SITE PLANNING, SITE SELECTION, AND SITE ANALYSIS

University of Batangas – Lipa

College of Engineering and Architecture
Architecture Department

Prepared for:
Ar. / EnP. Gerelson Ray R. Bernardino,
UAP, PIEP, MSCM, CIPM

Prepared by:

Pamela Anne Ghail Sarmiento

ARCH3A
February 16, 2024
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION 3
Background 3
Purpose 3
Scope 3
CHAPTER II
PART I - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN PROCESS
1.1 Site Planning and Design Process 4
1.1.1 What is Site Planning? 4
1.1.2 Suggested Principles for Site Planning 5
1.1.3 Methods of Establishing a Site 6
1.1.4 Factors for Site Planning 6
1.2 8 Stage-Site Planning Cycle According To Kevin Lynch 7
1.3 Planning - Design Process according to John Sigmunds 9
Figure 4 9
PART II - SITE SELECTION AND SITE ANALYSIS/SWOT
2.1 Site Selection Checklist 11
2.2 Site Analyis/SWOT Analysis 11
CHAPTER III
Conclusion 15
Recommendation 15
References 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Site Planning, Image via Think Architecture 4
Figure 2: Kevin Lynch, Image via CARR, LYNCH & SANDELL, INC. 7
Figure 3: Kevin Lynch’s site planning process, Image via Urban Design Lab 8
Figure 4: John Simunds’ Planning-Design Process, Image via 9
Angelica N. Francisco
Figure 5: SWOT, Image via Boagworld 12

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Natural Factors, via Angelica N. Francisco 6
Table 2: Cultural Factors, via Angelica N. Francisco 7
Table 3: Aesthetic Factors, via Angelica N. Francisco 7

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 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Background
Planning and design are often referred to as a process, which essentially
means they follow a logical sequence of events that must be executed to achieve a
successful outcome. This process involves a range of individuals from various fields,
such as architects, landscape architects, engineers, and physical scientists. The
ultimate goal of this multi-disciplinary problem-solving operation is typically to create
a viable solution that addresses environmental issues.

The planning and design process is a multi-disciplinary effort that requires a

careful blend of logic and subjectivity to achieve a successful outcome. The input
from various disciplines, such as architecture, landscape architecture, engineering,
and physical science, is essential to ensure that environmental issues are addressed
and that the solution fits the needs of the project.

Site plans are a fundamental concept in the architectural field, particularly

when it comes to the early stages of the building process. While they do not provide
an exact replica of what the eventual buildings may look like, site plans provide vital
information about where the structures will be located on the site and their size. Site
plans are particularly useful during the zoning permit applications.

Furthermore, by providing a comprehensive view of the property, site plans

can allow for more detailed and informed discussions regarding ideas for developing
the parcel. It is essential to emphasize that site planning is just one aspect of the
development process. Site plans are just one of many drawings used to develop a
particular parcel, and the actual construction must be guided by subsequent
construction drawings.

Purpose
The main goal of this research is to enhance the protection of life, property,
and operations. Prior to planning a thorough study and analysis should be conducted
identifying threats and hazards to support decision making on the measures to the
reduction of vulnerability and risk.

Scope
This research provides in-depth study and knowledge all about site planning,
site selection, and site analysis that would be helpful for student architects.

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 CHAPTER II
PART I - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN PROCESS

1.1 Site Planning and Design Process

1.1.1 What is Site Planning?

Site planning is the part of the architectural process where you

organize access to the plot of land, drainage and gradients, privacy, and,
importantly, the layout of all of the structures planned for the property. Going
through a thorough analysis of the feasibility of developing a site allows the
architect to determine optimal locations and design for a structure that works
within the space. While conducting the site analysis the architect also needs
to review zoning of the potential project site. These are the regulations that
have been developed by the local municipality to separate the land into
different use areas such as residential and industrial zones. This allows the
town or city to not be over powered by one type of land distinction.

Figure 1: Site Planning, Image via Think Architecture

An architectural site plan is not the same thing as a floor plan. Floor
plans provide a layout for a single structure, while site plans show the
positioning of every structure on a parcel, as well as foundational aspects of
the land itself like slopes, drainage, tree cover, and more. From single
buildings to complex mixed-use facilities, feasibility studies can be conducted
to produce site plans to evaluate land use and identify opportunities. Site
planning is the unseen foundation of any land development project.
Delivering sustainable, context-sensitive solutions that meet the needs
of clients and their surroundings is central to what architects practice. By

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 employing an integrated, environmentally informed approach that helps to
create a sense of place in the overall objective. The natural environment, the
physical and built environment, existing vehicular and pedestrian circulation
patterns, code and safety requirements and existing interests and structure
are all carefully examined in relationship to each other. Existing architectural
character is also investigated and evaluated, including materials, forms,
articulations and building vernacular to street relationships. Infrastructure is
examined to determine its impact on the overall plan.
According to Harvey Rubenstein (1980), it is the art and science of
arranging the uses of portions of land. These uses are designated in detail by
selecting and analyzing sites, forming land use plans, organizing vehicular
and pedestrian circulation, developing visual form and material concepts,
readjusting the existing landforms by design grading, providing proper
drainage, and developing the construction details necessary to carry out the
projects.

1.1.2 Suggested Principles for Site Planning

Considering major implications of site planning in the context of

making architectural projects sustainable, cost-effective, rational, supportive
and making value addition to prevailing quality of environment, ecology and
local bio-diversity, it will be essential that broad principles governing the
process of site planning must be defined and detailed to serve as a guide to
all architects while planning the sites of their projects. These principles should
revolve around;

 Respecting site and respecting all physical features existing on site-

to make optimum use of such features in the designing of the built
environment and placing various project element in site planning
 Planning with nature, using natural elements of sun, space and
greenery- should invariably be the approach which should form the
guiding principle of site planning.
 Adopting strategy of protecting, preserving enhancing and
promoting- available physical features shall invariably help in making
site planning more rational and realistic
 Minimise fingerprints of proposed buildings should be used one of
the guiding principle of preparing the site plan for covering minimum area
of site and leaving maximum open area within the site, to be used for

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 promoting landscaping, creating green spaces and for giving a sense of
more openness in the site, besides overcoming limitations imposed by
smaller land area. Having minimum building footprints will help in
promoting higher order of ground water recharging, lowering incidence of
heat island, lowering temperature on site, reducing demand for energy for
heating and cooling and ensuring adequate air, light and ventilation
besides making living and working area more user friendly.
 Keeping maximum area under open – will go a long way in promoting
air, light and ventilation, creating large area for landscape, providing
enlarged scope for water absorption, making provision for adequate
parking space, reducing congestion, improving environment, creating
large open space for sit-outs, providing adequate space for laying basic
services, providing protection to adjoining properties from fire and making
provision for rainwater harvesting and ensuring ground water re-charging.

1.1.3 Methods of Establishing a Site

There are two methods of establishing a site:

1. Site Selection Process - The process selects from a list of potential sites
one that suits best the given use and requirements of the project.

2. Development Suitability Process - This process selects the best possible

use and development suited for a given site.

1.1.4 Factors for Site Planning

A. Natural Factors

Table 1: Natural Factors, via Angelica N. Francisco

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 B. Cultural Factors

Table 2: Cultural Factors, via Angelica N. Francisco

C. Aesthetic Factors

Table 3: Aesthetic Factors, via Angelica N. Francisco

1.2 8 Stage-Site Planning Cycle According To Kevin Lynch

Figure 2: Kevin Lynch, Image via CARR, LYNCH & SANDELL, INC.

Kevin Lynch was an American author, urban planner and theorist. He is best
known for his work on the perceptual forms of urban environments and was known
as the early advocator for mental mapping. Lynch had made seminal contributions to
the field of city planning through his empirical research on how individuals perceive
and navigate the urban landscapes. One of his best known books is the ‘Image of the
City’, which he wrote alongside with Gyorgy Kepes and was published in 1960. The

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book explains how people in different settings within cities perceive their
environment. Another famous book of his from the same period is ‘Site Planning’,
which is being considered as the basics for any site analysis and planning related
work. The third edition of the book written was written along with Prof. Gary Hack
(Severo, 1984).
Kevin Lynch describes site planning in his book as ‘The art of arranging
structures on the land and shaping the spaces between; an art linked to architecture,
engineering, landscape architecture and city planning.’ The site is a crucial part of
one’s design environment. Site planning is conserved to have biological, social and
psychological impact that goes far beyond its accepted influence on cost and
technical function. It limits what people can do within their define space and at the
same time opens new opportunities for them (Lynch, 1972).
The idea of site plan is to locate objects and activities in space and time.
These plans may concern a small cluster of houses, a single building and its
surrounding ground, or something as extensive as a small community built in a single
operation (Luna, 2021).

Kevin Lynch outlines an eight-stage site

planning cycle that includes the following:
1. Defining the problem
2. Programming and the analysis of site and
user
3. Schematic design and the preliminary
cost estimate
4. Developed design and detailed costing
5. Contract documents
6. Bidding and contracting
7. Construction
8. Occupation and management

Figure 3: Kevin Lynch’s site planning/design

process, Image via Urban Design Lab

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1.3 Planning - Design Process according to John Sigmunds

Figure 4: John Simonds’ Planning-Design Process, Image via Angelica N. Francisco

A. Research and Analysis Phases

Site Location and Existing Conditions

• Topography and Slopes

0-2% - Most developable

2-8% - Easily accommodates most categories of development

8-16% - Some development restrictions; upper limits for roads

and walks

16-24% - Significant restrictions to most development

24%+ - Generally restricted for development

• Geology and Soils

• Vegetation

• Hydrology and Drainage

• Microclimate

• Views

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B. Program Development

• The development of the program is the bridging step between the analysis
and synthesis or design phases.

• Kevin Lynch defines the program as composed of the four “P’s”:

• “Population” refers to the actual user who may or may not be the client per
se.

• “Packaging” involves the type and quantities of elements that will be provided
in the design.

• “Performance” standards set the quality of elements expected, whether in

terms of materials or function.

• “Patterns” refer to general physical relationships that should be achieved. 2.

Program Development 32 Short Course on Environmental Planning DCERP &
HUMEIN Phils. Inc.

• As Simonds explains, in developing the program the designer responds to the

client’s initial statement of intent, modified on the basis of what he/she has
learned at the end of the analysis phase.

• While the analysis is based upon a basic program concept, the potential of
the site for development influences the planner’s ultimate program
recommendations. The program should include:

a. A statement of goals that the project should achieve.

b. A list of project objectives by which these goals will be

accomplished.

c. A list of project elements that will be included and a description or

analysis of their interrelationships.

C. Synthesis (Design Phase)

A. Conceptual Design

B. Preliminary Design

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 C. Site Plan/ Master Plan

D. Design Implementation

PART II - SITE SELECTION AND SITE ANALYSIS/SWOT

2.1 Site Selection Checklist

Site selection is a crucial component of any building project. The process

involves analyzing your options and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of
each. An architect can help by collecting data, researching funding, and testing the
viability of different options.

 Site characteristics – soil conditions, ground water and drainage, slope,

elevation,
 Availability of services – availability of sanitary and protective services,
removal of waste, power, fuel, and communications
 Availability of community services – public transportation facilities,
employment, stores, and markets, schools, churches, recreation facilities,
parks, playgrounds, medical facilities, library
 Liveability of site – types of buildings, density of development
 Costs – land costs, development costs, building costs, utility costs
 Maintenance and operating costs – utility costs, grounds maintenance,
taxes
 Marketability
 Appearance and general character – kinds of building, design of exteriors,
condition of buildings, grounds and streets

2.2 Site Analyis/SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a framework used to assess an industry, company, or in

this case an architectural site plan to create a strategic plan. By taking architectural
strengths, and weaknesses, and threats of the site plan as well as opportunities of
the architectural site plan into account, we may better gain in-depth knowledge about
the best way to proceed with the design. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at an
architectural SWOT framework to better understand its usefulness for all
stakeholders, designers, and students alike.

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 Figure 5: SWOT, Image via Boagworld

In an architectural SWOT analysis for site selection, strengths refer to the

positive attributes of a location that can be leveraged to enhance the success of a
project. Some of the strengths that can be identified in an architectural SWOT
analysis include:

 Accessibility: The site’s proximity to transportation networks, such as

highways, airports, and public transportation, can be a significant strength.
 Existing infrastructure: The presence of existing infrastructure, such as
utilities, can reduce project costs and timelines.
 Zoning regulations: Favourable zoning regulations can facilitate the
project’s approval process and ensure compliance with local regulations.
 Natural resources: Natural resources, such as water bodies or scenic views,
can add value to the project and make it more attractive to potential
customers or investors.
 Historical significance: The site’s historical significance or architectural
value can enhance the project’s branding and appeal.
 Unique features: Unique features of the site, such as a notable landmark or
distinctive architecture, can create a unique selling point for the project.

In an architectural SWOT analysis for site selection, weaknesses refer to the

negative attributes of a location that can hinder the success of a project. Some of the
weaknesses that can be identified in an architectural SWOT analysis include:

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  Inadequate infrastructure: Project costs and completion times may be
affected by a lack of vital infrastructure, such as utilities, roads, or internet
access.
 Environmental risks: The site may be at risk of natural disasters, such as
flooding or earthquakes, or environmental hazards such as pollution, which
can adversely affect the project.
 Building restrictions: Zoning regulations or building codes may prohibit or
limit the project’s design or development potential.
 Competition: Other similar projects or businesses in the area can reduce the
project’s market share or profitability.
 High costs: The site’s real estate prices or construction costs may be high,
making the project financially unfeasible.
 Limited accessibility: The project’s success may be hampered by the site’s
difficulty in being accessed by potential clients, suppliers, or workers.
 Identifying these weaknesses can help stakeholders to develop strategies to
mitigate their impact and reduce potential risks associated with the project.

Opportunities are the external factors that can favourably affect the project’s
success in an architectural SWOT analysis for site selection. In a SWOT analysis of
architecture, some of the opportunities that can be found include:

 Growing market: A growing market in the area can create a demand for the
project’s services or products.
 Economic incentives: The availability of economic incentives, such as tax
breaks or grants, can reduce project costs and increase profitability.
 Demographic shifts: The project may benefit from favourable demographic
shifts like an expanding population or a change in consumer preferences.
 Collaboration potential: The site’s proximity to other businesses or
institutions can create opportunities for collaboration or partnerships.
 Technological advancements: The availability of new technologies or
innovations can enhance the project’s capabilities and competitiveness.
 Infrastructure upgrades: The area’s planned or current infrastructure
upgrades, such as new transportation networks or utility upgrades, can
improve accessibility for the project and lower costs.

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 The external factors that may have a negative impact on the project’s success
are referred to as threats in an architectural SWOT analysis for site selection. An
architectural SWOT analysis can be used to identify various threats, such as:

 Economic risks: Economic downturns, recessions, or fluctuations in interest

or exchange rates can negatively impact the project’s profitability.
 Legal risks: Changes in laws or regulations, or legal disputes, can increase
project costs and timelines.
 Environmental risks: Environmental disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, or
wildfires, can damage the site or infrastructure and negatively impact the
project’s success.
 Competitive pressures: Intense competition from other businesses or
projects in the area can reduce the project’s market share or profitability.
 Social and political risks: Social unrest, political instability, or changes in
government policies can negatively impact the project’s success.

CHAPTER III
Conclusion
Site planning is a fundamental component of an architect's work, and it is not
as straightforward as it might seem. To carry out site planning correctly in

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architecture, one must possess a deep understanding of the natural, cultural, and
practical aspects of the land they are planning. Additionally, they must also be
knowledgeable about the technical aspects of arranging structures on the property
and effectively displaying the characteristics of the landscape.
The purpose of site planning is to create a coherent and functional
relationship between the buildings and the surrounding environment. It involves
taking into consideration factors such as drainage, light exposure, wind patterns, and
environmental impact. Site planning also involves understanding the surrounding
landscape and existing features of the property, such as trees, water sources, and
existing buildings, in order to create an effective and aesthetically pleasing design.
In summary, site planning is a complex process that requires a thorough
understanding of a multitude of factors. Architects must possess a wide range of
knowledge and skills to successfully execute site planning in architecture. This multi-
faceted process is crucial to creating a harmonious and functional relationship
between buildings and their surroundings, which ultimately contributes to creating
visually appealing and functional spaces that are in tune with their natural setting.
Recommendation

When designing a building, it is crucial to understand the limitations of the

land it will be built on, which is determined by the municipality's regulations. To
ensure the project aligns with these regulations, site planning is the foundation of
successful real estate development. It involves considering various factors, such as
the local infrastructure, the natural terrain, the town manager, and even the
neighbours, all of which can have an impact on the construction process.

A quality site plan is an essential part of the real estate development process,
as it establishes the guidelines and limitations that must be followed to successfully
construct a building on the site. While not a creative process per se, it is a crucial
step in the development process, requiring a deep understanding of the land and its
requirements, and incorporating all necessary regulations into a single construction
document.

References

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BC Architecture (2023), Site Planning, https://www.bc-architecture.com/site-
planning/

BrainKart (2024), Site Planning And Design Process,

https://www.brainkart.com/article/Site-Planning-And-Design-Process_3935/

Cedreo (2022), Site Planning: A Simple Guide for Architects,

https://cedreo.com/blog/site-planning/

Dutta, A.J. (2023), Book Review: Site Planning by Kevin Lynch,

https://urbandesignlab.in/book-review-site-planning-kevin-lynch/

Francisco, A.N. (2016), Site Planning,

https://primumnilnocerefiles.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/april-9-site-
planning.pdf

Gibson, A. (2023), Architectural SWOT Analysis for Site Selection: A

Reassuring Report, https://swothub.com/architectural-swot-analysis-for-site-
selection/

Gupta, J.K. (2021), Site Planning in Architectural Projects- Principles and

Approach, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/site-planning-architectural-projects-
principles-approach-gupta

Marsh, M. (2021), What is a Site Plan? 10 Characteristics of a Good Site

Plan to Set Your Next Development Up for Success, https://marsh-
partners.com/blog/what-is-a-site-plan-10-characteristics-of-a-good-site-plan-
to-set-your-next-development-up-for-success

Nyondwi, Y. (2020), Site Planning and Design,

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/site-planning-design-yoktani-nyondwi

Rechkemmer, J. (2022), How an Architect Helps with Site Selection,

https://neumannmonson.com/blog/architect-site-selection

Rubenstein, H. (1980), A Guide to Site and Environmental Planning,

https://primumnilnocerefiles.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/april-9-site-
planning.pdf

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