In the dynamic realm of urban development and architectural design, effective site planning stands as

a cornerstone for sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. This research delves into
the fundamental aspects of site planning in architecture, unravelling the intricate process that defines
the relationship between built structures and their surrounding environment.
Site planning in the context of architecture
Basically site planning is used in terms of Buildings, Roads, Walkway, Trees, garden, pool
(landscape), Water, Plaza, Pier, environment, Etc.
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
concern a small cluster of houses, a single building and its grounds, or something as extensive as a
small community built in a single operation.  Kevin Lynch, Gary Hack; Site Planning, MIT press,
Cambridge 1996.
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 concepts,
readjusting the existing landforms by design grading, providing proper drainage, and finally
developing the construction details necessary to carry out their projects.
LAYERS OF SITE PLANNING
Mass and space  Zoning  circulation  Service & maintenance
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Site planning in architecture involves a comprehensive process that takes into account various factors
to create a well-designed and functional environment. The step-by-step process can vary based on the
specific project and its requirements, but generally, it includes the following stages:
1. Site Analysis:
 Site Inventory: Document existing site conditions, including topography, vegetation,
climate, soil conditions, and any existing structures.
 Site Assessment: Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
(SWOT analysis) of the site. Consider environmental, social, and economic factors.
2. Program Development:
 Identify the client's needs and requirements for the project.
 Define the functional spaces and their relationships within the site.
 Consider zoning requirements, building codes, and other regulatory constraints.
3. Conceptual Design:
 Develop a design concept that responds to the site analysis and program
requirements.
 Explore different design ideas and approaches.
 Consider the overall layout, circulation patterns, and relationships between different
spaces.
4. Schematic Design:
 Refine the chosen design concept.
 Develop rough sketches and diagrams illustrating the proposed layout, building
massing, and key elements.
 Begin to consider materials COST, colors, and textures.
5. Design Development:
 Develop detailed plans, elevations, and sections.
 Refine material selections and detailing.
 Consider sustainability and energy efficiency measures.
6. Site Design and Layout:
 Determine the placement of buildings, parking areas, landscape features, and other
site elements.
 Consider pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
 Address accessibility and ensure compliance with local regulations.
7. Utilities and Infrastructure Planning:
  Plan for utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage.
 Consider stormwater management and sustainable design principles.
 Integrate infrastructure elements into the overall site plan.
8. Environmental Considerations:
 Consider the impact of the project on the natural environment.
 Implement sustainable design strategies, such as rainwater harvesting, green roofs, or
energy-efficient systems.
9. Regulatory Approval:
 Prepare and submit necessary documentation for regulatory approvals.
 Work with local authorities to obtain permits and ensure compliance with zoning
regulations.
10. Construction Documentation:
 Develop detailed construction drawings, specifications, and documents.
 Include site plans, grading plans, landscape plans, and other relevant details for
construction.
11. Construction Administration:
 Oversee the construction process to ensure that the design is implemented as
intended.
 Address any issues that may arise during construction and make necessary
adjustments.
12. Post-Occupancy Evaluation:
 Evaluate the performance of the completed project in terms of functionality, user
satisfaction, and sustainability.
 Identify lessons learned for future project

Important Site Planning Considerations

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

Here are some of the factors you will need to account for when planning any site:
Natural Factors
If your plan is to build something that’s in direct opposition to the nature that surrounds it, you are
going to lose. Nature always wins, so consider the natural factors of the area, including everything
from insect concentrations to wind and weather conditions. Your best bet is to plan a property that
works with the nature surrounding it — not against it.
Geology
Is the property you are attempting to develop quite rocky? And if so, what kinds of rocks are present?
The answers to these questions will not just determine whether you can develop the land in the way
you would like, but how you actually will go about it. For example, some rock sheets below the soil’s
surface can be impenetrable in some cases or act as unbelievably solid foundations in others.
Topography
What’s already on the land you’re hoping to build on? You’ll need to include all of these features in
your site planning. That doesn’t mean they have to stay in the final site plan, but your site planning
should account for what you will do with the topographical features like hills, valleys and the like.
Hydrography
A quick surveying of the surface of the property will likely reveal surface water features like streams,
rivers, ponds and lakes, but there is much more to consider when it comes to hydrography in your site
plan. For instance, what about subsurface water? The depth and stability of the water table will have
profound effects on any structure you plan to build. Additionally, you will need to account for how
water drains and flows on the property during rain or seasonal floods.
Soil
What kinds of soil are on the property? This is not trivial — you really need to know. Why? Because
the type of soil determines the way you will need to build on it, as well as how difficult construction,
grading and similar tasks will be. Rocky soil is going to behave differently than clay or highly aerated
dark soil, and you need to know that before you can complete your site plan.
Vegetation
What grows on the property? Come up with a comprehensive list of every naturally occurring plant
you can document on the property, from existing trees to relatively small shrubs and even some
weeds. Here’s why that’s important: You can determine which natural vegetation you want to retain
or use as part of your site plan, which pieces you want to remove and which kinds of added vegetation
are likely to thrive on the property.
Wildlife
Wildlife can add value to a property or render it completely unusable. Depending on which part of the
world you are developing the property in, you may be contending with apex predators or armies of
rodents. You may also be afforded the natural beauty of majestic deer and wild horses. Whatever the
case for your project, you need to account for it as you complete your site plan.
Climatic Factors
The weather is a big deal for any property. Will there be lots of rain? Will there be floods? What
about extreme heat or cold? These factors will affect everything from the way you design certain
structures to the water sources and HVAC systems you implement.
Cultural Factors
If you don’t account for the culture and history of the land you plan to develop, you risk developing
something that won’t be usable. That’s because culture and history play a major part in all parts of the
world. Ask yourself: Are there any historic landmarks or buildings on this property? What is the
history of this parcel? Will there be people who don’t want to see this land developed or used in a
certain way? Account for the answers to these questions in your site planning.
Existing Land Use
You need to account for not just the current use of the property you’re planning, but also the use of
the properties nearby. For example, what if you plan to build a family home on the property but later
find out the adjacent farmland is regularly sprayed with harmful pesticides from loud single-engine
airplanes? That’s just one example to illustrate why it’s so important to know what the land
surrounding the property is actually used for.