UNIT-04

Subject: Landscape Architecture Code: 5AR04

Site planning and Site Analysis - Objectives of site planning, factors affecting the site
planning process, study of land-forms, role of micro climate, site characteristics and
preparation of site inventory towards sustainable site planning with examples from
Kevin Lynch, Ian McHarg and John O Simonds. Site analysis diagram - Organization of
spaces, zoning, circulation, built form and open spaces analysis and their
representation through drawings.

Introduction - Planning and design occur as a process, by which we mean that they
follow a logical sequence of actions or events that must be carried out to arrive at a
viable solution. It is a multi-disciplinary problem-solving operation often involving
architects, landscape architects and engineers, and frequently may require input
from physical scientists as well to address environmental issues. It requires a logical
objectivity for some steps, but also allows room for subjective design interpretation
at others.

Objectives of Site Planning

 Design of outdoor spaces to compliment Architectural spaces/ Built Forms.

 To control & enhance the outdoor & Indoor environment. (Climate, Noise,
Lighting, odor, shade, wind movement)
 Defining a space. (various space usage, framing, surprise, emphasis)
 Relating to scale.
 Creating Seasonal Variation.
 Attempt to camouflage & compliment built spaces with Nature.
 Reduce Energy Consumption levels of Built spaces.
 Recreating modes, Recluse (Psychological) Living with Non-Living.

Kevin Lynch outlines an eight-stage site planning cycle:

1. Defining the problem - The entire process begins with the determination of a
problem to be solved. Obviously, it is land use related, frequently initiated by a client
contacting a planner to design a particular facility, often for a predetermined
site. Program development is a good example of the cyclical nature of the design
process.
2. Programming and the analysis of site and user - At this point in the process, the
designer can use this general goal statement plus the identification of the site to
begin collecting information relevant to the site and the surrounding area and
compiling it in a form in which it can be mapped. This data is then analyzed in terms
of its implications for development of the site for the stated purpose. These are in
fact two distinct steps, inventory or research and analysis. Site inventory is done by
analyzing the following:

 Site Location
 Existing conditions
 Topography and Slopes
 Geology and soils
 Vegetation
 Hydrology and Drainage
 Micro Climate
 Views
 Existing structures & Infrastructures
 Legal constraints

3. Schematic design and the preliminary cost estimate - Conceptual design begins
with functional diagrams in which we explore the relationships of program elements
and activities. This is first done as “ideal” or non-site related diagrams to establish
the best abstract relationships among the various components of the project
program. This is essentially a diagrammatic exploration in which the designer may
move through a series of alternative arrangements until he/she achieves a solution
which maximizes the positive relationships and minimizes the number of conflicts.
4. Developed design and detailed costing - Presuming that the project is to go
forward, the designer refines the development of the preliminary plan, giving precise
form, dimension and indication of materials to the proposed elements. In other
words, he/she precisely locates buildings and paved surfaces, delineates ground
forms and planted areas, and indicates necessary utilities. The plan is frequently
supplemented with a series of supporting drawings.
5. Contract documents - Based upon the approved site plan or master plan, the
designer is ready to begin the implementation phase of the design process. This is a
series of drawings and written information referred to as the construction or
contract documents.
6. Bidding and contracting - Includes the bidding process by which the contractors
are selected and the actual construction takes place. The designer is involved to
various degrees on different projects in supervision and approval as the project is
built.
7. Construction
8. Occupation and management - The design process does not really end. Since we
are dealing with a “living” entity – a work in progress – involving natural, growing
elements in the environment into which we are proposing to introduce man-made
structural elements. This requires an understanding of how these potentially
conflicting components may be integrated.

Example: Two large laboratories (Chemical research & Polymer research) with an
area of 125 hectares.
Site planning by Ian McHarg:

Renowned for his book “Design with Nature” Ian L. McHarg (1920-2001) was one of
the most influential environmental planners and landscape architects of the 20th
century.

By “design with nature” McHarg meant that the way we occupy and modify the
earth is best when it is planned and designed with careful regard to both the ecology
and the character of the landscape.

In this way, he argued that our cities, industries and farms etc. could avoid major
natural hazards and become truly regenerative .

More deeply, McHarg believed that by ‘living with rather than against the more
powerful forces and flows of the landscape, communities would gain a stronger
sense of place and identity.’

‘Layer Cake’ method: A Method that describes the ‘selection of layers’ preparation
of ‘Inventory’.
Process and Form

Mankind is a destructive force.

They destroy forests to build their own desires but forget that they are not the only
creatures living on this planet. Overall mankind is a negative force. He describes all
elements of Nature as Form and ......Form as communication , as information. Look
to nature to understand form & a basis for expression [man – nature – environment -
city ]. Creativeness is a universal prerequisite which man shared with all creatures.
So ‘form follows nothing’ ....it is integral with all the processes. Form can be ill fit,
mis fit, unfit, fit & most fitting.

Taos Pueblo, New Mexico Falling Waters, Pennsylvania

Example: Planning a transportation corridor
Site Planning by John O Simonds

He was a visionary landscape architect, planner, educator, and environmentalist.

Simonds was an original modernist landscape architect and one of the most
influential and well-known of his time. Started practicce along with his brother
‘Environmental Planning and Development Partnership.’ Author of several books
such as ‘Landscape Architecture: The Shaping of Man's Natural Environment’ .
‘Landscape Architecture: Manual of Environmental Planning and Design’ etc. He
states ‘One designs not places, or spaces, or things, one designs experiences.’

The site- planning procedure normally involves the following ten steps, several of
which may take place concurrently:

1. Definition of intent (scope, goal, and objectives)

2. Procurement of topographic survey
3. Program development
4. Data gathering and analysis
5. Site reconnaissance
6. Organization of reference plan set and file
7. Preparation of exploratory studies
8. Comparative analysis and revision of studies, leading to an approved conceptual
plan
9. Development of preliminary development plans and estimate of costs
10. Preparation of construction plans, specifications, and bidding documents

The following procedure is suggested as a guide to systematic site analysis:

 Regional Influences
 Project Site

 Site Analysis Map

 Site - Structure Plan
 Conceptual Plan
 Comparitive Analysis / Impact Assessment Check list
 Plan developed to 3D Visualization

 Site development and design

Summary of Site planning and Analysis