Site planning process/research and inventory Important information to be considered in research and inventory phase

1. Natural 2. Cultural 3. Aesthetic factors

NATURAL FACTORS
1. Geology (from the Greek , g, "earth" and , logos, "study") is the science comprising the study of solid earth the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which it evolves. Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth, as it provides the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates. In modern times, geology is commercially important for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration and for evaluating water resources; is publicly important for the prediction and understanding of natural hazards, the remediation of environmental problems, and for providing insights into past climate change; plays an essential role in geotechnical engineering; and is a major academic discipline. 2`. Geomorphology- is the branch of geology that deals with the study of origin and natural distribution of landforms Physiography describes the landform condition Landforms refers to the description of the earths surface derived from t he volcanic or erosional processes. Soil- the study of the inherent charscteritics of soil aid in making decision with regards to the type of foundation for structures, location of activities and developments such as residential, commercial, recreational, industrial, etc. Soil type is an important factor in landscaping in determining softscapes to be specified in a given site. a. soil composition-organic matter, mineral particles, water, air b. mineral particles- sand and gravel provide for the greatest stability giving relatively high bearing capacity. clay tend to be more variable in stability . Soil bearing capacity refers to the soil resistance to penetration from a weighted object such as building foundation. Classes of soil- clay, loam, sand Topography and slopes Slope analysis (see earlier lectures for computation) is a process of determining the shape of the ground to accommodate specific activities (residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, etc). Slopes Descriptions 0% -5% 5%-10% 10%-15% 15%-20% generally flat gently rolling gentle to mild slopes mild to steep slope suitable for all possible developments moderately buildable moderately difficult terrain difficult terrain

20%- above

harsh, steep slope

unbuildable

Slope requirements for various land uses Land use maximum Housing sites 20% playgrounds 2%-3% Parking lots 3% Sidewalks 10% streets 15% 12% 20kmph 10% 30kmph 8% 40kmph 7% 50kmph 5% 60kmph 4% 70kmph Industrial sites factories 3%-4%

minimum 0% .05% .05% 0%

optimum 2% 1% 1% 1% 1%

0%

2%

Vegetation relevant plant materials in site planning Climate control Uses: Climate Control Visual barrier Aesthetics definition Space definition View control mood Noise control Pollution control Glare and reflection control Erosion control Wildlife habitat of flora and fauna Open land wildlife-birds and mammals often associated with crop fields, meadows, pastures, and nonforested lands.

Hydrology surface and sub-surface drainage patterns of water such as river, lakes, seas, etc. For site planning. These bodies of water require thorough flood study Flood plains are areas susceptible to flooding Aquifers are water-bearing strata of rocks, gravel, or sand in which the ground water is restored Wetlands are areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency or duration sufficient to support life. Marsh is an example of a wetland. Swamp lands are covered with water or have water-logged soil.

Soil suitability- for land uses such as absorption fields for septic tank, street and parking areas, dwellings with basements, ponds or reservoir, recreation facilities, like playing fields. Soil classification as a requirement for plant habitat. Vegetation-pertains to plants, land covers such as creepers, grass, shade giving trees, fruit bearing trees, trees for timber, plants for aesthetics, food medicinal, ecological balance, etc. Eco-system pertains to water and land

Wildlife-pertains to flora (plants) and fauna (animals) existing on open land, woodland and wetland. It is an important consideration in choosing sites for recreational areas; for large areas to be converted to other uses (subdivisions, golf courses, etc).

CULTURAL FACTORS
Existing land use-patterns of existing land use must be designated in relation to the site. Community facilities, residential, commercial, industrial, recreational uses are studied to denote overall trends in the development that may have bearing on the uses of the land adjacent to and including the site under study. The site planner should determine the future development of the site. Off site nuisances-visual, auditory, or olfactory and safety hazards must be considered such as railroad tracts, automobiles, air traffic, etc. Linkages- involve movement of people , goods, communications, or amenities. Addition of parkways, pedestrians, housing would need strengthening of linkages. Traffic- what is the relationship of traffic patterns to each other and to the site? Depending on the complexity of the problem, these mode of transportation should be reviewed to show if and how these facilities will integrate with the future site development. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Volume of traffic Origin and destination Purpose Time of the day Volume of people

Density and Zoning Density- the most important sociological and legal element of development. For residential, it is expressed in number of families or dwellings per given space. It may also be expressed in floor area ratio or gross floor area covering the site-if all floor areas were spread out and assumed to be one storey in height as compared with the total site acreage. Density influence privacy, freedom of movement or social contact of people.

Zoning-one of the many legal and administrative devices which city plans are implemented. Zoning promotes health, safety and general welfare of the public. Zoning regulates: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Setbacks Building heights Parking adjustments Building bulk Maximum lot coverage Types of building use Density

Subdivision regulations-control the development of real estate by requiring the developers to meet specific requirements and design standards that are established so a plot can be recorded and lots be sold. The regulations may concern: 1. Street layout 2. Lot sizes 3. Community facilities such as playgrounds, schools, religious service 4. Unsaleable lots for open spaces 5. Community utilities such as water, electricity, communications services. Socio-economic factors-study of community and its social and economic structure is very important. Demographic- population trends in a local market area can identify the potential user or consumer. Demographic characteristics are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Birth Sex Death Age Family size Occupation Income level Housing accommodation Tax rates, others

Existing buildings-will strongly influence the physical layout of the new site plan and will help establish the grading and drainage of the site. These existing buildings will also determine the choice of the future architectural expression in the building type, color, facade. Texture, material, roof style etc. To ensure coherence and unity in the design.

Aesthetic Factors
Natural-outstanding features of the earth, rock, water and plant materials. Spatial patterns-views on site may be pleasing or objectionable bears heavily on the orientation of the building. This factor should be carefully studied:

1. Views are framed, open, enclosed 2. Filtered or screened. Be sure to note their sequence. Visual barriers-elements such as elevated highways or rivers cut off views or part of a community. Vistas-may be natural or man-made. It is the dominant focal point or terminus that is strongly emphasized and is framed and balanced by minor elements forming masses to enclose the vista and screen out conflicting objects from composition. The open space or line of site of the vista is strongly directional element leading the observer toward the focal point of closer observation.

SITE INVENTORY PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES Topography (elevation,slope) Hydrology (drainage, patterns,wetlands,aqui fer recharge areas) Soils (stability, erodability,bearing capacity) Geology (landforms, seismic hazards, depth to bedrock) Microclimate (solar access, winds, precipitation, frost, fog) BIOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES Ecological communities (green infrastructure, habitats,patches and corridors) Vegetation (specimen, trees,exotic,invasive species habitat or threatened species) CULTURAL ATTRIBUTES Land use (districts, sites, buildings etc) Open spaces Legal regulations