MODULE 1 – SITE PLANNING OVERVIEW

A branch of landscape architecture and urban design that focuses on the design and
development of the specific areas. It involves analyzing the physical, social, and
environmental characteristics of a site to determine its suitability.

DEFINITIONS FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

-​ Kevin Lynch
​ “The art of arranging structures on the land and shaping the spaces between; an
art linked to architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and city planning.”

-​ Harvey Rubenstein
​ “The art and science of arranging the uses of portions of land. These uses are
designated in detail by selecting and analyzing sites, forming land use plans, organizing
vehicular and pedestrian circulation..”

2 METHODS OF ESTABLISHING A SITE

-​ Site Selection Process

​ Selects from a list of potential sites that suits the project best.

-​ Development Suitability Process

This process selects the best possible use and development suited for a given
site, also known as Land SuitabilityTest.
TERMS

-​ SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

Refers to the set of factors used to evaluate different sites for a particular use of
land.
-​ FEASIBILITY
​ The practicality of a project (financially, technically, regulatory.)
-​ HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF LAND
​ Refers to the most economically productive and efficient use of a land.
-​ MARKET DEMAND
​ The potential demand for the site or project.

FACTORS TO DETERMINE THE MAXIMUM POTENTIAL OF A LAND.

-​ FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE
-​ LEGALLY PERMISSIBLE
-​ PHYSICALLY POSSIBLE
-​ MAXIMALLY PRODUCTIVE

COMMON FACTORS IN SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

-​ Accessibility
-​ Zoning and Land Use Regulations
-​ Environmental Conditions
-​ Utilities
-​ Demographics
-​ Economic Factors
-​ Market Potential

PRELIMINARY PHASE DEDICATED TO THESE FACTORS:

Natural Factors

Geology - Its composition, the process that shaped its surface and its history.
Geomorphology - Physiology, landforms, soils, drainage, topography, etc.
Hydrology - Surface and ground water.
Climate - Solar Orientation
Wildlife - Habitats
Vegetation - Climatic control
Cultural Factors

Historic Factors - existing historic buildings.

Utilities - Existing sanitary, storm water, etc.
Socio-economic - existing economic and social activities.
Existing land-use - ownership of adjacent property.
Traffic and Transit - Vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
Density and Zoning - Legal and Regulatory controls

Aesthetic Factors

Natural Features - existing features that enhance the physical appearance of the site.
Visual Resources - Existing views and vistas that has to be captured or utilized.
Spatial Patterns - Urban Fabric, Dominant architectural patterns.

SITE ANALYSIS TOOLS

Site Inventory - used to assess existing conditions and determine how or if they or
should change. Includes existing structures, vegetation, geology, topography, utilities,
etc.

Site Analysis Map - graphic translation of key observations of a site.

Map Overlay Analysis - is a GIS operation that superimposes multiple data sets for the
purpose of identifying relationships between them.

Remote Sensing Technology - techniques that use satellite imagery, drones, or other
means to gather information about a site from a distance.

Soil Analysis Equipment - used to investigate the physical and chemical properties of
a soil.

SITE DEVELOPMENT

Process of preparing a piece of land for construction or other intended use.

SITE DEVELOPMENT TERMS

Zoning - regulations that control the use of land and dictate what types of development
can take place in the area.
Building Code - Set of regulations that dictate the minimum standards for construction.
Site Plan - a detailed drawing or map of a proposed development.
Landscaping - the design and implementation of outdoor spaces.
Setback - minimum distance that a building must be located from the property line.
Stormwater Management - the design and implementation of measures to control and
manage flow of stormwater.
Site grading - process of altering the existing terrain of a site.
Erosion control - measures to prevent or control soil erosion such as retaining walls,
vegetation slopes, etc.
Percentage of Site Occupancy (PSO) - Ratio of the total area covered by buildings to
the total area of a site.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) - measure of the density of a development, calculated as the
ratio of the total floor area of a building.
Access - means by which people, vehicles and goods can enter and exit a site.
Parking requirements - Regulations specifying the number of parking spaces required
for a given use or development
Site lighting - design and installation of lighting fixtures.
Fencing - a barrier or enclosure to define property lines
Buffer - area of land set aside to separate 2 uses or activities.
Ecosystem services - benefits that people derive from ecosystems such as clean air
and water.
Site services - Utilities and other services that are provided to a site such as electricity
and water.
DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS

These are regulations and guidelines that are used to control and manage the
development of land.

TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS

Zoning - set of regulations that determine the types of uses that are allowed on a
particular piece of land.
Building codes - Regulations that set standards for the design, construction, and
safety of buildings and structures.
Impact assessment - studies and evaluates the potential impacts of a proposed
development on the environment.
Design standards - regulations that set standards for the appearance and design of
buildings, structures, and public spaces.
Performance standards - regulations that set standards for the operation and
performance of buildings and structures, such as energy efficiency and noise levels.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

It is the analysis, planning, and design of exterior living spaces. Landscape design
today integrates a wide variety of elements to achieve functional and beautiful spaces
for outdoor living.

TERMS ASSOCIATED WITH LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Landscape architecture - focuses more on urban planning, city and regional parks,
civic and corporate landscapes, etc.
Gardening - the practice of growing and cultivating plants as part of horticulture.
Horticulture - the branch of agriculture that deals with the art, science, technology, and
business of plant cultivation.

HARDSCAPE
-​ Hard garden elements including statuary boulders, paths, patios, and walls.
SOFTSCAPE
-​ Refers to the horticultural elements of a landscape. This includes flowers, plants,
shrubs, trees, flower beds, etc.