site planning

Guide to Site Documentation and Site Analysis

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Site Documentation and Analysis | Green Infrastructure Design

Involve connectivities (Airport, Bus stop, study of roads, road widening, Bus service, train service etc)

Site and surroundings

Three important aspects are to be considered while analysing the surroundings of the site.

  1. Zoning (Agricultural, Industrial, residential, commercial , recreational etc)
  2. Neighbourhood Analysis
  3. Natural elements present in the site surroundings (Vegetation, rocks, river etc)

Analysis of Services in and around site

  1. Electricity lines
  2. Drainage lines
  3. Telephone lines
  4. Cable lines
  5. Postal services

Contour Analysis is very important for efficient site planning. Contour Analysis helps in determining the slope of the site which proves to be an important factor for site planning.

Recording the flora fauna, soil subsoil, underground water, above ground

Important requirements to be incorporated while site planning | Green Infrastructure

Active, Semi-active and Passive features are to be listed out which we can incorporate into our design.

We have already discussed various Passive and Active features regarding Green Architecture. All these features have to be studied, analysed on site if they exist and then should be incorporated into your design.

Design and allocation of Active and Passive features is an important part of Zoning.

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Site Planning for Architecture Students | A Complete Beginner’s Guide

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An Ultimate Guide to Site Planning for Architecture Students, Design Enthusiasts as well as Architects

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.

Before and after Site Planning

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.

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