Physical and Aesthetic Consideration

According to Merriam Webster,

Aesthetics is the study of beauty and
taste, whether in the form of the comic,
the tragic, or the sublime. The word
comes from the Greek word aisthetikos,
referring to sensory perception and
understanding or sensuous knowledge.1

Merriam Webster also define

physical as having material
existence: perceptible especially
through the senses and subject to the
laws of nature. 2

Aesthetics is how buildings relate to their

individual sites. That is a personal, FIGURE 1
philosophical choice. Urban
environments differ from suburban or rural sites. There are local building codes and
regulations that must be gathered from government offices. Existing utilities (if any) must be
discovered. Topographic maps, zoning maps, hydrological maps, geological maps and etc. A
lot of information must be gathered before any plans can be developed.3

Physical consideration allowed us to create virtual worlds of interaction, our collective need
for memorable places, meaningful communities, and ecologically appropriate settlements
has never been greater. The purpose of this concentration is to enable planning students to
contribute to the design, function, and sustainability of our communities.4

SITE CONTEXT

1
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aesthetic
2
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical
3
November 2016, architect David Grant: https://www.quora.com/What-are-all-aesthetic-and-physical-
considerations-to-think-on-when-it-comes-to-site-planning-in-architecture
4
http://internal.tcaup.umich.edu/planning/programs/graduate/concentrations/physical_planning_and_urban
_design/
The ‘context’ refers to the environment in which a development is located. It is the specific
and immediate setting in which the development sits and with which it engages. It could be
as small as a row of houses, or as large as a village centre.

As the examples at the right show, there is a long history of designers responding in
thoughtful ways to the Peninsula’s built and natural environments. It is this ability and
willingness to engage with the specific qualities of the site and context that has led to many
examples of fine development.5

Good site and context analysis is a crucial step in achieving good design in the planning
process.

Advantages of good analysis:6

- Better value
- Better environmental sustainability
- Better connectivity
- Better accessibility
- Better security
- Better health and well-being benefits
- Better sense of place
- Better cost effectiveness

Analysis means ‘pulling apart’ the Context Area

Description to find the implications for the design

The Context Description explains the features of the Context Area. Analysis uses this
information to assess the qualities of the Context Area, the ways the development will
impact upon these qualities, and how the design can optimise the development’s
relationship with the Context Area. The Analysis should also identify site opportunities such
as valuable views, sunlight for living spaces and quality of existing vegetation.7

5
Committed in sustainable peninsula: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/ecc24be4-39c8-4364-
a900.../152206ca_att_45_1.pdf
6
Design commission for wales: site context analysis www.rtpi.org.uk/media/1842043/jen_heal.pdf
7
Committed in sustainable peninsula: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/ecc24be4-39c8-4364-
a900.../152206ca_att_45_1.pdf
 FIGURE 2

According tan 12n(2016) “Understanding the site and its immediate and wider context is the
basis for a meaningful and sustainable design response, and is the responsibility of all those
involved in the design process, particularly planning applicants and their agents and those
formulating and implementing design policy and guidance.”8

FIGURE 3

8
Design commission for wales: site context analysis www.rtpi.org.uk/media/1842043/jen_heal.pdf
Committed in sustainable peninsula: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/ecc24be4-39c8-4364-
a900.../152206ca_att_45_1.pdf
IMAGE AND SYMBOL
The drawing of an architectural working drawing requires a knowledge of the
sym-bols and terms commonly used in the design and construction industry.
All architectural working drawings must communicate in a clear and
concise manner to the builders.9

FIGURE 4

9
Natasha silfanu :
https://www.academia.edu/4830824/ARCHITECTURAL_DRAWING_INFORMATION_ARCHITECTURAL_SYMBOLS
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 7