Lecture 3a - Site Analysis and Techniques

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018
In this 21st Century.......

the basic process of site
An understanding of
selection, planning and design
methodology
is essential in understanding both the positive and negative
effects of
Sitting and Site development

on the utilization of solar
radiation and energy
conservation.
In the process is the key to optimum decisions which may not
have to be rectified at a later time, either through site design,
architecture or the use of extensive heating, ventilating or air
contidioning.
A careful, rational , analytical process in the selection ,
design and development of a site is extremely important:

Site Analysis
It is an inventory completed as a
Preparatory Step
to site planning, a form of urban planning which involves
research, analysis, and synthesis. It primarily deals with
basic data as it relates to a specific site. The topic itself
branches into the boundaries of architecture,
landscape architecture, engineering, real estate
development, economics, and urban planning.
Site analysis is an element in site planning and design.

Kevin A. Lynch, an urban planner developed an eight
cycle step process of site design, in which the second step
is site analysis, the focus of this section.
From Wikipedia Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Site Design Process
The site design process is divided up
into three sections;
Research phase,
Analysis phase, and
Synthesis phase.
These three phases are divided into the
eight chronological steps in the design
process.
From Wikipedia Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018
Site Design Process
Research phase: The first step is defining the problem and

its definition. This is part of the research phase. 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.
Analysis phase : The next step involves programming the

site as well as site and user analysis, which is focused on in-depth below.
There are numerous site elements related to the analysis during this phase.
This is part of the analysis phase in site planning.
Synthesis phase: From the analysis, a program is

developed, which is part of the synthesis phase. The third step deals with
schematic design of a site plan as well as a preliminary cost estimate for the
site. Step four involves more developed designs and a detailed cost
estimate. Step five is the construction documents for the plan. Bidding and
contracting for the project follows as step six. Construction then will take
place as step seven. The final step, step eight, in the site design process is
occupation and management of the site.
From Wikipedia

Site Design Process
Research phase:
The first step is defining the problem and
its definition. This is part of the research
phase. 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.
From Wikipedia

Site Design Process
Analysis phase :
The next step involves programming the
site as well as site and user analysis,
which is focused on in-depth below.
There are numerous site elements
related to the analysis during this phase.
This is part of the analysis phase in site
planning.
From Wikipedia
Site Design Process
Synthesis phase:
From the analysis, a program is developed, which is part of
the synthesis phase.
The third step deals with schematic design of a site plan as

well as a preliminary cost estimate for the site.
Step four involves more developed designs and a detailed

cost estimate.
Step five is the construction documents for the plan. Bidding

and contracting for the project follows as step six.
Construction then will take place as step seven. The final
step, step eight, in the site design process is occupation and
management of the site.
From Wikipedia
Site Elements
From Wikipedia
Numerous elements go into a given site analysis. These elements

include
Location, neighborhood context,

site and zoning, legal elements,
natural physical features,
man-made features, circulation,
utilities, sensory, human and cultural,
and climate components.

Site Elements
Numerous elements go into a given site analysis. These elements include location, neighborhood context, site and zoning,
legal elements, natural physical features, man-made features, circulation, utilities, sensory, human and cultural, and
climate components. The following elements typically are considered in most sites:
Location : The site should be related to major streets or landmarks previously existing. Aerial photographs help in
this assessment stage. There should be documentation of distances and time from major places. This should be
completed by either driving or walking the distance first-hand.
Neighborhood context : Zoning of the neighborhood is important and information of this type
can typically be found at the municipal planning department of the site. Numerous issues at this stage require direct
observation. Features of this sort include architectural patterns, street lighting, and condition of existing buildings. 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 analysed.
Size and zoning : Site boundaries can be located by either verifying the dimensions physically or
contacting the county 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 planning department.
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 this deed is information such as the property description, present ownership, and the
governmental jurisdiction the site is located in, and the city or county.
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.
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 of such features should be directly measured.
Documentation of existing historical districts should be made, some of which may already have reports completed.
Locating this information can be done through the municipal planning department for the site.
Site Elements
Numerous elements go into a given site analysis. These elements include location,
neighborhood context, site and zoning, legal elements, natural physical features,
man-made features, circulation, utilities, sensory, human and cultural, and climate
components. The following elements typically are considered in most sites:
Circulation : The uses of streets, roads, alleys, sidewalks, and plazas are important
in this inventory step. It is not necessarily an analysis of these elements but more an
analysis of what occurs on these circulation gateways.
Utilities : Information for utilities concerning the site can be found through the utility
departments and companies in the local area. Generally this company has a print
of the drawing of this information needed. Information in this print includes the
location of all utilities and their locations around or on the site itself.
Sensory : Much of the sensory information collected will be done through first
hand experience. This type of information is obtained from sketching and
photographs (sometimes aerial photographs). Direct observation of other sensory
elements of noise, odors, smoke, and pollutant areas must also be completed.
Human and cultural : This information can be obtained through census
statistics on the neighborhood. Information regarding these statistics is available
from the local municipal planning agency. This information includes activities
among people on the site and their relationships to these activities.
Climate : This information can be obtained through the 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.

Location :
The site should be related to major streets
or landmarks previously existing.
Aerial photographs help in this assessment
stage. There should be documentation of
distances and time from major places. This
should be completed by either driving or
walking the distance first-hand.

Neighborhood context :
Zoning of the neighborhood is important and
information of this type can typically be found
at the municipal planning department of the
site. Numerous issues at this stage require direct
observation.
Features of this sort include architectural
patterns, street lighting, and condition of
existing buildings. 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
analysed.
Size and zoning :
Site boundaries can be located by either
verifying the dimensions physically or
contacting the city 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 planning department.

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 this deed is
information such as the property
description, present ownership, and the
governmental jurisdiction the site is
located in, and the city or town.

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 Geodetic
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.

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 of such features should be
directly measured. Documentation of
existing historical districts should be
made, some of which may already have
reports completed. Locating this
information can be done through the
municipal planning department for the
site.
Circulation :
The uses of streets, roads, alleys,
sidewalks, and plazas are important in
this inventory step. It is not necessarily an
analysis of these elements but more an
analysis of what occurs on these
circulation gateways.

Utilities :
Information for utilities concerning the
site can be found through the utility
departments and companies in the local
area. Generally this company has a print
of the drawing of this information
needed. Information in this print includes
the location of all utilities and their
locations around or on the site itself.

Sensory :
Much of the sensory information
collected will be done through first hand
experience. This type of information is
obtained from sketching and
photographs (sometimes aerial
photographs). Direct observation of other
sensory elements of noise, odors, smoke,
and pollutant areas must also be
completed.
Human and cultural :
This information can be obtained
through census statistics on the
neighborhood. Information regarding
these statistics is available from the local
municipal planning agency. This
information includes activities among
people on the site and their relationships
to these activities.
Climate :
This information can be obtained through
the 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.

Tecnology
Economics
Materials, Social factors,
Political factors,
Aesthetics
And
Regional considerations
Climate Geology
Soils, Vegetation, or
A special ecological system,
Aesthetics
And
Regional considerations
Proper site and problem analysis will
insure the right specific location on a
particular site.
How much environmental control is

needed?
Framework be determined ?
Life cycle costing studies
Front end Planning Costs
Cost of planning and study as
measured against the savings in
energy, lower costs of cooling
Ability to use solar and wind energy

Primary, Secondary
In site planning ,
knowing, feeling
and understanding the site

Air Photo Interpretation
Radar Imagery
Infrared Photography
Multi Spectral Screening
Satellite Technology

Manual Mapping
Overlay Mapping
Computer modeling
Three Dimensional Modeling

Establishment of Program
Research
Program Analysis

Site Analysis
Slope, Geology,Ecology, Soil
Vegetation, Climate, Aquifiers,
Infrastructure Elements,
Site Survey
Synthesis
Solution Communication
Policy Development
Evaluation Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018
Philippine Climate
The Climate of the Philippines is tropical and
maritime. It is characterized by relatively high
temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall. It
is similar in many respects to the climate of the
countries of Central America. Temperature, humidity,
and rainfall, which are discussed hereunder, are the
most important elements of the country's weather
and climate.

Climate Types
There are four recognized climate types in the Philippines, and they are based
on the distribution of rainfall (See the Philippine Climate Map above). They are
described as follows:
•Type I. (Blue)Two pronounced season: dry from November to April and

wet during the rest of the year.
•Type II. (Green) No dry season with a pronounced rainfall from

November to January.
•Type III. (Red) Seasons are not very pronounced, relatively dry from
November to April, and wet during the rest of the year.
•Type IV. (yellow) Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout

the year.
Weather in the Philippines is monitored and managed by the
government agency known locally by its acronym,
PAG-ASA [Filipino: hope]

or the
Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical
and
Astronomical Services
Administration.
Temperature
The average year-round temperature measured from all the
weather stations in the Philippines, excepting Baguio City, is 26.6 °C
(79.9 °F). Cooler days are usually felt in the month of January with
temperature averaging at 25.5 °C (77.9 °F) and the warmest days,
in the month of May with a mean of 28.3 °C (82.9 °F).[1]
Elevation factors significantly in the variation of temperature in the
Philippines. In Baguio City, with an elevation of 1,500 m (5,000 ft)
above sea level, the mean average is 18.3 °C (64.9 °F) or cooler by
about 4.3 °C (15 °F). In 1915, a one-year study was conducted by
William H. Brown of the Philippine Journal of Science on top of
Mount Banahaw at 2,100 m. (6,900 ft) elevation. The mean
temperature measured was 14.6 °C (58.3 °F), a difference of 12 °C
(21.6 °F) from the lowland mean temperature.[3]
In Manila and most of the lowland areas, temperatures rarely rise
above 37 °C (98.6 °F). The highest temperature recorded in the
country was 42.2 °C (108.0 °F) in Tuguegarao Cagayan Valley on
April 29,1912 and again on May 11, 1969. The absolute minimum
temperature of 3 °C (37.4 °F) was recorded in January of 1903 in
Baguio.
Rainfall
The summer monsoon brings heavy rains to most of the
archipelago from May to October. Annual average rainfall
ranges from as much as 5,000 millimetres (196.9 in) in the
mountainous east coast section of the country, to less than
1,000 millimetres (39.4 in) in some of the sheltered valleys.
Monsoon rains, although hard and drenching, are not normally
associated with high winds and waves.
At least 30 percent of the annual rainfall in the northern
Philippines can be traced to tropical cyclones, while the southern
islands receiving less than 10 percent of their annual rainfall from
tropical cyclones. The wettest known tropical cyclone to impact
the archipelago was the July 1911 cyclone, which dropped over
1,168 millimetres (46.0 in) of rainfall within a 24-hour period in
Baguio City.[4]

Rainfall is the most important
climatic element in the
Philippines.
Rainfall distribution throughout the country varies from one
region to another, depending upon the direction of the
moisture-bearing winds and the location of the mountain
systems.
The mean annual rainfall of the Philippines varies from 965 to

4,064 millimeters annually. Baguio City, eastern Samar, and
eastern Surigao receive the greatest amount of rainfall while the
southern portion of Cotabato receives the least amount of rain.
At General Santos City in Cotabato, the average annual rainfall
is only 978 millimeters.
Humidity
Relative humidity is high in the Philippines. A high amount of
moisture or vapor in the air makes hot temperatures feel hotter. This
quantity of moisture is due to different factors - the extraordinary
evaporation from the seas that surrounds the country on all sides, to
the different prevailing winds in the different seasons of the year,
and finally, to the abundant rains so common in a tropical country.
The first may be considered as general causes of the great
humidity, which is generally observed in all our islands throughout
the year. The last two may influence the different degree of
humidity for the different months of the year and for the different
regions of the Archipelago.[5]
In the cooler months, even though the rains are more abundant in
the eastern part of the Philippines, owing to the prevailing
northeasterly winds, the humidity is lesser than in the western part
where a dry season prevails. From June to October, although the
rains are quite general throughout the Archipelago, the rains are
more abundant in the western part of the Philippines, which is more
exposed to the prevailing westerly and southwesterly winds; hence
the humidity of the air is greater there than in the eastern part of
the Archipelago.
The most uncomfortable months are from March to May where
temperature and humidity attain their maximum levels.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Amihan
In the Philippines, refers to the season dominated by
the trade winds, which are experienced in the Philippines as a cool
northeast wind.[1] It is characterized by moderate temperatures, little
or no rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the east.
As a general rule of thumb, the Philippines' Amihan weather pattern
begins sometime in September or October and ends sometime in
May or June. There may, however, be wide variations from year to
year.
Throughout the rest of the year, the Philippines experiences the west
or southwest wind; south-west monsoon which in turn is referred to as
the Habagat.
The Habagat season is characterized by hot and humid

weather, frequent heavy rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the
west.
The main indicator of the switch between the Amihan and Habagat
seasonal patterns is the switch in wind direction. In most years this
transition is abrupt and occurs overnight. In some years there is a
period of perhaps a week or two where the wind will switch between
Amihan and Habagat patterns several times before settling into the
pattern for the new season.
Typhoons
Tropical Storm Thelma (1991)
The Philippines sit astride the typhoon belt, and the country suffers an annual
onslaught of dangerous storms from July through October. These are especially
hazardous for northern and eastern Luzon and the Bicol and Eastern Visayas
regions, but Manila gets devastated periodically as well.
Bagyo is the local term to any tropical cyclone in the Philippine Islands.[4] From the
statistics gathered by PAGASA from 1948 to 2004, around an average of 20
typhoons per year enter the PAR (Philippine Area of Responsibility) - the
designated area assigned to PAG-ASA to monitor during weather disturbances.
Those that made landfall or crossed the Philippines, the average was nine per
year. In 1993, a record 19 typhoons made landfall in the country making it the
most in one year. The least amount per year were 4 during the years 1955, 1958,
1992 and 1997.[6]
Typhoons are categorized into four types according to its wind speed by the
PAGASA. All tropical cyclones, regardless of strength, are named by PAGASA.[7]
Tropical Depressions have maximum sustained winds of between 55 kilometres per
hour (30 kn) and 64 kilometres per hour (35 kn) near its center.
Tropical Storms have maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometres per hour (35 kn)
and 119 kilometres per hour (64 kn).
Typhoons achieve maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometres per hour (65 kn) to
185 kilometres per hour (100 kn),[8]
Super typhoons having maximum winds exceeding 185 kilometres per hour
(100 kn).[9]

Deadliest storm
The deadliest typhoon to impact the Philippines was Typhoon
Uring (Thelma) in November, 1991, in which 5,080 lives were lost
from its resultant flooding and over 1,200 went missing.
Strongest Typhoons
The highest wind velocity recorded for a typhoon that crossed
the Philippines was recorded in Virac on November 30, 2006
when Typhoon Reming (Durian) had a peak gust of 320 km/h
(198 mph).[6]

Seasons
PAGASA divides the climate of the country into two seasons,
using rainfall and temperature as basis:
Furthermore, the months where the dry and hot seasons are
experienced are popularly known as the "summer" season.

Built Form
Planting and terraces
Orientation
Glazing and shading

Climatic Zones
Cool, temperate, arid and tropical
Solar Paths requiring Shade
Sunshade Analysis (Vertical and Horizontal
Insolation
Sun Requirement
Traditional Regional Dwelling Types
Typical Occurence of Indigenous Roof Types
Mean Annual Temperature
Requirements for Cross Ventilation
Wind Direction
Cross Ventilation Analysis

Climatic Characteristics Zones
Annual Average level of relative humidity.....
Influences on Built Form

Zoning for transitional spaces
Zoning for solar gain
Use of atrium space
Potential of Roof/ground plane as useable exterior space
Form
Orientation
Vertical cores and structure
Meana Annual Precipitation

One of the more unfortunate aspects of
modern global development has been the
introduction and widespread acceptance of
the use of mechanical means for providing
desired comfort levels for human
habitation....................neglecting the context of
climate, culture and land variations

Vernacular Architecture is a subject
that provides a window on the lives and
traditions of the indigenous people of
our world and in so doing creates a
mirror that reflects our own experieces.
This in turn helps us understand more
clearly where the buildings of our
contemporary world springs from or
more importantly why such buildings so
often fail to meet our fundamental
human needs.
John May,Handmade Houses and other Buildings. The World of Vernacular Architectur, Thames and Hudson,2010
NA 208 M451, 2010 /Arch 5121
Introduction:
The main characteristics of a building:
 It must perform the function for which it is

designed, i.e. provide adequate shelter for its
intended occupiers;
 Provide adequate comfort for the occupants,

both to the immediate environment as well as
for services such as lighting, cooking, hot
water, etc.

Inuit Igloo
Plains Indian Tipi
Log Cabin
New Mexican
Adobe House

Japanese Minka
Mongolian Ger
Indian Stepped Ponds

Brazilian Squatter Settlements
Indian Squatter Settlements
Filipino Squatter Settlements
Earthships
Bottle Buildings
Natural Buildaings
Vernacular Revivals

Ifugao Huts
Bahay Kubo
Bahay na bato
Samal Houses
Badjao House

Introduction:
“Climate
Responsive
Architecture”
Introduction:

Introduction:
Tropic of Cancer
The Tropics
Tropic of Capricorn

Introduction:

Tropical climates are those
 where heat is the dominant problem,
 where for the greater part of the year

buildings serve to keep the occupants cool,
rather than warm
 where the annual mean temperature is not

less than 20C.

Introduction:
Designers and planners

working in tropical
locations
have to respond to heat,
which is a dominant
problem
Introduction:

See Wikipedia

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Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

In this 21st Century.......

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Sitting and Site development

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Site analysis is an element in site planning and design.

From Wikipedia Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Research phase: The first step is defining the problem and

Analysis phase : The next step involves programming the

Synthesis phase: From the analysis, a program is

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

The third step deals with schematic design of a site plan as

Step four involves more developed designs and a detailed

Step five is the construction documents for the plan. Bidding

Numerous elements go into a given site analysis. These elements

Location, neighborhood context,

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

How much environmental control is

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

•Type I. (Blue)Two pronounced season: dry from November to April and

•Type II. (Green) No dry season with a pronounced rainfall from

•Type IV. (yellow) Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout

PAG-ASA [Filipino: hope]

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

The mean annual rainfall of the Philippines varies from 965 to

The Habagat season is characterized by hot and humid

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Planting and terraces

Glazing and shading

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Influences on Built Form

Meana Annual Precipitation

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

The main characteristics of a building:

 It must perform the function for which it is

 Provide adequate comfort for the occupants,

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

Compiled by : Architect Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso 6/15/2018

 where heat is the dominant problem,

 where for the greater part of the year