Architecture is a vast subject. When you study Architecture, you deal with science, history, engineering and art. As such, there are very few people who are renowned Architects, who actually leave their mark on the world.
Architectural students and Professional Architects face a dilemma.
How important is it to study and learn History of Architecture?
What is the use of such a subject that glorifies the past while belittling the present?
What is the need for the past when our minds are capable of creating wonders in the present?
Sustainable building involves considering the entire life-cycle of buildings, taking environmental quality, functional compatibility and future values into account. In the past, attention has been primarily focused on the size of the building stock. In many countries, quality issues have hardly played a significant role. However, in strict quantity terms, the building and housing market is now saturated in many countries, and the demand for quality is growing importance.
It is difficult to define Green building Architecture. Although we could define what the green approach could be like. It takes into consideration the impact of design of buildings on the environment. Constructing a building requires resources. For example, materials for construction, fuel, users engagement in design etc. All of these factors are considered in Green building architecture. They form the backbone of this type of approach.
the Blu Homes mkSolaire, a green building designed by Michelle Kaufmann
Designing green buildings has become a motto to many design companies and individual designers. It is important to pay attention to the conflicting issues that arise out of design. Every design decision needs to be thought with depth since it has environmental implications which could be harmful to us.
Measures for green buildings can be divided into four areas:
Reduction in energy consumption
Environmental damage prevention by reducing external pollution
Reduction in embodied energy and prevent resource depletion
Indoor air quality (and hence maintain good health)
Site Planning: An Essential Guide for Architecture Students
P.S: Article updated on 29th March 2025
Site planning is one of the most crucial—yet often underestimated—aspects of architectural design. Before a single brick is laid or a line is drawn on a blueprint, the site must be understood, respected, and shaped. For architecture students, learning how to analyse and plan a site is fundamental. It bridges the gap between theoretical design and practical implementation, grounding creative vision in the real-world complexities of land, nature, and human use.
What is Site Planning?
At its core, site planning is the process of arranging buildings and structures on a piece of land, along with shaping the open spaces between them. It is an art as much as it is a science, blending architectural creativity with urban planning logic. A site plan doesn’t just tell you where things go—it tells a story of space, movement, interaction, and context.
Whether the site involves a single house, a group of buildings, or an entire neighbourhood, a well-thought-out site plan ensures the environment enhances, rather than limits, the design. Good site planning considers environmental, cultural, and infrastructural factors to produce a plan that is contextually appropriate, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
The Importance of Site Planning in Architecture
For architecture students, understanding site planning is not just a box to tick. It is a foundational skill that will influence every project they work on. It affects:
Building orientation and solar access
Integration with the natural landscape
Accessibility and movement
Energy efficiency and sustainability
Quality of life for occupants and users
Ignoring site factors can lead to designs that are uncomfortable, inefficient, or even unbuildable. Conversely, designs that grow organically from the site often feel more harmonious and enduring.
