Introduction to Site Planning. These slides should be able to provide urban planners a simple guide to factors and issues to consider in planning a a site. These slides were prepared for urban design class for masters students in Makerere University Kampala ( Uganda)

1. BASIC SITE
PLANNING
References: Kevin Lynch and Gary Hack
(1984)
Credits: Original slide by Dr. Omolo-Okalebo. Edited and presented by Dr. Apell.

2. Site selectionSite selection
• For every site there is an ideal use
• For every use there is an ideal site.

3. What are factors influencing siteWhat are factors influencing site
planning?planning?
1. Natural factors : Geology and soil, topography, habitat,
microclimate, Hydrology.
The categories of data and its interpretation is related to
the proposed project. The level of detail depends on the
nature of the program --how simple or complex and the
type of site --rural or urban
2. Man-made factors : existing uses, man-made
features, legal regulations and historical associations.
3. Aesthetic factors : visual qualities and relationship.
4. Metrological: Climate, Natural Disasters etc.

4. Stage 1: Site Analysis
• Consultation with client
• Simple site visit.
• This results in a drawing to provide a rough
sketch of locations and concept of plan.
• Drawing and graphics are generally abstract.

5. Source: http://www.ts-architects.co.uk: retrieved 11/19/15

6. Collection & Analysis of existing
Site information
Locate and collect any information not found on existing plans

7. Natural factorsNatural factors

8. Slope and Topography
• Slope and topography describe the shape and
relief of land.
• Topography is a measurement of elevation and
relief of the Land. Topography is measured with
contours that connect points representing the
same elevation
• Slope is the difference in elevation from one point
to another divided by the lateral distance between
those points.

9. Why are slope and Topography important?
• Reduce construction costs
• Minimize risks from natural hazards such as flooding and
landslides,
• Minimize the impacts of proposed developments on
natural resources such as soils, vegetation and water
systems.
• Vreate a model of the land surface (digital elevation
model) or three dimensional physical models.

10. 09/03/2004 10
Topographic mapTopographic map
•Locations
•Natural Features
•Man-made Features
•Elevation And Relief
•Vegetation
•Hydrographic, Water Body
•Roads, Buildings
Source: Discoverdesign.org. Retrieved: 11/19/15
i

11. 09/03/2004 11
Slope analysisSlope analysis
• Slope analysis is
used to measure the
suitability of the
gradient of the
terrain for each type
of development.
Slope is a measure of the steepness of a
surface and may be expressed in either degrees
or percent of slope. In this example, the red cells
show steep areas and the green cells show flat
areas
Source: http://www.geography.hunter.cuny.edu.
11/19/2015

12. Typical questions:
1. Contour interval, pattern of landform
2. Natural drainage pattern
3. Unique features
4. Slope analysis and percent slope.
5. Site dangers: Land slide potential, sink holes,
Slope analysisSlope analysis
Source: Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors, accessed April, 7 2014

13. 09/03/2004 13
Hydrological cycleHydrological cycle
Source: http://www.sws.uiuc.edu/: Retrieved 11/19/15

14. 09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors 14
• Soil classification ( Loam, Clay, Sand)
• Soil survey data
• Why is soil information important?
Natural factors: SoilNatural factors: Soil

15. 09/03/2004 15
Soil classificationsSoil classifications • Soil classification:
general soil type
based on soil texture.
The triangle indicates
the relative
proportions of three
particle sizes -- sand,
silt and clay.
• Key words for soil
characteristics-- Soil
texture, soil porosity, Soil
chemistry, soil moisture
Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia, accessed 11/19/2015

16. Soil mapSoil map
Source:www.esri.com; 11/19/15 16

17. 09/03/2004 17
• Typical questions:
• 1. Which depth is
required?
• 2. Chemical property of
soil ?
• 3. How deep is the water
table/ fluctuation?
Natural factors:soilNatural factors:soil
Source: Soil4kids.org

18. 09/03/2004 18
• Temperature
• Micro-climate
• WIND VELOCITY
• PRECIPITATION RATE
• TEMPERATURE
• HUMIDITY
Metrological FactorsMetrological Factors

19. Note Important Site Features:
• Sun orientation
• Airflow
• Water
• Wildlife
• Population Density
• existing uses of the site & its surroundings
• think of all the senses and record observations - sound /
sight / smell / touch / taste + spirit

20. 09/03/2004 20
Land use/ DevelopmentsLand use/ Developments
• Existing land use on-site, off-site
• the potential of change
• color symbol of land use
• facilities or site amenity

21. 09/03/2004 21
Site surrounding: AerialSite surrounding: Aerial
PhotoPhoto
Source: Speke Resort Kampala

22. 09/03/2004 22
Potential of changePotential of change

23. ExistingExisting
FacilitiesFacilities
Public school
Social service
Hospital
Fire station
Library, Post office
Source: Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors, accessed April, 7 2014

24. 09/03/2004 24
• Linkage and movement pattern
• Connection to activity centers
• Circulation
• Accessibility
• Potential of change
CirculationCirculation
Source: Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors, accessed April, 7 2014

25. 09/03/2004 25
Street systemStreet system

26. 09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors 26
StreetStreet
CapacityCapacity
Source: Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors, accessed April, 7 2014

27. 09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors 27
The comparison
between mass transit
and private car
The number of people
in one hour between
each type of
transportation
Source: Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors, accessed April, 7 2014

28. 09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors 28
• Density : F.A.R
• Zoning district
• Set back, building and other regulation
Law and regulationLaw and regulation

29. 09/03/2004 29
• FAR is one of the density
control device, FAR is a term
the zoning ordinance will use
to quantify and limit the
amount of square footage of
building area as a function of
the building site
F.A.R.=1/2
One-story bldg. Two-story bldg.
Law and regulationLaw and regulation
Site area
Floor area ratio(FAR)= building area

30. 09/03/2004 /Apinya/KMUTTarc354site analysis factors 30
• Zoning setback and
height limits-- these
minimums and
maximums provide the
basis for the maximum
building envelope on
the site.
Laws, codesLaws, codes
& regulation& regulation

31. Aesthetic factorsAesthetic factors

32. 09/03/2004 32
Visual qualityVisual quality
•Landscape special character
•Spatial pattern of the site
•Visual quality and character
•Visual disturbance

33. Utilize special features on landscapeUtilize special features on landscape
09/03/2004 33
Rocky outcrops

34. 09/03/2004 34
Determining views from theDetermining views from the
sitesite
Vista Panoramic view
Framed view Filtered view

35. Stage 2: The Concept Design
• This is typically the initial design response.
• There are no definite rules as to what must be
included in a concept plan.
• Typically, the main features of the landscape design
are shown - for instance the different garden areas
and their relationship to neighboring areas, main
features and main trees.
• Plans are often to scale and include a basic
indication of materials. The drawings are often
illustrative.

36. Measurements
• Measure enough existing features to verify the scale of
your drawings
• Overall length and height of building faces
• Location and width of paths
• Location & size (trunk, canopy and height) of trees &
shrubs

37. Conceptual Diagrams – from Landscape Graphics by Grant W. Reid

38. Stage 3: Preliminary Drawings
• Sometimes Preliminary Designs are produced if a
Concept needs further resolution but the client does
not want to progress to detailed designs or full
tender or construction documents.
• For the preliminary phase, the main goal is to map
out how the complex components will perform the
functions in a given site, and their defined interfaces
within the general environment.
• A presentation is made to the client and the client
assess how well the plan suits their needs and if any
changes need to be made.

39. Stage 4: Detailed Designs /Tender Issue
Plans
• The Tender Issue Plans are used to obtain quotes
from contractors.
• These drawings must communicate the fully
resolved design to the contractors, and include all
details the contractor will need to provide an
accurate quote.
• The drawings must give the contractor enough
information to determine the scope of works to be
done, all the required components, and the ability to
estimate labour requirements.

40. What is Landscape?
• “A portion of the earth’s surface that can be comprehended at a
glance.”
• Landscape may also be defined as natural scenery seen from
a single view point
• ‘Landscape is an attractive, important, and ambiguous term
[that] encompasses an ensemble of ordinary features which
constitute an extraordinarily rich exhibit of the course and
character of any society’ and that ‘Landscape is defined by our
vision and interpreted by our minds.
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