Comprehensive Architectural Design Studio
Senior Studio
Site Analysis -Topography, Vegetation
The diagram illustrated above is one of several in this
exercise. The others included site sections; soil types; site
wildlife,habitats, and vegettion; and views.
Design Performance Objective |
Comprehensive Building Design Project:
William M Colmer Visitors Center and Park Headquarters
Site Analysis - Topography & Vegetation
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Student: Amy Fruge |
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Fall 2007 Arch. 5001 (UG) Comprehensive Architectural Design Studio
Part 2 - Site Analysis - Topography & Vegetation
In the first phase of the project the students were instructed to produce a written program document with a problem statement and statement of intent, a written and graphic site analysis/interpretation, and an analysis of appropriate precedents. These two images illustrate a few of these. The objective of these exercises was to develop an understanding of the relationship between
the building program and the site that would serve to facilitate the realization of the designer’s intentions as the design process unfolded.
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Investigative Strategy |
Field measurements and observations, client and user interviews, “Google Earth”, sensory perceptions, etc.
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Evaluation Process |
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Individual documents were evaluated based on the following: document form
(appearance, layout, spelling, grammar, readability); graphic representations;
understanding and analysis of basic site, precedent, and program information; interpretation of this information; statement of design intentions; and active participation on research teams and in on-site exercises. |
Evaluative Criteria |
Accuracy and appearance.
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Cautions - Possible Confusions |
Requires a good topo map.
We typically spot check the topo map in the field with transit and pole.
Corelating vegetation can be confusing on densely vegetated sites. |
Range of Applicability in terms of CLIMATE |
This type of project responded to the HOT HUMID climate zone in this instance, but it can easily be modified to suit any climate type. |
Range of Applicability in terms of TYPE |
This type of approach is suitable for any scale or type of building. |
Reference Material |
LaGro, Jr., James A. Site Analysis: A Contextual Approach to Sustainable Land Planning and Site Design.
Lynch, Kevin. Site Planning.
McHarg, Ian L. Design with Nature.
Rubenstein, Harvey M. A Guide to Site Planning and Lanscape Construction. |
Duration of Exercise |
Approximately three weeks for the Site Analysis Phase.
Two days on site required as a group.
Additional site visits as required by individual studenys and small groups. |
Degree of Difficulty / Previous Knowledge Required |
Depends on specifi c site.
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