SITE PLANNING & LANDSCAPING

Chapter 2:
Site Selection Parameters and Analysis

• When analyzing the site, we

also have to consider the
impact of the structure on the
surrounding environment.
• If the proposed structure
would have any negative
impact on the environment.

AR MARCELINO ENALAS DUMPA, ASST. PROF

 2.0 DEFINITION
Site Selection: Site Analysis:
• A process made to confirm the • Site’s detailed study and its
potential of any site to support a surroundings to justify design
particular project.
proposal.
• selected on the basis of the demand
• Includes natural features such
of the construction.
• includes review of;
as;
a. zoning regulations and their a. topography,
impact on the project, b. vegetation,
b. infrastructure assessment of the c. wetlands, and
on-site and adjacent utilities, and
d. solar orientation.
c. examination of any existing
man-made structures on the site e. vehicular and pedestrian
that would impact the proposed circulation
project. • also included for larger projects.
 2.1 INTRODUCTION
Site selection: Choosing a site is not a simple task.
• Countless factors must be
• indicates the practice examined. ;
of new facility a. natural,
location, both for b. man-made,
business and c. social and economics
How we build on a site will have an
government. impact on the;
• involves measuring the d. local and global environment
needs of a new project on-going cost (utility bills,
maintenance) and
against the merits of e. physical and psychological
potential locations. well-being.
Site analysis:
A vital step in the design process,
involving the evaluation of an existing
or potential site in relation to the ff.:
1. development program,
2. environmental impact,
3. impacts on the community and
adjacent properties,
4. project budget, and
5. schedule.
Site key issues in recent years;
6. parking requirements
7. feasibility analysis
8. site planning process
for many projects in urban and
suburban areas throughout the world.
• Almost every jurisdiction has
requirements for parking counts
in relation to site density.
• State and local governments,
are uniform and effective in
enforcing environmental
controls on development.
• Analysis of a building program
and the capability of a site to;
1. accommodate it,
2. combined with an
assessment of political,
3. environmental, and
4. regulatory issues,
reveals the development value
of a parcel of land.
 2.2 SITE SUITABILITY
Building Site Selection; Six (6) Environmentally
1. Close to work, schools, Sensitive Areas
shopping, etc. to 1. creeks,
minimize travel 2. lakes,
distances and time. 3. aquifer,
2. Protect 4. tree covered hills,
environmentally
5. wildlife,
sensitive areas that
make some of the 6. native wildflowers
special. and plants.
 Site Repair
• Choosing abused site that
has been ( stripped of
A special approach to
vegetation,
building site selection on
eroded, invaded by exotic
the basis of aesthetic and
vegetation ) for the
economic benefits for the building location.
prospective owners while • Scarred area: placement
restoring the local of the new building on
environment rather than this area often leaves the
burdening it. more beautiful areas to be
considered and enjoyed.
 SITE SELECTION PARAMETERS
• Today’s rapid growth, Eight (8) Site Selection
dwindling resources and Parameters:
increasing pollution threats,
concern for human and
environmental health are 1. Exposure
causing us to take a closer look 2. Location
starting with the building site.
3. Zoning
• Selecting a potential site
whether urban, suburban or 4. Permits
rural, there are many aspects 5. Traffic Patterns
to be examined with respect to 6. Road Access
how healthy the people and
the building on that site can be. 7. Utilities
8. Demographics
 SITE ANALYSIS
Eight (8) Steps for Site
In analyzing the site we
Analysis:
have to consider or
1. Geological and
identify;
Hydrological Structure
• the structure’s positive
2. Accessibility to Site.
impact of the
3. Major Landmarks
surrounding
4. Site Orientation
environment.
5. Climatology Factors
• if the proposed structure
6. Economic Feasibility
will has negative impact
7. Sustainability Factors
on the environment.
8. Site Services
 Geological & Hydrological Structure
• Survey of the site to
figure out the geological
and hydrological
structure of the site.
• The presence of water on
the site and the general
pattern of drainage are
important concerns of
the site analysis. Water is
often the key feature of a
site.
Geological Disasters
• Geological hazards, or
dangers caused by geological
(i.e., Earth) processes, such
as plate tectonics, are a type
of risk. Earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions are
examples of this. In general,
geological extreme events
are beyond human control,
however, humans have a
significant impact on the
events’ consequences.
 Hydrological Disasters
• Hazards caused by
hydrological (water)
processes are known as
hydrological hazards.
Floods, droughts,
mudslides, and tsunamis
are examples of natural
disasters. Floods and
droughts may cause havoc
on agriculture and are one
of the leading causes of
famine.
 What is a Natural Disaster
• A natural disaster is the
highly harmful impact on a
society or community
following a natural hazard
event.
• Some examples of natural
hazard events include:
flooding, drought,
earthquake,
tropical cyclone, lightning,
tsunami, volcanic activity,
wildfire
 Types of Natural Disasters

– Geological Disasters
– Meteorological Disaster
s • Examples of Natural Dis
– Hydrological Disasters
asters
– Geological Disasters
– Biological Disasters
– Hydrological Disasters
– Tornadoes
– Meteorological Disaster
– Hurricanes
s
– Floods – Other Disasters
– Earthquake
– Drought
 Site Accessibility

• Easy accessibility to the

site is very important
for any kind of project.
• Main entrances and the
main road abutting the
site has to be noted.
 Major Landmarks
• Proximity to the site
and to know what kind
of impact these
structures have relative
to the site.
• Five (5) Major
Landmarks such as;
1. Shopping Centers
2. Railway Station
3. Airport
4. Bus Stand
5. Others
 Site Orientation
• Warm humid climates (coastal
locations above the Tropic of
Capricorn) are the exception,
where orientation is about
access to cooling breezes and
shade.
• Good orientation can
significantly improve your
comfort and reduce your
heating and cooling needs.
The best orientation for your
home is the one that suits
your climate zone.
 Climatology Factors
• Climate can be Micro Climate:
subdivided into Two (2) • Variations in local
Major Divisions; climate around the
1. Micro Climate building.
2. Macro Climate Macro Climate:
• Study the climate of • Climate of a larger area
the place in order to such as region or
design a Bio-Climatic country.
structure.
 Economic Feasibility
Example:
• Proposal for a five (5) star
• Site location and hotel on the highway
detailed site analysis would not be economically
will give you an idea of feasible because you
the economic would not have the kind of
feasibility of the user for a target venture.
project. • Hence, going for a
construction of a highway
Restaurant would be more
feasible.
 Sustainability Factors
• Apart from
Environmental we are
looking at Sustainability
in term of construction.
• The importance to satisfy
the Three (3) Principles of
Green Architecture:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Water Efficiency
3. Material Efficiency
 Site Services
• Study of services on site is
very important. The major
site services include;
1. Water Supply
2. Electricity Lines
3. Drainage Lines
• After absolute site study, one
can conclude the kind of
project to be executed,
feasibility and sensitivity to
be shown towards the design
of structure and the site as
well.
 Climate, Flora, Fauna and Soil
• Chosen building site greatly
affect the comfort and
energy efficiency.
• South facing slope or good
southern exposure on a lot
allows the long sides of the
building to face north and
south will facilitate the
utilization of prevailing
summer breeze.
Examination of a particular site’s unique
characteristics is important;
1. Top of a hill maybe too windy, drying and
exposed to the hot sun.
2. A valley maybe too damp, windless,
foggy or subject to flooding.
3. Location and type of trees shall be
evaluated for summer shading assistance,
breeze channeling or blocking.
4. Flat area and natural clearing will
minimize disruption of natural
vegetation.
5. When trees and vegetation must be
removed, replanting elsewhere on or off
the site.
6. Respect existing wildlife trails and habitat
to enhance wildlife observation and
enjoyment
 Social, Psychological & Functional
• The feeling of the site,- inviting or
forbidding, hot or cool, open or
intimate – may affect how much
building owners take advantage
of the outdoor living spaces.
• Maximum use of patios, decks or
natural clearings
• Can result in the need for less
indoor areas for psychological
and physical benefits for being
outdoor.
• Existing tree groupings, landforms or
structures to create pleasant, usable
outdoor spaces.
• Offsite conditions may affect outdoor
livability or indoor living with open
windows
• (such as traffic noise, odor or pollution)
should be considered before selecting a
site.
• Site selection decisions that are good for
the environment have direct positive
benefits on the occupants’ health and
well-being and budget.
• Help the environment through more
thoughtful site election and design is one
important step towards a continued high
quality of life.
Chapter 2:
Site Selection Parameters and Analysis

THE END