up:: [[CKLA330 - Landscape Design Studio]] x:: [[Site Inventory and Analysis]] tags:: #source/course #on/design #on/landscape_design # CKLA330 M4 - Site Inventory and Analysis The systematic process of site planning is essential for arranging the elements of any development in relation to the natural and constructed features of a site, whether it's a residential garden, a university campus landscape, or an urban park. This process involves three main phases: surveying data, analyzing site opportunities and constraints, and synthesizing the results into a comprehensive solution. ## Site Inventory Related: [[Permaculture Sector Analysis]] The site inventory process is crucial for landscape design as it allows designers to understand the characteristics of the site comprehensively. This includes observing features such as approach paths, views, [[Noise Pollution]], [[Wind Patterns]], [[Topography]], [[Solar Aspects]], existing vegetation ([[Vegetation Types]]), [[Soil Analysis]], and adjacent shadows ([[Shadow Analysis]]). The inventory phase starts with individual assessments but soon integrates collected data to provide a holistic view of the site. **Key points:** - The site planning process involves surveying data, analyzing opportunities and constraints, and synthesizing solutions. - Site visits and observations are crucial for understanding the area and its relationship to surrounding features. - A thorough site inventory is conducted to note all relevant features, including topography, vegetation, water bodies, and man-made structures. - Off-site factors, including neighboring properties and environmental elements, must also be considered. - Creating a [[Base Map]] early in the planning process helps define the project scope and layout. - Specific data such as land ownership, utility lines, [[Road Patterns]], and zoning restrictions are noted to inform the design process. - The inventory and analysis stage provides essential information on the site's physical characteristics, guiding the design process by identifying opportunities and constraints. ### Possible Examples of Inventory Data * **Man made elements** * Legal and physical boundaries, private holdings, and public easements - Buildings, and other structures including those of historical significance - Roads, walkways and other transportation corridors - Electric lines, gas mains, and other utilities - [[Land Uses and Zoning]], i.e., Agricultural, industrial, recreational - Applicable ordinances such as zoning, regulations, health codes * **Natural Resources** * [[Topography]], including high and low points - Soil types ([[Soil Analysis]]) - [[Types of Water Bodies]] - Subsurface matter - [[Vegetation Types]] - Wildlife including existence of desirable habitats * **Natural Forces** * Both [[Macroclimate]] found over the entire site and [[Microclimate]], climatic differences in specific parts of the site - Temperature - Sun angles / sun pockets ([[Solar Aspects]]) - Wind directions ([[Wind Patterns]]) - [[Precipitation]]: rain and snow accumulation * **Perceptual Characteristics** * Views into and out from the site - Significant features - Smells and sounds and their sources ([[Noise Pollution]], [[Pollution Sector]]) - Spatial patterns ([[Landscape Patterns]]) - Lines, forms, textures, and colours which give the site its peculiar character - General impressions regarding your experience of the site * **Inventory of Off-Site Factors** * Land-use patterns - Vegetative corridors / Stream and drainage sources / Linkages, see [[Patch, Matrix, Corridor, and Network]] - Visuals, smells, and sounds - Neighbouring aesthetic character - Public utility locations and capacities - Transportation systems * **Base Map** * The border, defines the scope of the project site - The base map includes a title block with project name and location, owners and designers information, north point, scale, and date - Most future landscape design studies, [[Conceptual Plans]], and design development plans will be prepared on reproducible prints of this base map ## Site Analysis During the site analysis stage, designers evaluate both regional and site-specific factors. This process typically begins with examining the project site's location relative to a regional map, considering adjacent roads, topographical features, and natural elements like water courses. *The regional context provides a framework for understanding how the project will interact with its surroundings.* Additionally, designers assess the site's specific characteristics using methods such as topographical maps, site photos, or on-site visits. Designers often create visual representations, like diagrams or maps, to document their understanding of the site, noting opportunities and constraints for design. These analyses help in identifying features to preserve, areas for development, and potential hazards or challenges. Site analysis notes cover various aspects, including identifying outstanding *natural features for preservation, outlining proposed preservation or development areas*, and noting negative site features like obsolete structures or poor drainage. They also consider factors such as vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow, points of site ingress and egress, potential building locations, observation points, and prevailing winds. Designers also analyze [[Microclimate]] and ecological considerations. As the site analysis progresses, surveys, base sheets, overlays, inventories, and maps are compiled into a reference file for further reference and analysis. **Key points:** - Site analysis evaluates regional and site-specific factors. - It begins with examining the project site's location relative to a regional map. - Designers assess specific site characteristics using methods like topographical maps or site visits. - Visual representations such as diagrams are often used to document site understanding. - Site analysis notes cover various aspects including natural features, development areas, and hazards. - Factors such as traffic flow, access points, building locations, and prevailing winds are considered. - Micro-climate and ecological analyses are also part of the site analysis process. - Surveys, maps, and other data are compiled into a reference file for further analysis.