Site Analysis ID 240 Spring 2017 01.23.17

Definition Investigation and evaluation of conditions within which the project will be completed. A form of due diligence in that the designer can only competently design the interior space after knowing the context of the project. Can be part of programming phase or a separate activity. A necessary part of the design process

Tasks within a site analysis Review architecture plans (if available) Walk through the space/ site Measure the space/ site Photograph the space/ site Determine views from and to the space/ site Understand neighborhood and social context Document drawings locating structures, utilities, built-ins, construction elements. Inventory of existing furniture Analyze codes and regulations Determine sustainability goals/ requirements

Tasks within a site analysis For a commercial project, verify: heating Ventilation Air conditioning Electrical systems For a residential project, determine constraints such as: Zonings setback limitations Heating and plumbing capacities Septic tank capacities

Sustainability considerations Environmental impact of buildings on a site Wise use of exterior and interior materials Energy conversation Use of alternative energy sources Adaptive reuse Indoor air quality Recycling Reuse Full life cycle of a building and its comprising materials: impact of raw extractions throughout fabrication, installation, operations, maintenance, and disposal.

Sustainability considerations (LEED) Storm water management plan (implemented or proposed) Located in an established walkable community within ½ mi of residential zone with pedestrian access to at least 10 basic services within ½ mi of a commuter rail or ¼ mi of 2 or more bus lines

Drawing Site Plans

Start with some schematic diagrams

What to include in a site plan? Roof plan of the building and surrounding property Site boundaries and adjacent street information Topographic information (changes in ground levels) North arrow to establish sense of direction Local ordinances Setbacks: side setback are usually 6 feet, rear setbacks are percentage of lot depth or green space Water drainage away from the building Orientation: Sunlight and protection from the elements depend highly on orientation

What to include in a site plan? Located utilities Planning for vehicle movement; consider local ordinances Existing trees and plantations; how would these impact building views? Recommended scales: (use of bar scale is most convenient) Architectural scale: 1/16 “ = 1 ‘ 0” Engineering scale: 1”= 20 ‘ OR 1” = 30’

A hand-drawn site (and roof) plan for the sample project A hand-drawn site (and roof) plan for the sample project. The lot size for this project is 60 by 120 feet=72,000 square feet (18,288 by 36,576 mm = 668.9 m 2). The percentage of green space (uncovered ground that will absorb rainfall) is 55 percent, with the proposed building on the lot (local ordinance is 50 percent minimum). A. Street right-of-way width (R.O.W.) is up to local jurisdiction; very frequently it is 66 feet (20,117 mm); therefore, the centerline of the street is 33 feet (10,058 mm) from the property line. B. Street width (curb to curb) is a local jurisdictional matter dependent on whether or not it is a through street and whether or not there is parking on one side or two sides, or no parking. C. Public sidewalk, generally located within the public right-of-way. The width is up to local jurisdiction, but is frequently 4 to 6 feet (1219 to 1829 mm). D. "Boulevard“ strip, generally landscaped with grass or other ground cover and maintained by the property owner, even though it is within the public right-of-way (R.O.W.) . Municipality often maintains trees. E. A 6-foot (1829-mm) utility easement (in this case for communication utilities). F. Front setback. It is frequently permissible to set the residence farther back (more than the minimum) on the lots-but never closer to the street without a variance. This type of variance is generally difficult to obtain (neighbors tend to fight these). G. Side yard setbacks. Minimum setback is very often 6 feet (1819 mm).Different jurisdictions will have different rules regarding exactly what is measured to determine setback (e.g., from the building face or the edge of any overhanging roof). H. Two paved tracks with ground cover in between to fractionally reduce storm runoff. I. Existing wood frame garage with concrete block foundations and a brick paver floor; to be removed just prior to construction of a new garage building. It is important to remove all existing below-grade construction (including footings and foundation walls) and to compact granular backfill. J. "Future“ garage/office/potting shed in this case is intended to be within three years. The buildings will require water, sewer, electrical service, and communication lines; these should be stubbed in during Phase 1. K. Setback from the alley is often zero; there is a risk of buildings placed at that setback to be struck and damaged by vehicle traffic. Strategically placed bollards can ameliorate that risk. L. Alley-in this case, a public right-of-way measuring 20 feet (6096 mm), of which roughly 18 feet (5486 mm) is paved. In this case, the storm drainage is down the center of the alley; this is the opposite of most streets, which are crowned, with the storm water moving to the gutter at the curb on both sides of the street. M. The alley serves as an easement for overhead power lines (denoted P.P., for power pole, on the diagram). N. A knock-out panel will be framed for a future second garage door opening (for possible future owner).

A sample residential site plan

Ways to represent prevailing wind direction and sun path on site plan

Ways to represent prevailing wind direction and sun path on site plan