COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE GEC ELEC 3 –

INDIGENEOUS CREATIVE CRAFTS

ARP 323

SITE PLANNING
AND
LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE
SCHEDULE: WED 1:00-2:30PM & FRI 1:00-2:30

SUBMISSION: MARCH 01, 20241.

ASSIGNMENT:

“ANALYTICAL ESSAY ON SITE

PLANNING PRINCIPLES”

SUBMITTED BY: VILLAR, JENIAH KATE V.

BS ARCHITECTURE 3

SUBMITTED TO: AR. HANNA JULES CANDIDO

INSRUCTOR

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 1.1 INTRIDUCTION

Hansen (2019) explained that Landscape designers work on a canvas that is distinctly
different from other art forms. The "art" is always changing as the plants grow, environmental
conditions change, and people use the space. For this reason, landscape designers use a design
process that systematically considers all aspects of the land, the environment, the growing plants,
and the needs of the user to ensure a visually pleasing, functional, and ecologically healthy
design. Arneson (2019) mentioned that there are five steps of the design process which include:
1) conducting a site inventory and analysis, 2) determining the client’s needs, 3) creating as many
compositions of arrangements of spaces and narrow it down with one functional diagram, 4)
developing conceptual design plans, and 5) drawing a final design plan with good rendering
technique. The process begins with a site inventory and analysis of soil, drainage, climate
conditions, and existing vegetation. This is a critical step for both plant selection and placement
and locating family activities and functions. It's important because the same climate conditions
that affect the plants—temperature, humidity, rain, wind, and sunlight—also affect the user. The
next step is to make a list of the client’s needs and desires—this helps determine how the space
and landscape will be used. The site and user analyses will also help establish a theme for the
form and style of the design. The functional diagram is then used to locate the activity spaces on
the site and from this diagram a conceptual plan is developed. The last step is a final design that
includes all the hardscape and planting details that are necessary for installation. Landscape
design is the art of connecting natural elements and achieving aesthetic and creativity to provide a
functional yet beautiful spaces. It involves a thoughtful arrangement of plants, hardscapes, water
features to create a cohesive outdoor environment while following core principles.

1.2 BODY
A. ANALYSIS OF SITE PLANNING PRINCIPLES

Principle 1: Determining the client’s needs

Generating a list of everything that the homeowner needs or wants for the space. there are also
things to consider such as budget and the size of outside space that is available will dictate
which features or functions are most essential and whether or not everything on their list is
possible. It is important to as least get to know the people who will be using the place,
determining a family's needs based on a wish list and determining their preferences after having
a face-to-face conversation would help to figure out what they truly need. Building
relationships with each client is something that the designer should takes great pleasure in, to
some sort of understand their needs that they failed to share (Durgan,2016).

Principle 2: Conducting a site inventory and analysis

“In order to place all the spaces appropriately we need to understand the site conditions,
climate and sun exposures” mentioned by Arneson (2019). The most crucial stage in any
landscape design process is the site analysis, which assesses the surroundings and the overall
state of the space. It considers everything from the soil to the amount of sun exposure, the
shade, wind exposure, drainage, floods, salt spray, the size of the space, and all necessary
consideration to guarantee an appropriate and appealing landscape. A landscape architect or
designer must know the limitations, advantages, and attributes of the available space for the
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 potential landscape area. In order to create a design that meets the needs, wishes, and
expectations of the client, it is important that the designer has a thorough understanding of
everything in the site (Durgan,2016). Thoroughly understand the site and how to use the space.
Begin with a site inventory and analysis. Note all the conditions of the space and analyze how
the conditions might affect the design. Each condition can be seen as an opportunity—a
positive condition that will help achieve a good design—or a constraint—a negative condition
that might impact the design, but could possibly be turned into an opportunity. Examples of
opportunities and/or constraints include land forms, such as slopes and flat areas, and natural
features, such as trees and rocks, or built features, such as swimming pools and fences.
Depending on the desired design, each could present an opportunity or a constraint
(Hansen,2019).

Principle 3: creating as many compositions of arrangements of spaces and narrow it down

with one functional diagram

According to Anerson (2019) blocking out the site elements with bubble diagram will help
loosely configure the composition of the site. Since it is difficult to visualize certain aspects of
design without putting it to scale on paper. The designer should think with drawings or sketches
and make the mistakes on paper not on the landscape site. The plot plan should consist of 1)
accurate house placement on the lot, 2) accurate lot and house dimensions with window and
door placement and 3) existing driveways and/or walks. It saves a lot of time if the customer
has an accurate plat of the house and lot and a house floor plan with outside dimensions. These
plans maybe secured from the builder, developer or county or city property records. Although
the floor plan scale will probably be different from the scale you use, it will still be easier to
convert the scale than to physically measure the house, lot, etc. Once the house position on the
lot has been determined, this should be drawn to a predetermined scale on tracing paper placed
over grid paper. Commonly, 1-inch equals 5 feet or 1-inch equals 10 feet, but you may choose
another scale based upon your drawing equipment and project dimensions. Recommended
drawing equipment includes: drafting pencils, T-square, scaled rulers, triangle, art gum eraser,
drafting tape, grid paper (8 or 10 squares to the inch) and tracing or drafting paper. The
designer must have a firm, steady working surface. After plotting all of the considerations
mentioned above it is then the time to create many compositions of arrangements of spaces,
then narrow it down to one which has the best arrangement of site elements.

Principle 4: Developing conceptual design plans

The conceptual phase of the design process allows the landscaping professional to experiment
with the placement of plant elements, activity areas, hardscapes, and other features that the
homeowner wanted in their outdoor living space. Critical decisions such as the grass
installation are made during this phase, and all other conceptual ideas are finalized to complete
the landscape installation plan (Durgan,2016). The concept design sets the vision and tone for
the project and is the first design phase of working with a landscape architect. This starts with
being busy sketching in the studio, studying site photos and reviewing notes from your first
meeting to create the first overall concept plan. The concept plan is usually supported by
different types of drawings to convey the design intent and what the space will feel and look
like once it is built (Milahic,2020). The landscape architect or designer will use images and
drawings to walk through the design ideas and layout. He or she will begin with a concept or an

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 inspiration and an explanation of the major ideas and layout, supported by more detailed
drawings. The pro often will present one overall scheme for the design as a concept-level plan
and then show additional options, such as material choices, types of plants and layout schemes
for major site elements for specific areas Anerson (2019) start it with creating a series of
iterative design concepts and traces overs, then he finds further and really finesse to really nail
down the design that works best for the client. In the video he refines his drawing loosely with a
thick pen over a series of layers on tracing paper. After creating a series of iterative design
concepts and traces overs, he then refines the design using colored pencil. he uses Red for
hardscape which is anything that has constructed such as concrete paving, tiles and gravel.
Green for softscape- such as trees, shrubs ground cover, mulch, anything that is either living or
does not walk on. This is to differentiate the two materials it also helps balance between
hardscape and softscapes to balance and symbiotic relationship between the two since they are
both equally important elements in landscape design)

Principle 5: Drawing a final design plan with good rendering technique.

The final drawing includes details such as measurements, plant spacing, accurate measurements
for the grass installation area, and how every component of the home’s newly designed outdoor
living area will come together. After creating a series of iterative design concepts and traces
overs, he then refines the design using colored pencil. he uses Red for hardscape which is
anything that has constructed such as concrete paving, tiles and gravel. Green for softscape-
such as trees, shrubs ground cover, mulch, anything that is either living or does not walk on.
This is to differentiate the two materials it also helps balance between hardscape and softscapes
to balance and symbiotic relationship between the two since they are both equally important
elements in landscape design. Apply another piece of tracing paper over the red and green
drawing then start drawing the hardscape elements first, then plants materials using drafting pen
to outline the texture of the plants where he uses the green lines under it as a stencil to trace
over. He starts over the existing trees by drawing in the branches in the center points of the
trees, it is a multi-trunk trees so he put three small dots to represent multiple branches and use
irregular texture and work with a squiggly line then intermittently breaking up with deeper
swoops and he made sure that those existing trees have the same symbol and the same texture
applied to each of them. Using the green line that's under as a guide to create a perfect circle
that is using this irregular pattern and what it does is creates a consistent texture that represent
the pants diameter but also shows it's somewhat of its textural character. And whenever there is
a shrub that are nearby each other and the design has a canopy overlapping, do not draw the
two, just continue one continuous line. It will still holding the shape of a circle but they have
this new outline that's really embodies the style and feeling of the shrubs.

B. REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS

Application of Principle 1: Determining the client’s needs

A landscape should be an outdoor extension of indoor living areas. It should be functional and
provide space for client’s activities. Before the designer can create such an environment,
knowledge of certain characteristics of the use is essential. Eric Anerson did not particularly
discuss about how this phase happen in the real world but he made it clear that the client’s
needs are always prioritize. After he plotted the existing elements of the site, he then proceeds

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 to creating a bubble diagram considering the clients preferred spaces. He arranges all the listed
spaces and work through designing on how these spaces will have a comfortable, functional,
and beautiful place for the client. Every project it always starts with meeting up with the client,
this is where the designer create some sort of connection to the client and make an effort to
extract all the necessary information such as; lifestyle, activities, preferences, and expectation
with these data the designer will then create a plan to make if not all, most of the clients wishes.
He/she will make it possible for the client to have his or her vision for the space

Application of Principle 2: Conducting a site inventory and analysis

A complete survey of the customer’s property is essential. The plot plan will assist you in
organizing the information from the site analysis. A thorough site analysis can save you time
and money. Existing vegetation, natural factors and features, views, noise levels, utility
placement, easements/setback lines and primary architectural features of the house should be
noted (Ingram,1991). Existing plants should be also examined. Like Tree condition and
placement should be recorded. Trees on adjoining property that would affect shade patterns on
the customer’s lot should also be surveyed. This information is essential to the designer,
especially since it is their responsibility to blend this home into the natural or existing setting,
or to create a setting to be functional and to complement the structure. Shrubs, groundcovers
and grasses should also be examined as to their condition and potential use. Natural factors and
features of a landscape include house orientation, land form, soil conditions, rainfall
distribution, seasonal wind pattern and microclimatic conditions. House orientation affects the
exposure of various portions of the house to the sun. This knowledge is essential so the designer
can provide shade in important spots and locate activity areas appropriately. For example, a
southwest exposure is generally the hottest. In working a landscape project, it is necessary to
visit and analysis all the existing elements of the site to properly plan of what possible design
that the project needs. In order to fully bring out the beauty of a space, its bare state, natural
elements, existing features and condition should be initially understood. In the video Eric
Arneson did not specifically focus on this principle but he mentioned how important it is to
know and understand the site. This is necessary because this will be the “canvas” of the design.
The first thing that Anerson did was to plot the boundary of the property and the existing house
and structure. By doing this he was able to properly plan and arrange the client’s desire spaces
in the yard and make series of arrangements from it.

Application of Principle 3: creating as many compositions of arrangements of spaces and

narrow it down with one functional diagram

After knowing all the preferred spaces of the client and visiting the site, the design process
continues with the arrangement of the spaces and position of other elements. With a piece of
tracing paper, the designer then creates many compositions of arrangement of spaces. When
he/she is already satisfied with all the iterative plans Eric Anerson suggest that the designer
should narrow it down to the best single design that will work best for the client. This process
actually happens in the real world. For the designer to come up with the best plan he/she needs
to arrange all the elements differently and see to it that everything works well with each other.

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 Application of Principle 4: Developing conceptual design plans
The concept site plan is loose, showing major layout ideas and identifying areas of the garden
for use. When evaluating your landscape architect’s concept plan, think about the big picture
and the overall features of the design. The details will come later in the design process. The
level of detail in the plan will depend on the size of the property. The concept plan might not
identify specific species of plants but instead list the type of plant and a series of suggestions. A
specimen tree, for example, could be any tree serving as a focal point, such as a deciduous large
canopy tree with great autumn color. A list of trees fitting those qualifiers could include sugar
maple, northern red oak or tulip tree, depending on your setting and preferences. A shaded
garden hedge might include a mix of ericaceous evergreen shrubs, and so on (Milahic,2020).
Eric Anerson start this phase with sketches as it is a speedy way to put an idea on paper and is
used to quickly test out a few options by hand. Sketches are a quick way to explain an idea.
Respond intuitively when giving feedback. What is your gut reaction to the sketch? Sketches
are often vague and open ended, and may spark a great conversation that leads the design in a
new direction. The sketch shown here is intriguing because it shows a view of a courtyard
where it meets an upper porch. There is a lot of vagueness in what the material components
might be, but the intent is clear (Milahic,2020).

Application of Principle 5: Drawing a final design plan with good rendering technique.
Once everything figured out, with a blank sheet of paper, place another layer of tracing paper
over it, and place the updated scale diagram on top of that. Then from there the designer now
placed everything on the updated scale diagram clearly, allowing the designer to fully finish up
other details. With colored pencils, the designer now will be able to fill in the spaces with the
appropriate colors. For instance, grass can be a light green, trees and shrubs a dark green, water
blue, etc. The application of color to the final home landscape plan will render it much easier on
the eyes (Leverrette,2022).

C. CRITICAL EVALUATION

Evaluation of Principle 1
In every plan it is necessary to know the client first. It is very essential because they will be the
one to occupy the space for a long period of time.

Evaluation of Principle 2
Using the tape measure, determine the length of each of your four property boundaries, then
measure the length and width of your house. It’s important to establish precisely where your
house sits in relation to your property’s boundaries. This is where those boundary corners that
form right angles come in handy. As a professional designer most of this basic knowledge is
already taught to the designer. but Plant selection might not be focused much. Plant form,
texture, color and size have been visualized, but now a name must be assigned to each plant.
Plants are selected on the basis of climatic adaptability to the microclimate of the location, plant
architecture and availability. No matter how well a plant meets the physical characteristics for a
location, if it is not adaptable to the conditions there, it will fail. These microclimate conditions

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 include sun intensity and duration, soil conditions, rainfall, air circulation and temperature.
Some plants perform better in partial or full shade than in full sun. The length of daily exposure
to a particular light level also influences plant responses. Soil pH, soluble salts level and
drainage properties influence plant adaptability greatly. Plants can be selected to tolerate varied
soil conditions, but the designer must have a working knowledge of available plant materials.

Evaluation of Principle 3
Define the boundaries of design spaces on the tracing paper by drawing a circular or oblong
shape (the straight edges of squares and rectangles are generally avoided in landscape design
unless your goal is a formal landscape design). Label the shape you just drew as whatever you
wish it to be (lawn area, ground cover, patio, water feature, planting bed, etc.), according to its
function in your landscape design plan (work area, play area, garden, etc.). Then move on to
another free space and do the same. Label the areas in between the “bubbles” as driveways,
paths, or small lawn areas essentially serving as paths—your means of navigation between the
bubbles. Don’t expect to complete the finalized version of the bubble diagram immediately.
You’ll find yourself rejecting some of the bubbles as you go along, for whatever reason
example: insufficient space, conflict with utility lines. It will be easier to Just get another piece
of tracing paper and revise your initial drawing. Before settling on a final bubble diagram,
concretize the project in any way you can, to see what will work and what won’t. Here’s where
stakes and string may come in handy. Pound stakes into the ground around one of the spaces
you’ve tentatively defined in the bubble diagram. Tie string to these stakes. Repeat the process
for the other “bubble” spaces.Now walk in between these spaces, noting the flow of traffic
patterns. Does your layout of the spaces still make sense? Have you used the spaces as
effectively as possible? Do you find one of the paths meandering too much, when it should
instead be making a beeline from point A to point B? When you change your mind on any of
the spaces, adjust the stakes and string accordingly. When you’ve finished, take the final
measurements for these spaces. You’re now ready to go back to the scale diagram and
incorporate these final measurements, thus transforming the scale diagram into the final
landscape design plan.

Evaluation of Principle 4
Conceptual design embodies an exploration phase wherein designers generate and cultivate
abstract ideas that shape the project’s trajectory. Across various design disciplines, it lays the
foundation for a product’s aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. By presenting a
comprehensive and succinct concept design definition, it enhances SEO and draws the
appropriate audience to the work. Achieving success in conceptual design hinges on
comprehending the design’s intent and vision. It entails defining core principles, aesthetics, and
goals that steer the entire design process. In the realm of conceptual design, the initial steps lay
the groundwork for innovative and purpose-driven solutions. This phase revolves around
identifying the specific challenges that need addressing and defining the project’s purpose and
objectives

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 Evaluation of Principle 5
If you want to strive for a professional-looking landscape design plan, you’ll need some
drafting supplies such as a drawing compass and drafting paper.

CONCLUSION
The fundamental concept of landscape design is problem solving through the use of
horticultural science, artful composition, and spatial organization to create attractive and
functional outdoor "rooms" for different uses. The elements (visual qualities) line, form,
texture, color, and visual weight, and principles (guidelines) proportion, order, repetition, and
unity of design are used to create spaces, connect them, and make them visually pleasing to the
eye. Before going for site planning / building design- ensure site is properly/accurately
surveyed, documented mapping everything within/ outside the site which would be relevant for
its planning/designing. Site survey should include details of ; determining accurately
dimensions of outer boundaries, area of site, angles of all sides ,contours/levels at regular
intervals- gradient, landform, elevation, drainage pattern etc. ; existing trees/flora fauna- in
terms of type, size, location, shape, pattern, aesthetics, ecology; existing water bodies ;electric
lines; existing services- both underground ,over-ground , within ,outside; approach roads-
inside or outside along with their dimensions, existing structures: within or outside of area of
site; views of the site- within /outside ; existing water table/ flood ability, low lying areas etc.
Locating North in relation to site along with other cardinal directions for quantifying the
context of site planning, site orientation and building design.

REFERENCE

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 Mihalic, F.(2020). What to Know About Concept Design to Get the Landscape You
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