Site planning in Architectural Projects- Principles and Approaches
- 1. Ar. J.K.GUPTA, Former Director, College of Architecture, IET Bhaddal-- Email---- jit.kumar1944@gmail.com decoding SITE PLANNING FOR ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS
- 2. Buildings- Role and Importance Buildings-- integral part of human history, growth & development Buildings -- shall continue to define journey of human growth & development Buildings-- manmade environment- vital for human growth Buildings – living organism Buildings -- as structures cater to all human activities Buildings -- largest consumers of energy (50%) Buildings - largest consumers of resources Buildings – largest generators of waste Buildings- largest polluter of environment /ecology Buildings --- responsible for largest carbon footprints Buildings -- responsible for global warming Buildings -- major determinant of global sustainability
- 3. Buildings- Role and Importance • Buildings– providers of optimum/worst living conditions Buildings -- make people healthy/sick Buildings – 80% human life spent in buildings Buildings-- valuable to address / overcome human/ ecological concerns Making Buildings Sustainable– essential- to make value addition to resources, environment ,ecology Studies revealed — Sustainable school -makes learning easy/ more meaningful Sustainable Home --- makes people happy and healthy Sustainable Hospital -- cures patients quickly Sustainable shopping mall-- increases sale / profits
- 4. BUILDINGS AS CONSUMERS OF RESOURCES •Built environment impact environment / consumption of resources: 16% of world’s fresh water withdrawal. 25% of wood harvested. 30% of consumption of raw material. 50% of global energy consumption. 35% of world's CO2 emission 40% of Municipal solid waste. 50% of Ozone depleting CFC’s still in use. 30% of the residents having sick building syndrome – ( Roodman and Lenssen, 1995) •70% global warming– cities/outcome of buildings / transportation •Existing buildings--low concern for resource conservation. •Considering700-900msqm to be added annually— •Global energy/ environment implications critical. •Buildings designed /constructed /operated with utmost care for considerations----- energy/ sustainability/resources
- 7. SDG 11- Make cities and human settlements inclusive ,safe, resilient and sustainable
- 10. Buildings- Built Environment • Operational domain of professions of Architecture revolves around creating state of art built environment through: • -- Siting • -- planning, • -- designing, • -- construction, • -- operation, • -- maintenance • -- demolition and • -- reconstruction -- Architects- have critical role / responsibility in--making value addition to resources ,environment ,ecology- by creating sustainable built environment. -Town Planners also play vital role by : evolving layout plans with energy as focus, –making best use of sun and wind -- Going green --necessity--to ensure sustainable tomorrow --Each building unique--requires different options to make it green
- 12. Green Building – The Definition • A green building is one which Uses less Water Optimizes Energy Efficiency Conserves natural resources Generates less waste Provides healthier spaces
- 13. Daylighting Local materials Indian Way of approaching site Planning • Rediscovery of Indian ethos – We worship 5 elements of Nature (Panchabhutas) Prithvi (Earth) Sustainable Sites Jal (Water) Water Efficiency Agni (Energy) Energy Efficiency Vayu (Air) Indoor Environmental Quality Akash (Sky) Daylight Views Water body
- 14. Designing Sustainable Buildings • - Adopting Integrated approach to designing of buildings • Based on CLIMATE- Regional, City, Site Climates • Rational Site planning- planning with nature, making best use of site potential • Orientation -- optimizing light / heat gain/heat loss • Sun movement-- For maximizing use of free solar energy for heating /lighting • Wind direction---using movement of air for ventilation/ cooling • Planning -- for optimizing siting, shape of building, planning spaces, allocating uses, placing of rooms, circulation, promoting building efficiency, promoting natural sunlight, air and ventilation • Building Envelop--– based on Mass – space relationships/ solids and voids, positioning of openings ,projections, shading devices, height, shape of building, natural lighting and ventilations etc • Materials- Materials used for buildings- low embodied materials locally available ;in natural form, lightweight – reduce dead load • Technologies –Adopted to be- Cost- effective, material efficient, speedier construction, energy efficient • Indoor Air Quality- Creating optimum living conditions for residents
- 15. Focus Areas: Integrated approach
- 17. Designing Green Buildings • CLIMATE --major driver of Site Planning / Designing Buildings • Climate considered in three contexts; • Macro Climate - Regional context- to help understand prevailing general climatic conditions & climatic zone in which site falls • Meso Climate – Settlement context- to understand prevailing local climatic conditions at city level • Micro Climate--Site climate – to understand site/ site specific peculiarities-- in terms of--accessibility location, topography, views ,existing flora/fauna/ water bodies/ encumbrances, strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threat etc
- 18. •Context of Site •In Site Planning Designing Buildings
- 19. Understanding Site Before searching for design solutions–Look, understand, appreciate, evaluate, analyse Site & Carry out a SWOT analysis; • -- site studied, analysed /understood– thoroughly/ objectively • --Design solution -- outcome of site / prevailing site conditions • - Premeditated design always fails-- to do justice to project- making them irrational/unsustainable • --Carrying out SWOT analysis of Site – critical to understand strength, weaknesses, opportunities & threats posed by site • --Evolve Design based on -- making optimum use of strength of site -- overcome weaknesses • -- make best use of opportunities offered and • -- Eliminating all possible threats • Look at site Sit-- both from inside, outside, top and bottom • ..
- 20. Understanding Site • Site needs study/analysis in terms of;-19 factors • Location, • Accessibility • Shape and size • Topography, • Vegetation, • Infrastructure, • Orientation • Wind Direction • Local culture, soil conditions • View from site /View to site • Prevailing typology of buildings/environment around site- • Existing structures within site • Existing encumbrances- electric /gas lines, depression water bodies • Local Building bye laws • Developmental Controls- Height, FAR, Setbacks ,land use etc
- 21. Understanding Site/Site planning • Understanding Site critical • -- For site Planning / for designing climate responsive/passive buildings/ Planning / designing Sustainable Buildings • i- Rational Planning of spaces- both internal and external • Ii Defining --Entries &Exits; • Iii Positioning– Buildings, • Iv Defining area for Landscaping /Parking • V Planning & designing of Buildings; • vi--Determining shape, size &volume of buildings • Vii Determining distances between buildings • Viii Determining building setbacks --- ix Evolving Traffic and Transportation Plan • x Preparing Infrastructure plan/ Evolving Service Plan - Preparing Drainage Plan • Xi - Positioning Rain water Harvesting
- 23. •Site Analysis
- 24. Site Analysis – Vital/important to--Carry out detailed /objective site analysis – for evolving cost-effective, – -- environmentally sustainable – - rational design solution for any project - Site analysis leads to evaluation of site in terms of; - i existing potential - ii Understanding environmental impact of development - ii Impact on community/ Impact on adjoining development/properties – iv defining project design/ defining scope of project – v understanding development constraints
- 25. Site Analysis- Factors considered i) Understanding Site ii) Location/accessibility iii) Orientation iv) Wind direction v) Soil conditions vi) Topography vii) Vegetation and Natural Features viii) Hydrology and Precipitation ix) Infrastructures x) Surrounding Land uses & Buildings xi) Vision / Visual Linkages xii) Constraints/ encumberances
- 26. Site Analysis- Location i) Understanding Site – • most critical in design process- Before designing •Site needs visit- No site planning without going to site •. Detailed site analysis needed to-- - Record --Evaluate information on site / its surroundings ----understand existing features of site- vital during design ii)Location First look at---- • Where is site located? • How site is approached? • What is street/ road where site is located?-width • How far away from major junction? •-- Respect abutting roads •- Position buildings parallel to abutting roads •-- even when site not regular
- 27. Orientation-- Movement of Sun and planning of building
- 28. Site Analysis- Orientation iii)Orientation is position/positioning of site with relation to points of compass/other specific directions •Context of each cardinal direction needs to be understood- North/South/East/West •Context of Climate zone needs understanding for design •Orientation plays important role in siting building. When combined with: •-- wind direction and •-- sun path; give a good idea-- to design/ orient building for : --optimizing design. •Orientation- along with sun path will determine placement of rooms inside buildings.
- 29. Site Analysis- Orientation •South-East-best orientation in composite climate •North -- worst orientation in cold/ hilly areas- •North slope to be banned for all development in hills •North orientation- best for sourcing glare free , uniform natural light without any heat gain- provide opportunities for large glazing- most suitable in industrial buildings •West – worst orientation- Minimum surfaces provided in west to avoid heat gain- have minimum west oriented walls, where provided—use cavity walls/thick walls/green walls/ventilated cavity walls/white paints/reflective surfaces/ trees for shading vertical /louver-- provide minimum openings- use space for storage/ non-habitable uses •West/South west-in-Residential Buildings- can be used
- 33. Making Buildings Energy efficient
- 35. Tower of Shadow- Chandigarh
- 36. Site Analysis- Wind Direction . iv) Wind Direction ---Most locations -- have general major direction from which wind comes. SE-NWs; NW-SEw -- However, not always hold true -- varies from location to location -- season to season. • For designing a climatologically responsive building -- important to consider -- direction of wind -- channelized through interiors in summer at night/stopped during day Cold air avoided in winter Courtyard planning best option/smaller
- 37. Site Analysis-Soil Conditions vi) SOIL Soil varies from place to place. • Properties also vary according to type of soil. -Sandy soil, - clayey soil, --laterite etc all have different properties– -- load bearing, -- water retentivity --Water absorption -- homogeneity -- which impact design of building. -- Soil conditions important -- while designing structure of buildings.
- 38. Site Analysis-Topography vii) Topography – --refers to slope / level of land whether; --- land is flat/plain or --- sloping/ undulating • Designing--a sloping site more challenging. • For sloping sites exact slope can be interpreted from a detailed Contour map. •Locations /spacing of contour play a • big role in siting of building. • Where possible- better to design •buildings along contours, • integrating contours into design • reduces unnecessary • cutting and filling of soil.
- 40. Site Analysis-Vegetation/Natural Features Viii) Vegetation and Natural Features •Natural vegetation present on site -- important. • Every good design will -- integrate ---highlight & ---accentuate Natural vegetation to create perfect harmony between building and nature •Vegetation comprises of-- trees, flora & fauna existing on site. •Mark them on site plan & integrate with design by defining their; --location, --Age -Growth -- type , -- size , --diameter or - spread of branches - -- heights etc
- 46. Site Analysis-Precipitation & Hydrology ix) Hydrology & Precipitation: • Recording--Amount of rainfall • --Time period during which rainfall occurs/ site receives •Relative Humidity also found out to • --determine moisture content in atmosphere. • Higher relative humidity suggests a humid climate, •-- cross circulation of wind at body level--must for comfort. •- A lower relative humidity suggests a dry climate •Needs increase in moisture- courtyards- with trees/water •Where lot of precipitation – provide sloping roofs- protecting walls Avoiding low- lying area for locating buildings •Using low area for creating Rain gardens/rain water harvesting
- 48. Site Analysis- Infrastructure Facilities x) Infrastructure •Infrastructure facilities refer to services present in vicinity of Site. • Major facilities to be considered are : -- water supply, -- Storm water drainage , -- Waste disposal, -- Electricity supply - Roads -Communication network etc. • Important while planning / zoning site for : --promoting economy and --making optimum use of services
- 49. Site Analysis-Land Use/Visual linkages xi)Surrounding land uses & buildings – . For optimum design solution — --need close focus and consideration of surrounding land uses / buildings -- Incompatible land uses may lead to creation of issues in design Avoid – slums/polluting industries/waste dumping yards •Height /setbacks of adjoining buildings important for ensuring •--flow of air and --- sunlight. xii) Prominent Vision lines / Visual linkages – •Important element in design process. • Views to site as well •-- views from the site •-- need careful consideration, while designing.
- 51. View from Site- sea
- 54. Site Planning
- 56. Definitions-Site Planning Site planning ; i Art &science of positioning structures and designing internal and external spaces in a given site. • ii Art & science of determining typology of buildings and their location in the context of a given site-- having regard to orientation , landscaping, infrastructure, mobility, parking , privacy, view etc • iii Art of arranging structures on the land and shaping spaces between • iv An art linked to architecture, engineering, landscaping and city planning- Kelvin Lynch- site planning 1984 • v. Relation between Mass, space, zoning , services & maintenance •
- 57. Site Planning-definitions • vi. Art & science of arranging structures on land and shaping spaces between buildings • vii. Locating activities and objects in space and time • Viii Compromise between the site and building program taking into account features of site • ix. Art & science to blend the requirements of the site with the least damage to land and surroundings • x. Art of planning & designing , management of land • xi Arrangement of natural and manmade elements through application of the cultural, scientific knowledge focusing on resource conservation
- 58. Site Planning- Elements Elements of Site Planning ; • Buildings- Main /ancillary /Services • Roads- Private/ Public/ services/VIP/ Pedestrian walkways • Access– Cars/ Pedestrians/ walkways/ service vehicles • Transport– Public transportation/ Private Cars/Taxis/ Motor cycles/Scooters/Cycles • Landscaping- Softscape /Trees/green /hardscape- pavement, furniture- Benches, lighting etc • Services- water supply/ sewerage/storm water drainage/ roads/electricity • --Parking– Ground/ underground/ stilts
- 66. Approach to Site Planning i. Looking at Project brief ii. Locating /Understanding /surveying Site iii. Evaluating Building Controls & Building Regulations iv. Studying Climates v. Understanding Orientation vi. Ascertaining Wind Direction vii.Defining Setbacks and Building Envelop/ viii. Defining Exit and Entry to the Site ix. Identify Existing Flora and Fauna x. Making provision for Rain Water Harvesting and Solar Energy Generation xi. Valuing surrounding land uses and buildings
- 67. Site Planning Principles . I Minimise Fingerprints of Building ii. Respecting Neighbourhood Character iii. Understanding site-- Physical Characteristics iv Evaluating Site and Slopes v Respect Set backs, height, FAR,GC vi. Minimum damage to site vii. Design with Nature / local Culture viii Promoting Pedestrianisation ix Using hierarchy of Preservation// Conservation and -- Regeneration X Making adequate provision for rain water harvesting Xi Opting for brownfield development xii Providing setbacks of adequate width, xiiiMinimising damage to the site Xiv Restoring the derelict area
- 68. Falling Water House- F L Wright
- 70. Site Planning Principles . Site planning / design--- Need to consider broad range of concerns before evolving design concept.: ---physical aspects of site --vision/ program of client, ---designer’s own creative inclination, -- concerns of community ---interests of end user. --- zoning /bye-laws requirements -- to regulate the density / geometry of development, road widths ,parking and drainage requirements, --- natural resource( protection ) areas. ii) Neighbourhood Character iii) Physical Characteristics Site planning incorporate an accurate description of: • Shape, size, orientation of site and easements. • Levels / contours of site and -- difference in levels between site / surrounding properties. • Location/ height of existing buildings on site and surrounding properties. use of surrounding buildings, including location of habitable rooms.
- 71. Site Planning Principles . iv Set backs; •most important— • in site planning / for positioning of buildings •Adequate Set backs -- vital for promoting sustainability/livability •Identify worst orientation-- leave minimum set backs. •Maximum setbacks given in ; •---- front for safety, security, sealing from noise, •-- privacy, developing green spaces, avoiding demolition-- during widening/laying infrastructure- •-- Leaving defined setbacks for fire safety, air-light / ventilation in buildings •Identify open spaces -- to be left within buildings before siting of buildings/defining setbacks
- 72. Site Planning Principles . v) Site and Slopes • Good designing follow grades/ run along ridge lines. • Steep site slopes --often require increased cut and fill, if building are sited using conventional methods of designing • If incorporated into initial subdivision/layout process-- slope can be asset to development.. vi) Use Site Finger-printing • Site finger-printing (minimal disturbance •techniques) can be used to: -- further reduce limits of clearing /grading --minimizing hydrologic impacts. Site fingerprinting includes: -- restricting ground disturbance by -- indentifying smallest possible area --clearly delineated on site. -- Reduce paving and --compaction of highly permeable soils.
- 73. Sloping Site Analysis in 2/3 d
- 74. MANAGING SITE- MIN. CUTTING &FILLING
- 76. Site Planning-impact of buildings- minimising Building Footprints
- 77. Site Planning Principles . vii) Minimizing damage/harm --Make no changes to site that will degrade the surrounding environment. ---Promote projects on sites -where previous disturbance /development presents an opportunity to regenerate ecosystem services through sustainable design. viii)Design with nature and culture Create and implant designs that are responsive to : -economic, -environmental, and cultural conditions with respect to : -- local, regional, and global context. ix)Planning New Pedestrian Links –to promote Pedestrianization and minimising vehicular traffic x) Use hierarchy of preservation, conservation, and regeneration Maximise the benefits of ecosystem by : --preserving existing environmental features --conserving resources in a sustainable manner, and --regenerating lost or damaged ecosystem services.
- 79. •Conclusions
- 80. Site Planning and Building Design • All state of art building designs--- have genesis in careful site analysis. • Before going for site planning / building design- ensure site properly/accurately surveyed -- mapping everything within/ outside site-- relevant for planning/designing • Site Survey should include; -dimensions of outer boundaries,- angles of all sides, - contours/levels at regular intervals- gradient, landform, elevation, drainage pattern etc -existing trees/flora fauna- in terms of type, size, location, shape, pattern, aesthetics, ecology, • -water bodies,- electric lines, • - services- both underground /over-ground/within /outside, • --roads- inside/outside, • structures – within/outside ; area of site, • -- views- within /outside • --water table/ floodability –
- 81. Site Planning and Building Design • --Locate North • --Identify Wind direction /pattern of wind flow • -- Define Setbacks to be left within building as per bye-laws • -- Define ‘No building Zone’- to be left within site as per Master Plan/National /State Highways law etc • -- ‘Define Mandatory No building zone’-- to be left when located near to defense installations/ protected monuments/ zoo/ botanical gardens/ electric installations • -Define-‘No Building Zone’ --to be left when site located near water bodies/rivers etc • --Defining right of way for High Tension Electric Lines when passing through site • - Preferably obtain a Zoning Plan of site , when allotted by any Development Authority/Urban Local Body/Improvement Trust/ Industrial Corporation etc before starting planning
- 82. Site Planning and Building Design • Site planning/ building design -- require simultaneous conceptualization. • Site planning for large sites-- calls for carrying out detailed analysis of site in terms of area to be preserved/ conserved/fit for development • large sites/educational institutions – site zoning must be done initially by drawing a master plan in terms of area for academics/ administration/ residential for staff/ hostels/play area etc along with broad road network • Planning residential complexes -- focus on keeping vehicles on periphery while making core as pedestrian paradise • Assess parking requirement / deciding place where provided- surface/stilts/ground- make provision of space for surface parking
- 83. Site Planning and Building Design • project to be designed as single/multiple blocks critical-- considering site/area/ shape etc and distances to be left within different blocks. • Respect abutting roads-- while positioning/ designing buildings- buildings to run parallel to abutting roads • Set backs within site-- should be dictated by the orientation/legal framework – with minimum setback kept on worst side and large setback on best orientation/front side • Setbacks also define-- open spaces to be provided within buildings/ prevailing flora- fauna -- area to be used for landscaping
- 84. Site Planning and Building Design • Lighting/ ventilation - dictate positioning of building- with north best for glare free/uniform/cool light • Building design-- dictated by golden mean ratio while considering proportions • For irregular site- plan for regular buildings with walls running parallel to abutting roads and residual irregular spaces used for landscaping/set backs. • In designing-- respect site, respect nature, existing topography and existing water bodies
- 85. Site Planning and Building Design • Site planning- based on Climate considered at Regional/ Settlement/Site levels • Look for prevailing wind direction for site planning and positioning of buildings in site— • Look for desirable winds/undesirable winds • Look at the orientation context for site planning • Look at the views from/to site– make best use of views focusing on nature, avoid views of slums /industry /pollution etc • Carry out land suitability analysis- in large projects for defining areas needing preservation/conservation/ fit for development/unfit for development for rational site planning
- 86. Site Planning and Building Design • Site and project design should be compatible • - Building design should be response to the available site • Size/shape/location /levels etc will largely dictate site planning/ building design • Avoid pre-meditated building design • Plan along contours- Planning across contours involves large cutting /filling- making project cost-intensive, environmentally unsustainable • - Avoid building on steep slopes - reject sites which are very steep • -- Reject north slopes for construction in hilly • - Plan for compact buildings --with large site area left green- have as small footprints of building as may be possible/feasible • - Mark all existing trees -plan for their protection while site planning • - Trees coming within buildings be made part of building by adjusting them in open spaces or shaping the buildings to exclude them • -mark low lying area for rain water harvesting/ locating STP • Plan higher areas for locating water supply through gravity • Use native plants for landscaping and minimize plantation from different climate
- 87. Site Planning/building design dictated by orientation & Climatic conditions
- 88. Views from/to the site
- 89. Site Planning in already built area
- 90. Site Planning in a Regular Site
- 91. Site Planning involves consideration of existing views from / to site
- 92. Site Planning dictated by respecting site, existing water bodies, flora/fauna, nature, topography
- 93. Golden Mean Ratio should dictate the proportions of the buildings
- 94. AND SEARCH FOR PROMOTING RATIONAL SITE PLANNING CONTINUES AS FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE TO ARCHITECTS