Architectural Site Analysis
A process that involves research and analysis of social, historical, climatic and environmental,
geographic, legal and infrastructural aspects of a site or location
The analysis also needs to consider any future developments, or
changes to the site’s surroundings, such as a change of road
designations, changing cultural patterns, or other significant
building developments within the area.
Elements of site analysis
Location •where the site is situated
Neighbourhood •the immediate surrounding of the site
context
•dimensional considerations such as boundaries, site
Zoning and size area, access along with any further plans.
•ownership, restrictions or covenants, council related
Legal information information, future urban development plans.
Natural physical •actual features of the site such as trees, rocks,
features topography, rivers, ponds, drainage patterns.
•existing buildings, walls, materials, landscaping,
Man made features scale.
Elements of site analysis
Circulation • Vehicle and pedestrian movements in, through and around the site.
Consider the timing of these movements, and duration of heavier
patterns. Future traffic and road developments should also be considered.
Utilities • Any electricity, gas, water, sewer and telephone services that are situated
in or near the site, along with distances, depths and materials .
Climate • all climatic information such as rainfall, snowfall, wind directions,
temperatures, sun path, all considered during the different times of the
year.
Sensory • the visual, audible and tactile aspects of the site, such as views, noise, and
so on. These again should be considered in time frames
Human and • the cultural, psychological, behavioural and sociological aspects of the
surrounding neighbourhood. Activities and patterns, density, population
cultural ethnic patterns, employment, income, values and so on.
Figure ground
Whatever we can see along the lines of approach is an
extensional aspect of the site