Site Analysis
Dr Shah / 20250801
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Understanding Site
Analysis
A site analysis is a crucial research activity that examines existing
and future conditions of a site. It considers physical qualities,
patterns, relationships, and context to identify opportunities and
constraints.
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Why Conduct a Site Analysis?
Determine Feasibility Identify Issues Uncover Opportunities
Lays the foundation for the Prevents problems that could Highlights factors that enhance
design process. negatively impact the project. design decisions.
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Types of Data for Site Analysis
A thorough site analysis considers three types of data to avoid costly problems:
Mega, Macro, Micro Objective (Hard) Data Subjective (Soft) Data
Analyzing data at city, site, and Conditions existing Conditions influenced by
individual element scales. independently of human human interaction and
interaction. experience.
Every project is unique, so tailor your research depth to specific requirements.
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Objective (Hard) Data
Location & Legal Adjacent Conditions
• Geographic location, site surveys, aerial photos. • Land uses, natural/artificial conditions, distances,
• Title, ownership, easements, caveats. heights.
• Streetscapes, elevations, sections for vertical
Authorities & Utilities
context.
• Zoning, overlays (heritage, environmental), flood
Natural & Artificial Features
levels.
• Sewer, water, gas, electricity, communications, fire • Typography, vegetation, geology, animal species.
access. • Buildings, roads, footpaths, ground surfaces, street
furniture.
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Objective (Hard) Data (Cont.)
Climate Hazards & Risks
• Sun path, solar gain, shadows (seasonal, daily). • Exposed services (electricity, water, gas).
• Precipitation (rain, snow, humidity). • Machinery, drainage issues, natural events
• Temperature (seasonal highs, lows, averages). (flooding).
• Wind direction and intensity (seasonal, exposure). • Derelict buildings, unfinished construction.
Site History & Significance
• Previous uses, contamination, archaeological
significance.
• Historical, cultural, and demographic importance.
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Subjective (Soft) Data
Subjective data reflects human interaction and experience, changing over time.
Access & Movement Views
Paths for people, vehicles, animals, and public Views into and out of the site, considering
transport links. different heights.
Privacy Security & Safety
Elements for concealing or revealing Protection from harm for individuals and
information/activities. property.
Sound & Noise Smells & Odors
Noise sources (in/out) and protection needs. Odors (in/out) and protection needs.
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
1. Land Form
2. Sun Light
3. Wind Flow
4. Water
5. Vegetation
6. People & Activity
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
1. From Far
2. Approach
3. Point of Entrance
4. Within 1
5. Within 2
6. Point of Exit
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
1. Siting and Location
2. Form and Massing
3. Movement & Circulation
4. Elements
5. Material & Textures
6. Finishes
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
1. Volume
2. Division
3. Height
4. Context
5. Solid / Void
6. Form
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Step 1: Desktop Analysis
Begin by gathering existing information and documents about the
site and its surroundings. This early research saves time and
identifies potential issues.
Key Documents to Additional Data:
Collect:
• Utility plans from service
• Site surveys, aerial providers.
photographs, maps.
• Geology, soil, and arborist
• Legal titles, easements, reports.
mortgages.
• Climate studies (sun path,
• Zoning documents, precipitation, wind roses).
overlays, development
• Historical records and
controls.
neighborhood context
research.
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Step 2: Site Visit
Verify desktop research and record existing conditions on-site. Prepare with essential tools for a successful visit.
Capture Everything Organize Documents
Photos from different scales, perspectives, and Clipboard for notes, sketches, and existing documents.
panoramas.
Measure & Verify Optimal Conditions
Tape measure or laser for dimensions. Visit on a clear, sunny day for best photos and
observations.
Consider multiple visits to observe changes in climate and subjective data.
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Steps 3 & 4: Gather &
Analyze Data
Gathering & Recording Analyzing the Data
• Extract key info into bullet Consider implications of
points. existing conditions on design
• Use tracing paper overlays and user experience:
for diagrams and
• Site patterns, activities,
annotations.
relationships, temporality.
• Record observations with
• Impact on building massing,
sketches and marked-up
access, views, light, spaces.
drawings.
• Develop findings into
diagrams and annotated
visuals.
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
Step 5: Presenting the Analysis
Organize your findings clearly, focusing on relevant information for your submission.
• Introduction: Overview of site and findings.
• Location (Mega & Macro): Plans and aerial photos.
• Legal & Authorities: Summary of requirements.
• Site History & Neighborhood Context: Research and visuals.
• Existing Conditions: Key photographs with reference plans.
• Streetscapes & Sections: Drawings showing vertical context.
• Site Analysis Plans: Diagrams of objective/subjective data, with legends.
• Sun Path & Shadow Diagrams: Simple 3x3 diagrams.
• Conclusions: Summary of key findings, opportunities, and design considerations.
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801
THANK YOU
Prepared by: Dr Shah / 20250801