Architects play a key role in shaping the physical environment around us, and at the heart of their creative process lies the essential practice of site planning. Often overlooked by the casual observer, architectural site plans are the unsung heroes that enable architects to transform their visions into reality.
In this discourse, we delve into the world of site planning in architecture, revealing its importance, purpose, components, and key considerations that underpin this critical aspect of design.
Key Takeaways
- Site planning in architecture is a process that consists of site analysis that determines existing and proposed conditions of the land and other relevant details on the plot.
- Every architectural project has its construction limits, site planning is a crucial component in the process of understanding those limits for your potential site.
- Comprehensive site planning and analysis will lead to successful building projects.
What is site planning?
Site planning is a vital stage in the architectural process where the architect strategically arranges various elements to optimize the plot. This includes organizational aspects such as access points, drainage systems, slopes, privacy considerations, and the layout of any intended structures and existing structures on the property.
Site planning entails knowledge, analysis, and research that combines the disciplines of urban planners, civil engineers, architects, and landscape architects.
What is the architectural site plan used for?
Architectural site plans serve as key implementation tools in the early stages of building development. Through site analysis, architectural site plans outline the location and size of buildings and this feature makes them particularly valuable for the development process.
Furthermore, the comprehensive overview that architectural site plans offer proves invaluable when communicating your development concepts to clients or colleagues regarding a particular property.
However, it is important to recognize that site planning is only one aspect of the overall process of development and construction. The architectural site plan itself, as a series of drawings, is used in the comprehensive development of the given plot.
Check this article: Site development »
Why is architectural site planning important?
Importance of the site planning lies in:
- Site Analysis: A thorough understanding of the site’s topography, climate, soil conditions, and the surrounding context is fundamental.
- Functional Requirements: Aligning the design with the intended purpose and functionality of the space, be it a residential dwelling or a commercial hub.
- Aesthetic Harmony: Balancing aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that the design resonates with the intended architectural style and user experience.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to local building codes, zoning regulations, and legal constraints to ensure a smooth permitting and construction process.
- Sustainability: Integrating sustainable practices, renewable energy sources, and efficient resource management to minimize the ecological footprint.
- User Experience: Anticipating user needs, accessibility, and human-centric design to create spaces that resonate with occupants on a personal level.
What is included in the architectural site plan?
Architectural site plans include basic land features such as slopes, drainage patterns, tree cover, and more. Usually occurring early in the architectural design process, site planning offers a panoramic view, similar to a wide-frame video, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the project’s requirements for successful completion.
Some of the most essential elements of an architectural site plan are:
- Address of the lot
- Proposed site location
- The scale
- North point
- Boundaries of the site (property lines)
- Existing and proposed buildings
These elements are crucial for further planning and the completion of a building project, so check the Site plan page to find out more about them.
Architectural site planning considerations
There are 10 main factors that you have to take into consideration before you start site planning. Things like natural factors to cultural considerations have to be taken into account before finalizing any architectural site plan or starting any residential development process.
Natural factors
To make a successful building project, you have to work with the surrounding, not against it. Natural factors will dictate many important elements of your project. In one way or another, the environment and existing features will determine the design of your structures.
Climate, landscape, and available building materials are considered to be the most important natural factors in architectural site planning.
Geology
Geological considerations are very important when it comes to the site planning process. You need to identify the kind of rocks that are below the soil, how deep they are, and their unique features. These rocks could serve as a strong base for constructing buildings. They occur naturally and can shape the visible features of the land. It’s also crucial to consider how stable these geological formations are.
On the other hand, there may be impenetrable sheets of rocks situated below the surface. This can lead to structural changes to the entire architectural site plan.
Hydrography
In site planning, hydrography provides necessary information on all types of surface water bodies such as:
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Ponds
- Streams
- Natural wells
In addition to the surface water, you will need to know if there is any subsurface water located on your plot. The depth, stability, and other water features will determine the type of structure that can be built on your property.
Also, using hydrographical information you will find out how the water drains during the rainy season.
Topography
A topographic survey is one of the most critical factors in architectural site planning. Each element and topographic features of your land is included in a topographic survey. Hills, valleys, slopes, hidden and visible points are all crucial for successful site planning.
Soil
Before constructing any type of building on your land, you should analyze the soil. The type of soil will determine the difficulty of construction and grading. Clay soil is much different from aerated dark soil, which is very different in comparison to rocky soil. These differences in soil composition will determine:
- Excavation
- Erosion
- Bearing capacity
- Stability of the land
- Foundation
- Drainage
- Plant growth
Wildlife
It is very important to be aware of the natural habitats of different animals when site planning. Some of the species can add natural beauty to your project, but some can be dangerous. If there are apex predators, rodents, or seasons of insect infestations, you have to consider it when creating any type of architectural drawing.
Vegetation
A study of natural vegetation will help you when creating a landscape design plan for your property. Knowing the naturally occurring plants will help you create long-lasting, easy-to-maintain, and budget-friendly landscaping designs. With this information, it is easy to create a garden design concept plan, where you can determine tree locations and the location of each plant and create a magnificent oasis in your backyard.
Existing land use
Land use is determined by the zoning regulations in the area and they ensure the safety of everyone in the neighborhood. Before you make any changes to your property, make sure you have a zoning permit (if it is required). If you decide to make changes that do not comply with applicable zoning ordinances, you will need to obtain a conditional use permit.
Climatic factors
Weather is the primary climate factor that can alter, change and affect your overall architectural site plan. Heavy rain, snow storms, and dry or damp weather will determine many aspects of your project.
Cultural factors
Always think about cultural and historical factors before you start with a land development project. You don’t want to spend money on a project that has to be changed, or even worse, you have to pay fines for not following the regulations when it comes to historical landmarks.
Besides history, some other significant cultural factors are:
- Existing buildings
- Relevant buildings
- Traffic flows
- Density of population
- The aesthetic of the neighborhood
Every site planning development process has to include human behavior to be successful.
Simplify the process of site planning
The easiest way to simplify architecture site planning is to hire a professional to help you with it. By ordering site plans for permits you are elevating your development design and also making sure that your entire project is complying with the codes and regulations.
