Site Analysis for Architecture: The First Step to Designing Masterpieces

Space is vital for a construction project as a structure is built on it. Hence, architecture site analysis is paramount for project success, ensuring that space is used efficiently to make it aesthetically and structurally perfect.

It was a glimpse of site analysis for architecture projects, which encompasses multiple steps. In this write-up, we will outline all the steps and essential stuff one must do to complete this process effectively.

What is an Architecture Site Analysis?

Site analysis for architecture projects entails conducting research and analysis of a location’s historical, climatic, social, legal, infrastructure, and geographic aspects. Diagrams are created in this process and they help plan construction projects.

Following this procedure and combining it with other project data empowers the architects to make more insightful decisions about the aesthetics and structure of a building. Also, about the shape and materials, which will be used.

Architects obtain photographs, documents, drawings, diagrams, texts, sketches, and other interpretations of a site’s conditions. General contractors, subcontractors, and project owners also benefit from site analysis when it comes to decision-making about the project’s viability.

In this process, architects must assess the things that physically exist on and around the site. Additionally, considering what may exist in the future and how the gradual change in site conditions can be helpful.

Architecture Site Analysis Steps

Step 1 – Desktop Study

Conducting research before visiting the site enables the architects to gain useful insights about what they want to check on the site. Having an OS map of the location is essential before visiting the site as it assists in clarifying the location of site boundaries. Let’s find out what one needs to do in this phase of research.

Location

This step facilitates an architect to find the predominant variants of rock or soil at the location by using geological maps. It is a must to delve into historical maps, aerial photographs, and maps through various search engines such as Google and Bing. This study also informs the architects about the distances between the construction site and other important locations.

Legal Information

Receiving a green signal from the various government bodies is crucial to ensure there is no dispute over the site or construction. An architect must research a site’s history to find out if there is any disused mine, tunnel, etc., that can affect design.

Also, make sure the location does not fall into a conservation area or is away from such an area. Research to discover if there are developmental controls on a site related to building, health, safety, etc. Moreover, don’t forget the trees as they may have preservation orders on them.

Climate and Utilities

Assess the climate, sun paths, angles, and susceptibility of flooding in the area. Also check whether utilities such as electricity, water, sewerage, gas, telephone, and other facilities are available or connected to the location.

Step 2 – On-site Study

Conducting on-site research revolves around the below checklist.

Site and Neighborhood Context

In this phase of site analysis for architecture projects, one should evaluate the location’s condition, address, major landmarks, and other existing buildings as well as car parking, etc. Assessing the current condition of the neighborhood structures and their exterior spaces is also key.

Adding vernacular context, architectural features, materials, fenestration, parking, building heights, landscaping, and sun and shade patterns to the checklist adds depth to the research process.

Site and Zoning

Architects harness site and zoning to measure site boundaries and dimensions. They can discover the buildable area of the location, ensuring there are no building height restrictions. This will also help them identify restrictions and obstacles that can hamper construction.

Natural and Man-made Features

Every site has some natural and man-made features such as the location’s topography, ridges, valleys, slopes, etc. Other factors like greenery, landscaping, trees, open spaces, shrubs, soil type, and drainage network allow the architects to learn how they can impact the design.

Human and Cultural

Exploring human and cultural aspects plays a vital role in architecture site analysis. They contribute to learning about the general and negative neighborhood issues such as crime and vandalism.

Cultural, psychological, sociological, and behavioral factors also impact the design. Moreover, architects consider density, family size, population, ethnic patterns, recreation activities, and employment.

Sensory

Creating aesthetically pleasing and structurally fine buildings requires considering the sensory aspects of the location. In this process, architects must learn the direction to get positive and negative views from and to the site. They also mark out if there is noise, air pollution, and odor at the site due to a nearby industrial facility.

Step 3 – Gather and Record Data

Desktop and on-site research enables an architect to gather various forms of existing data like photographs, documents, experiences, and observations. Now, it is the time to make all the data presentable.

• Use documents and reports to extract crucial information and put it in a new Word document.
• Get the printout of photographs, maps, and scale plans. In this phase, assess and identify key points by using diagrams and annotations.
• Leverage photographs, annotated and marked up existing drawings, sketches, maps, and plans to record on-site observations.
• Convert the discovered stuff to annotated drawings, diagrams, maps, photographs, sketches, or plans.

Step 4 – Analyse the Data

This phase of site analysis helps an architect reflect on what existing site data means for the design. They emphasize gaining insights into the implications of the existing site conditions on the design. Also, learn about what will be the final experience of the user. Adding analysis, existing conditions, and conclusions about the following is crucial:

The Site – Activities, typologies, existing patterns, practical function, relationships, temporality, or changes happening over time.

The Proposed Structure – Form and geometry, scale and proportion, access, impact on massing, circulation and entry, light, views, public and private, level of enclosure, void and solid, hierarchy, and external and internal spaces.

Step 5 – Present the Analysis

It is possible that an architect may not have to present the full site analysis to the client and a summary can do the job. Hence, this presentation can be made in the form of a single site plan or a whole report.

In case of presenting a longer report, create a mock storyboard of each page to effectively sort out each section. Here’s an order that can be followed while making a report.

Introduction – A summary of the site and observations.

Location (Mega and Macro) – Use aerial photographs to showcase location plans.

Legal and Authorities – A brief introduction to relevant requirements by law and authorities.

Site History – Summerize research and findings.

Neighborhood Context – Summary of observation, sketches, photographs, etc.

Existing Conditions Photographs – Conditions of the existing site and views captured in photographs.

Elevations, Streetscapes, and Sections – Drawings showcasing vertical information and context.

Site Analysis Plans – In this section, observations and findings are showcased. It is ideal to include a plan drawing or separate diagrams to present patterns, conditions, activities, opportunities, and constraints.

Themes of objective and subjective data with one or more themes per diagram can be used to develop analysis plans. Labeling each diagram and adding a key/legend and simple annotations can be done if required.

Sun Shadow and Path Diagrams – In this step of creating a presentation, an architect uses simple, one-page 3 X 3 diagrams of 3 times a day and 3 times a year. They also label each diagram and add a key/legend.

Conclusions – This section summarizes key findings, opportunities, constraints, and the main design considerations for the future.

Conclusion

A site analysis is the starting point of a construction project and contributes immensely to its success. Hence, architects should not do this task just for formality and use it to learn the most important aspects that complement each site and project. Considering these and other factors will improve a design and propel the project toward success.

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