Mingo, Daniel J.

BS Arch 3-2

Planning 1
Archt. Rey Gabitan

A. Give other definition for site planning and landscape architecture.

Site Planning
focuses on the physical design and arrangement of built and natural
elements of a land parcel.
involves the orderly, efficient, aesthetic and ecologically sensitive
integration of man-made objects with a site's natural features including
topography, vegetation, drainage, water, wildlife and climate.
Landscape Architecture
the art and science of analysis, planning design, management,
preservation and rehabilitation of the land.
is concerned with detailed outdoor space design for residential,
commercial, industrial, institutional, and public spaces. It involves the
treatment of a site as art, the balance of hard and soft surfaces in outdoor
and indoor spaces, the selection of construction and plant materials,
infrastructure such as irrigation, and the preparation of detailed
construction plans and documents.
B. Components of a good site plan

Geology and Soils - may be important in terms of stability, suitability for

structural foundations, erosion susceptibility, surface drainage, and soil
fertility to support plant growth.
Vegetation - The presence of trees and other plants may on the other
hand make a site attractive for certain kinds of housing and/or for
recreation facilities.
Hydrology and Drainage Susceptibility to erosion and the problem of
sedimentation to off-site water flow are also problems to be noted
Microclimate - refer to variations to the general climate such as might be
created by topography, plants and vegetation, exposure to winds,
elevation above sea level, and relationships to structural elements
Views A visual analysis is the most practical means of determining
positive and negative on-site and off-site views
Existing Structures / Infrastructure The availability of essential utilities
water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, gas, electric, telephone, etc. is
crucial to the potential for site development from both an economic and
environmental standpoint

Legal Constraints These may include legal property

boundaries, easements , rights of way; restrictive covenants, and deed
restrictions

C. Strategies to be considered in developing a good site plan

advisable to avoid disturbing natural subsurface drainage patterns such

as high water tables which have implications for locations of structures or
excavations
Vegetation can modify the climate by providing shade, protecting potential
development from winter winds or by channeling summer breezes. Plant
coverage enhances soil stability, provides an indication of soil conditions
(e.g., wetlands) and relates to potential wildlife habitats. Therefore, a site
with extensive mature vegetation would be less suitable for high-density
development from the standpoint of environmental character.
the suitability of soils is very much dependent upon the proposed uses. A
site suitable for intensive structural development may be unsuitable for
recreational activities and vice-versa
If utilities are available to tap into directly adjacent to a site, the costs of
development may be significantly minimized. Environmentally, if storm
and sanitary sewers are not available, the options for land development
may be severely restricted
visual impact of its surroundings upon potential on-site development
Possible auditory nuisance: Noise produced by heavy automobiles, trains,
air traffic etc. and the surrounding population has to be studied.
Olfactory nuisance: Dumps, chemicals, other wastes in and around the
site have to be taken care of.
Safety Hazards: Severe or sudden changes in landform, such as a steep
cliff at the edge of the site have to be noted.

D. What is sustainable site planning and what are the factors to be considered to
have a sustainable site plan?
Sustainable Site Planning:

Sustainable planning and design must recognize the intrinsic value

of nature and encourage the identification and preservation of highquality habitats that can reconnect people and nature, as well as
the preservation and restoration of natural processes.
Sustainable planning and design must recognize the need to
eliminate waste, the evaluation of the full life cycle of materials, and
the financial viability of a project.
must recognize the impact of design decisions on human wellbeing, the responsibility to create relevant designs, and to provide

for all communities. This, in turn, encourages the protection of

public health, safety, and welfare, as well as promoting greenspace
conservation
Factors to be considered:

Water Resources there should be adequate water resources like

stream, lake, pond, etc.
Land Forms the slope of the land should low enough to avoid
sudden erosion
Soils the type of soil should be appropriate to the development
which will be executed
Livability it should be a humane environment setting
Microclimate
Vegetation - Vegetation that could provide shade to buildings,
parking lots, or spaces used for mental restoration, social
interaction, or physical activities
Renewable Energy if possible, there should have a source of
renewable energy within the site
Air Quality air-polluted areas should be avoided in choosing a
good site
Utilities the site should have a proper wastewater system,
electricity, and communication signals as well
Cultural
Staging/Storage Considerations

E. What is green site planning and strategies to achieve a green site planning
Green Site Planning:
integrate sustainable elements, such as recycling materials,
innovative stormwater management, sensitive site layout, native (or
naturalized) landscape materials, and site lighting into a complete
site package

Stategies:
Selecting a facility site that is compatible with the land-use patterns
and then using that site to dictate the layout of the facility, rather
than trying to force a site to fit a given building
Placement of the facility can take advantage of topography,
prevailing drainage patterns, existing vegetation, access, view, and

sun angles to create better passive solar conditions that save on

energy usage
Existing canopy trees and/or natural areas on the site should be
saved whenever possible.
Consider sustainable site materials for public amenities
Existing vegetation and landscape can decrease heat-island effects
around a facility.
Construction costs can be lessened by working with the site
contours rather than mass grading, which creates air pollution
(dust), erosion potential, and ecosystem loss.
Develop sequential staging to minimize site disruption.
Orient building to take advantage of solar energy for passive and
active solar systems.
Harness solar energy, airflow patterns, natural water sources, and
the insulating quality of land forms for building temperature control.
Design access roads, landscaping, and ancillary structures to
channel wind toward main buildings for cooling, or away from them
to reduce heat loss.