degree Celsius

d) Precipitation:
Moderate, distributed, fairly evenly throughout the year annual total around
1000mm
e) Winds:
Generally intense, especially during rainfall
Mainly dependent on topography
f) Sky Conditions:
Over cast for more part of the year, except during the brief summer period.
5) Composite
a) Solar radiation:
Intense in the summer and winter with a low percentage of diffuse radiation, but
very low in monsoon with predominantly diffuse radiation.
Winter night:4-10 degree Celsius
In dry periods: 20-55%
In wet periods: 55-95%
d) Precipitation:
Variable between 500-1300 mm per year, during monsoon reaching 250mm in
the wettest month
Little or no rain in dry seasons
e) Winds:
Hot and Dusty winds during summer
Strong winds in monsoon from south east
Dry and cold winds in winter
f) Sky Conditions:
Varying, overcast and dull in monsoons.
Clear during summer and winter
Dry, cold winds in winter from northeast
6) Cold and Dry
a) Solar radiation:
Intense with low percentage of diffuse radiation
Winter day: -7- -8 degree Celsius
Winter night:-4-0 degree Celsius
d) Precipitation:
Very low, generally less than 200mm per year
e) Winds:
Occasionally intense, especially during rainfall
f) Sky Conditions:
Over cast for more part of the year, except during the brief summer period
NATURAL FACTORS: ( ONSITE FACTORS)

1.Geology:
• The type of rock below the surface of soil, the depth, and the characteristic
features of rock should be identified.
• Such rocks could act as a foundation for many buildings. These are natural and
could form visible landforms. The stability of such geological formations is also
important.
• There are 3 types of rocks to be studied by large.
a) Igneous Rocks -formed through the cooling and solidification

of magma or lava.
eg: Granite, Pumice, Rhyolite
b) Sedimentary Rocks: Sedimentary rocks are types of rock that are formed by

the deposition and subsequent cementation of that material at the Earth's
surface and within bodies of water.
eg: Coal, Limestone, Iron Ore
c) Metamorphic Rocks: Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of

existing rock types, in a process called metamorphism, which means "change in
form”
eg: Marble, Slate
2.Topography
Maps, Slope Analysis, Reading Topography, Contours, Spot Elevations, Conventions,
Drainage
• The form of land is called its topography. This is the most important factor to be
analyzed.
• Geology and the slow process of natural erosion (soil being worn away because
of wind or water) are responsible for landforms and slopes.
• A topographic survey will reveal the badly drained areas and natural drainage
channels.
3.Soils Classification Of Type, Texture And Characteristics
4. Hydrography
 Streams, Lakes, Swamps, Water Table, Flood Plain, Water Shed, Aquifer, Surface
Drainage
 Hydrology provides information about all types of water bodies present in and
around the site: lakes, streams, any marshy land(swamps), or natural wells.
 It also reveals the availability of a groundwater table and the depth at which it is
available.
5. Climatic factors Sun, Wind, and Precipitation/Orientation To, Comfort Envelope
6. Vegetation
Trees ,Shrubs, Vines and Ground Cover
• Vegetation types, patterns represents a major visual , recreational, and
ecological resources.
• Factors generally considered are :
1. No vegetation
2. Emergent vegetation
3. Streamside and riverside vegetation
4. Vegetation besides ponds, lakes and reservoirs
The relevance of plant material in site planning are as follows:
1) Climate Control
2) Environmental Engineering
3) Architectural and Aesthetic Uses
7. Wild life
• This is an important consideration when choosing sites for parks and recreation.
• The selection of land suitable for such activities depends on natural wildlife
present in the area.
• Wildlife also adds form, color and movement to the landscape.
• One might also want to be informed about the wildlife present in the area to
preserve it and not disturb the animals natural habitats due to the construction.
CULTURAL FACTORS: ( OFF-SITE FACTORS)
1.Land use :
• This implies a survey of the present status of the land-whether it is
residential, commercial, industrial or recreational.
• Offsite nuisances: Disturbances from outside and around the site have
to be studied.
• Visual nuisance elements: Power lines, water tower, certain industrial
complexes, highways, advertisement boards, junkyards(waste dumps),
etc., are some examples of eye-sore elements that have to be taken
into account.
• Possible auditory nuisance: Noise produced by heavy automobiles,
trains, air traffic etc. and the surrounding population has to be
studied.
• Olfactory nuisance: Dumps, chemicals, other wastes in and around
the site have to be taken care of.
• Safety Hazards: Severe or sudden changes in landform, such as a
steep cliff at the edge of the site have to be noted.
2.Traffic and Transit, Linkage and Circulation Pedestrian, Vehicular ,

Relationships, Noise
3.Utilities Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer, Electric, Telephone, Cable, gas,
Below and Above ground
4. Existing Buildings On and Off site, Character and composition
5.Historic factors History of site ,conflicts if any…
6. Context Fabric; Urban, Suburban & Rural
7.People Noise, Congestion, Pollution
AESTHETIC FACTORS:
1. Perceptual: from an auto, by pedestrian, by bike etc.
2.Spatial patterns : views of the site, views from the site, spaces existing,
potential for new areas, sequential relationship
3.Visual Aspects :

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UNIT 1.

 Development proposals need to illustrate design decisions, which are based on

 Adjacent Land Uses

 Upstream/upwind issues: pollution; run-off…

 Soil/Air/Water: Pesticides, factory emissions, acid rain, toxic farm runoff…

 Electrical Pollution: Power lines, transmission boxes

 Continuation of Wildlife Corridors: Deer paths, bluebird trail…

 Potential Sharing/Bartering: People, business, plants/seed, biomass, timber…

 Public Open Space

 Threats of Local Development

 Wind/Air: Seasonal direction winter; summer; air drainage

fords; dams; swales, ditches; where does run-off go/come from?

 Microclimates: Frost pockets; thermal belts; airflow; shade; solar gain/refection

 Slopes: Aspect; gradients (gentle, medium, steep)

 Soils: Types - rocky, fertile, wet, clay; color, compaction, erosion

 Rocks, sand, minerals: Potential building materials, obstructions, microclimate

forage, wildlife habitat; (Stage of succession, invasive, poisonous…

 Fauna: Domestic; native wildlife

o Previous land use,

 Land use, Ownership and control :

o Present zoning of site, adjacent property;

 Landscape special character

 Spatial pattern of the site

 Visual quality and character

design to reduce unnecessary cutting and filling of soil.

whether the slopes are solid enough to permit construction on it.

and flat areas are also noted

WHY TOPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION IS NEEDED

 Building locations, technology and cost are influenced by topography.

 Topography, combined with aspect, affects microclimate and vegetation.

 Topography influences and can be exploited for recreation and aesthetic

enjoyment (see also ‘Visual and Sensory Experience

 Topography influences access and circulation

1. Drainage pattern and major water channel

2. Unique feature and size such as water body

4. Floodplain of 50 and 100 year storms.

5. What pattern, quantity and quality will be affected by the design

6. Water table level

7. Qualitative analysis of soil:

8. Alkalinity, Color of water, pH level, taste and odour…

sailing or waterskiing on a lake, snorkeling in the ocean

design of the building.

system and the foundations will be designed accordingly.

 Thus, it is important to be aware of these characteristics to avoid problems in future.

 related to building construction and basement

 related to water supply and septic system

 related to functions of land use planning

 related to vegetation and wildlife habitat.

2. Chemical property of soil for engineering and plant value?

3. How deep is the water table and how much it fluctuates?

 Poorly/Excessively drained soil

 Trees or other plant materials may be used to frame a view.

CRITERIA'S FOR SITE VEGETATION ANALYSIS

Factors which determine drainage needs are:

GOOD DRAINAGE PRACTICE

DESIRABLE SLOPES FOR SURFACE DRAINAGE ARE AS FOLLOWS:

 Open land - 1/2 percent minimum

 Streets - 1/2 percent minimum

 Planted areas - 1 percent minimum to 25 percent maximum