PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN I: Site Planning and Landscape 1/38

Architecture
THDE 10:30AM – 12PM
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 All existing features of the site, man-made or natural, must be
considered to determine the inherent qualities that make the site
unique.

 A topographical analysis of the existing features of the site

should be done to determine the best use of the land, the
dangers, drainage patterns, slopes, etc.

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 The on-site features that must be taken note of are:
a) Area
b) Configuration of the site
c) Boundaries
d) Location
e) Access

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 Off-site features may include:
a) Adjacent Uses
b) Adjacent Structures
c) Infrastructure
d) Utilities (water, power, drainage,
communication facilities)
e) Distance to Town/City Proper
f) Community Facilities
g) Transportation Facilities
h) Commercial Establishments

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http://doggettarchitecture.blogspot.com
 Off-site features may include:
i) Industrial Establishments
j) Ecologically sensitive areas
k) Special Status areas
l) Reserves (nature reserves
and campsites)

Information collect Analysis of Synthesis Design

(SITE) conditions Translation

Vocabulary of design
responses
(judge HOW to design) 14/38
 LOCATION
 Short distances, side walks, bike paths and
bus stops will allow for healthier modes of
transportation and avoidance of excessive
costly, polluting automobile trips.

 Avoid environmentally sensitive areas such as

creek, wild life, native wild flowers and plants.

 Flat to moderately sloped sites are

preferred than steep sloped sites due to soil
erosion, loss of hillside vegetation, and
damage to waterways which are difficult to
avoid. http://pinoydreamhousetoday.com

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 DESIGN FOR THE CLIMATE
 A south-facing slope are good southern
exposure on a lot which allows for the
long side of building to face north and
south will facilitate the utilization of our
prevailing summer breezes and
desirable solar heat gain.
 A hot bare site will required a wide
overhangs, shading devices such as
awning or trellises and shade of the trees
to keep comfort levels up.
 Respecting existing wildlife trails and
habitat will enhance wildlife observation
enjoyment.

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 MINIMIZATION OF RAW MATERIALS
 One of the best ways to minimize the use of
raw materials is to select a site that
already has a home on it, and
remodel/renovate as necessary.

 SOCIAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL/
FUNCTIONAL
 Maximum use of patio, decks, natural
clearing and other outdoor rooms can result
in the need for less indoor square footage
that needs to be constructed.

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 Not all sites are suitable for a particular project. There are usually
two scenarios: first, when the client has a project in mind, but not
a site, and second, when the client has a site and wishes to know
what he can do with it.
 For the first scenario, the client will give the designer
preliminary objectives regarding the project. The designer’s
task is to look for a suitable site that will fit the needs of the
project.

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 Some sites are “screened” to narrow down the choices. Some
of the criteria that may be considered are:
a) Excessive grade, the improvement of which may eventually lead to
additional cost
b) Excessive cost of the land
c) Ease of acquisition of the land
d) Size of the lot
e) Soil type
f) Pollution
g) Access to and from the site
h) Presence of special environmental areas that should be preserved,
and
i) Location of the site.
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 For the second scenario, a best-use analysis is carefully done
on the site. All the aspects of the site are considered: the
ecology, circulation, behavior, structures, etc. All possible
markets are explored.
 The overall analysis of the site breaks down the whole into
workable components for evaluation and includes all natural,
cultural, and aesthetic factors that affect it. These factors will
influence site selection and determination of the best use of the
site.

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Natural Factors/Ecological Considerations

 Geology

 Landforms

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Natural Factors/Ecological Considerations

 Soils

 Water bodies or Hydrology

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Natural Factors/Ecological Considerations
 Climate

 Vegetation and Wildlife

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Social and Psychological Considerations

 User Requirements

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Social and Psychological Considerations
 Cultural and Historical
Significance METROPOLITAN THEATER
-by Juan Arellano
-after bombing, became ice cream
parlor, boxing arena, garage, motel,
gay club and eventually a squatter
colony
-revived by imelda in 1978, variety
shows - vilma, but 90’s deteriorated
again, typhoon, closed down 1996
-plans to revive 2004

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Social and Psychological Considerations
 Cultural and Historical
Significance

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Social and Psychological Considerations

 Activity and
Communication
Linkages

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Social and Psychological Considerations

 Existing
Land Use

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Social and Psychological Considerations

 Existing
Land Use

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Social and Psychological Considerations
 Density and Zoning

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Social and Psychological Considerations
 Density and Zoning
Density is
expressed in
number of families
or dwelling units per
hectare. It may also
be expressed in
Floor Area Ratio
(FAR).
FAR = Gross floor
area of the
building ÷
Lot area
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Social and Psychological Considerations
 Socioeconomic Factors
a Need, an Interest,
or any Objections
on the project must
be compatible with
the economy of the
particular community

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Social and Psychological Considerations
 Socioeconomic Factors
a Need, an Interest,
or any Objections
on the project must
be compatible with
the economy of the
particular community

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Social and Psychological Considerations
 Socioeconomic Factors
a Need, an Interest,
or any Objections
on the project must
be compatible with
the economy of the
particular community.
will not result in any
displaced families,
and any major
disruption in their
businesses and other
activities.
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 Social and Psychological Considerations
 Socioeconomic and Psychological Factors
1. Building Design
A good design of a building increases the rental income, property
and land values around the vicinity. It also affects business
location decisions.

2. Context: Buildings with natural views or near to green spaces,

trees and water features, like a good building design, affects the
project positively.

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 Social and Psychological Considerations
 Socioeconomic and Psychological Factors
3. Gated communities
Gated communities are more likely to make them feel socially
excluded due to physical separation from the rest of society. Nongated
communities have greater street vitality and compact,
lower-density developments encourage greater community
cohesion, due in part to lower car dependence.

4. Mixed-use development
Health benefits accrue as greater exercise is taken when more
people walk to work, retail and leisure facilities. Harmful car
emissions are reduced in mixed-use environments but increased
in green field locations.
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 Aesthetic Factors
 Natural Features
- Landforms
- Rock outcrops
- Ledges
- Boulders
- Lakes, Streams
- Wetlands

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Aesthetic Factors
 Spatial Pattern

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Aesthetic Factors
 Visual Barriers

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 Our sensory abilities must also be put to use in site selection and
site analysis. A map is usually made to provide a quick, graphical
view of the site with respect to our senses. Some factors that
must be considered are:

 Views into the site

 Views from the site
 Views through the site
 View quality from various site positions
 Points of interest on the site
 Noise sources
 Airborne pollutants
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