Planning 1

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PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l
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The process of calculating the
degree of resource use and the
degree of disturbance of
existing
natural
systems
required
to
support
a
development begins with site
selection.
The
most
environmentally
sound
development is one that
disturbs as little of the existing
site as possible. Building
projects
also
require
connections to mass transit,
vehicular infrastructure, and
utility and telecommunication
networks. Sound site planning
and design should consider
siting a building to take
advantage of existing service
networks.
This section focuses on siteplanning strategies and techniques

for
energy
and
resource
conservation with regard to both
site and building design to achieve
greater human comfort and
operational efficiencies. Sound site
planning and design is prescriptive
and strategic. It charts appropriate
patterns of use for a site while
incorporating construction methods
that minimize site disruption and
the expenditure of financial and
building resources.
2.0 SITE ANALYSIS AND

ASSESSMENT
Igneous Rock
The use, scale, and structural

systems of a building affect its
particular site requirements and
associated
environmental
impacts.
Building
characteristics, orientation, and
placement
should
be
considered in relation to the site
so
that
proper
drainage
systems, circulation patterns,
landscape design, and other
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site-development features can
be determined.
Site
data
on
climate,
topography,
soils,
water,
vegetation, and other factors
should
be
collected
and
analysed to assess a site's
compatibility with the proposed
program from an energy and
resource
conservation
perspective. In addition to
traditional
site
planning
information, the following data
is typically collected and
analysed for the site:
of minerals; minerals are made

up of atoms:
Igneous Rocks rocks
produced by crystallization from
a liquid.
Sedimentary Rocks when
igneous rocks are exposed to
surface
and
weathering
reduces them to particles, these
particles
are
moved
by
erosional
process
and
deposited in layers into rivers
and oceans.
metamorphosed rocks due to

changes in pressure and
temperature.
3.1.2 Geomorphology
Geomorphology is that branch
of Geology that deals with the
origin, nature and distribution of
landforms.
3.0 SITE INVENTORY

3.1 NATURAL FACTORS
3.1.1 Geology
Geology is the natural science
that studies the Earth its
composition; the processes that
shaped its surface; and its
history. Earth is made up of
rocks (including soil, sand, silt
and dust); rocks are composed
Metamorphosed Rocks
when sedimentary rocks are
pushed to deeper levels of the
earth, they transform into
To penetration from a weighted object such

as a building foundation.
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BEARING CAPACITY FOR ROCK AND SOIL MATERIALS
Material
Allowable Bearing Value (psf)
Class
1
Rock
Massive crystalline bedrock, e.g. granite,
gneiss
Metamorphosed rock, e.g. schist, slate
Sedimentary rocks, e.g. shale, sandstone
Soil
materials
Well compacted gravels and sands

Compact gravel, sand/gravel mixtures
Loose gravel, compact coarse sand
Loose coarse sand; loose sand/gravel
mixtures, compact fine sand, wet coarse sand

Loose fine sand, wet fine sand
Stiff clay (dry)
10
Medium-stiff clay
11
Soft clay
12
Fill, organic material, or silt
200,000
80,000
30,000
20,000
12,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
8,000
4,000
2,000
(fixed by field tests)
Source: Code Manual, New York State Building Code Commission
Physiography refers to the

description of landforms.
Landforms are irregularities
on the earths surface. They are
derived from volcanic, glacial,
or erosional processes.
When designing a piece
of property for architectural,
landscape architectural and
engineering
usage,
it
is
essential for the designer to first
confront the nature of the land,
particularly its form, its slopes,
and its inherent capabilities for
surface
and
subsurface
discharge
of
water,
for
supporting
vertical
and
horizontal structures, and for1)
resisting erosion. This exercise
requires
four
basic
geomorphologic
information
such as:
Soil Properties In site(1)

planning, it is important to
establish
the
relationship
between soil composition and
land
uses
(other
than
agriculture). Soil surveys help
guide in site selection for
residential, industrial, and other
forms of development that
involve surface and subsurface
structures. Composition and
Soil Texture are generally the
most meaningful; from them we
can make inferences about
bearing
capacity,
internal
drainage, erodibility, and slope
(2)
stability.
Composition - refers to the
material that makes up soil:
mineral
particles,
organic
matter, water, and air.
Mineral Particles comprise 50%

to 80% of the volume of the soil
and form the all-important
skeletal structure of the soil.
Sand and gravel particles
provide for the greatest stability,
usually yield a relatively high
bearing
capacity.
Bearing capacity is a soils resistance
Organic Matter varies radically

in soils and usually imposes a
limitation to any building
structure. Organic matter is
important only for soil fertility,
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moisture
absorption
and
retention and for landscaping.
(3) Water content varies with(4)
particle sizes, local drainage,
topography and climate. Most
water occupies the spaces
between particles; only in
organic soils do the particles
Sand
themselves actually absorb2)

measurable amounts of water.
Air is what occupies remaining
space that is not occupied by
water.
In
layers
where
groundwater is formed by
gravity water in the subsoil and
underlying rock, there is
absence of air.
Loam
Texture - is the term used to

describe the composite sizes of
particles in a soil sample. There
are 12 basic terms for texture,
at the center of which is Class
Loam, which is an intermediate
mixture of 40% sand, 40% silt
and 20% clay
Clay
3) Drainage
GOOD DRAINAGE refers to
the soils ability to transferb)
gravity
water
downward
through:
a) Infiltration - the rate at which
water penetrates the soil
surface (usually measured inc)

cm or inches per hour);
Permeability - the rate at which
water within the soil moves
through a given volume of
material (also measured in cm
or inches per hour)
Percolation - the rate at which

water in a soil pit or pipe within
the soil is taken up by the soil
(used mainly in wastewater
absorption tests and measured
in inches per hour)
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that gravity water is not readily2) Four basic slope form: Straight,
transmitted by the soil and soil
S-shaped, Concave, Convex
is frequently or permanently
saturated and may have water
standing on it caused by:
a) The local accumulation of
water;
b) A rise in the level of
groundwater within the soil
column;
c) The size of the particles in the
soil being too small to transmit
infiltration water.
POOR DRAINAGE - means
4) Topography and Slopes
Slope Form is expressed
graphically in terms of a slope
profile, a silhouette of a slope
drawn to known proportions
with distance on the horizontal
axis and
vertical
elevation
Convex
Straight
S-shape
Concave
Angle Of Repose -- angle at
which soil can be safely inclined
and beyond which it will fail.
on
the
axis.
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describes the shape of the
earths surface by contour lines.
Contours are imaginary lines

that join points of equal
elevation on the surface of the
land above or below a
reference surface such as the
mean sea level. Contours make
it possible to measure the
height of mountains, depth of
the
ocean
bottoms,
and
steepness of slopes.
Slope Analysis - is an important

analytical process made on a
topographic map that makes a
proper match between land
uses and slopes and produces
an overall pattern of slopes
which helps the site planner in
determining
the
buildable
portions of the site.
The process involves breaking
down of topography into grades
which will establish the desired
patterns for a given land use as
in the following example:
Slope Pattern for Elementary
and High School Campus
0 5%
-Generally flat
-Highly buildable
5 10%
-Gently rolling
-Moderately buildable
10 15%
-Gentle to mild slopes
-Moderately difficult to build
15 20%
-Mild to steep slopes
-Difficult to build
20% and over
-Harsh, steep slopes
-Unbuildable
Topographic Map a map of a

portion of the earth that
In the analysis of the

slopes, the distances for each
Slope Pattern are computed
from the given topographic
map, for use on the Slope Map.
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To compute the Distance of a
slope from a topographic
contour map:
D distance = contour/ interval%

slope X 100
D distance =10.00 m / 5 % X
100
D distance = 200.00 m for slope

pattern 0-5 % this distance unit
will figure in the graduate scale
that will be constructed for use
in the slope map.
A Slope Map is prepared to

visually express these slope
patterns on the topographic
map. Heres how to:
a. Establish the site boundaries on
the map.
b. Make a constructed graduated
scale on the edge of a
cardboard sheet, representing
the distances of each slope
pattern (using same scale as
the topo map).
c. Place the scale on the map
(see illustration above) and
mark the edges where the scale
matches the distances between
contour lines.
Contoured Map
TOPOGRAPHY AND SLOPES
Desirable Slopes when
slopes are selected according
to building type and the
activities associated with it.
d. Color- or hatch-code each area

delineated by these edges. Flat or gently sloping sites are
preferred for industrial and
commercial buildings
Hilly sites are preferred for
fashionable
suburban
residences.
The result is a colored or

gradient-hatched Slope Map.
Slopes influence the alignment

of modern roads according to
class of roads; the higher the
class, the lower the maximum
grades allowable.
Soil Erosion when rocks are
broken down (weathered) into
small fragments, and carried by
wind, water, ice and gravity.

Energy for this process is solar
and gravitational.
PREVENTION
Four factors to consider in
forecasting erosion rates:
a) Vegetation
Foliage intercepts raindrops
Organic litter on the ground
reduces impact of raindrops
Roots
bind
together
aggregates of soil particles
Cover density, in form of
ground cover or tree canopy,
decreases soil loss to runoff.
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b) Soil Type
Intermediate textures like
sand will usually yield (erode)
first
To erode clay, the velocity of
the runoff should be high
enough to overcome cohesive
forces that bind the particles
together
Similarly,
high
velocities
would be needed to move
masses of pebbles and
particles larger than those of
sand
c)
Slope Size
The velocity of runoff is
closely related to the slope of
the ground over which it
flows. Slopes that are both
steep and long produce the
greatest erosion because
they generate runoff that is
high in velocity and mass.
Slope also influences the
quantity of runoff since long
slopes collect more rainfall
and thus generate a larger
volume of runoff.
of rainfall in promoting soil

erosion.
d) Inclination, Frequency
Intensity of Rainfall
Intensive rainfalls produced
by thunderstorms promote
the highest rates of erosion.
Accordingly, the incidence of
storms plus total annual
rainfall can be a reliable
measure of the effectiveness
3.1.3 Hydrology
Hydrology the natural science
that studies the Waters of the
Earth,
their
occurrence,
circulation and distribution, their
chemical
and
physical
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properties, and their reaction to
the living environment including
their relation to all living things
Hydrologic cycle or the
planets water cycle, described
by the movement of water from
the oceans to the atmosphere
to the continents and back to
the sea.
Water table is the upper

boundary of the zone of
groundwater; the top of
Aquifer
A
permeable
geological stratum or formation
that can both store and transmit
Hydrologic cycle
Water table
unconfined aquifer.
groundwater
quantities.
in
significant
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Watershed a geographic area
of land bounded by topographic
features and height of land that
captures precipitation filters and
stores water and drains waters
to
a
shared
destination.
Knowledge
of
watershed
b.
boundaries is critical to water
quality
and
storm
water
management.
trees
were
20deg
lower.
Wind helps to control

temperature. When winds are
of low velocity, they may bea)
pleasant, but when velocity
increases,
may
cause
discomfort or damage.
Trees help to buffer winds in
urban
areas
caused
by
convection and Venturi effects.
3.1.4 Vegetation
The
relevance
of
Plant
Materials in site planning is in
their role in:
1. Climatic control
a) Solar Radiation is Earths
source of light and heat. Itc.
warms the earths surface, is
reflected by paving and other
objects, and produces glare.
Trees are one of the best
controls for solar radiation
because:
they block or filter sunlight;
they cool the air under their
canopies providing natural air
conditioning;
Scientists have recorded that
with an air temperature of
84deg F, surface temp of a
concrete paving was 108 deg,
while surface temp under shade
Precipitation. Plants help to

control precipitation reaching
the ground. By intercepting rain
and slowing it down, they aid inb.
moisture retention, and in the
prevention of soil erosion. They
also help soil retain water by
providing shade, or protection
from the wind, or by water
shedding function of trees
roots.
2. Environmental Engineering
Air Purification Plants clean

air through the process of
photosynthesis where they use
up carbon dioxide emissions of
cars and trucks and in the
process release oxygen into the
air.
Trees also help filter out other
pollutants, i.e. sulfur dioxide,
dust, pollen, and smoke.
Noise The sound level

of normal conversation is about
60 decibels; a plane taking off
produces 120 decibels at a
distance of 200 ft. Sound
energy usually spreads out and
dissipates
in
transmission.
Sound waves can be absorbed,
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reflected
or
deflected.
thick fleshy leaves and thin petioles
Plants absorb sound waves

through their leaves, branches,
twigs, especially those with
thick fleshy leaves and thin
petioles.
Tree trunks deflect sounds and
it has been estimated that a
100 ft. depth of forest can
reduce sound by 21 decibels.
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c.
Glare and Reflection

Plants reduce glare and
reflection caused by sunlight. A
light source received directly
produces primary glare while
reflected light is secondary
glare. Plants may be used to
filter or block glare by use of
plants with the appropriate size,
shape, and foliage density.
increase the angle of repose byb) View Control While trees and
10 to 15 degrees.
shrubs
can
screen
out
objectionable views, they can
also provide backdrops for
sculpture and fountains.
Additionally, they may provide
filtered views of buildings or
spaces, or frame a view,
Vitiveria ziziainoides or Vitiver Grass
maximizing
its
effect.
miracle grass of amazing bioengineering capabilities.
3. Architectural
Uses
d. Erosion Control Plants are a

primary means of preventing
erosion from stormwater runoff
and of controlling erosiona)
during construction. Erosion is
also minimized by the plants
action of intercepting rain,
decreasing
splash,
and
increased water absorption.
Vegetation with extensive root
systems imparts stability to
slopes.
and
Aesthetic
c) Mood Plants affects peoples

moods.
Space Definition plants can

help
in
several
ways
as wall elements to form
outdoor spaces, as canopies
provide shade, or as ground
covers to provide colour and
texture on the base plane.
On sandy slopes, the presence

of woody vegetation can
3.1.5 Wildlife
Wildlife relates closely to
habitats provided by plant
communities. The three groups
of habitat elements essential to
the different species of wildlife
are:
1. Openland Wildlife includes
birds and mammals commonly
associated with crop fields,
meadows, pastures, and nonforested
lands.
Habitat
elements essential for openland
wildlife include:
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Grain and seed crops
Grasses and legumes
Wild
herbaceous
upland
plants
Hardwood woody plants
2. Woodland Wildlife These
species
need
various
combinations of:
Grasses and legumes
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Wild
herbaceous
upland
plants
Hardwood woody plants
Cone-bearing shrubs such as
pines.
3. Wetland Wildlife wetland
species include birds and
mammals needing habitats
with:
Wetland food plants or wild
herbaceous plants of moist to
wet
sites,
excluding
submerged or floating aquatic
plants;
Shallow water development
with water impoundments not
deeper than 5 ft.;
Excavated ponds with ample
supply of water at least one
acre and average 6ft depth.
Streams
3.1.6
Climates
Climates can be generally
classified into four types: Cold,
Temperate, Hot Arid and Hot
Humid.
a) Solar
orientation
for
buildings;
b) The best facing slopes; and
c) Wind flows for breezes.
Temperatures vary with elevation by

about 3 deg for every 1000 ft. (300m)
in the daytime.
Abrupt forms cause unpleasant air

turbulence.
The more perpendicular a slope is to
the rays of the sun, the warmer the
surface temperature.
Wind Flows
Solar orientation
Best facing slopes:
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Smooth forms induce smooth flow of
air.
SITE PLANNING CONCEPT

USING NATURAL FACTORS:
PASSIVE COOLING the1)
technology of cooling spaces2)
through
proper
siting
of
3)
structure and use of energyefficient materials, with the4)
overall objective of energy5)
conservation.
Solar orientation
Altitude
Topography
Vegetation
Water bodies
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KEY POINTS: Site Selection

The process of calculating the degree of resource use and the degree of disturbance of
Existing natural systems required to support a development begins with site selection.
1. The most environmentally sound development is one that disturbs as little of the
existing site as possible . Adaptive re-use of existing buildings, or redevelopment of
disturbed sites requires minimal disruption of natural systems and should be encouraged.
2. The best way to minimize transportation needs for a proposed development is to a)
select a site which is located within or adjacent to residential, shopping, and/or work
opportunities ; or b) provide a mix of uses on-site to meet the needs of residents
and/or employees.
3. Sites located within or adjacent to existing development allow for the most efficient
and cost effective extension of utilities.
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3.2 CULTURAL FACTOR
3.2.1 Existing Land Use
Land Use Plans are available in each city and municipality to determine the areas for commercial,
institutional, industrial, residential, and open space uses. These were planned according to the most
rational use of land in relation to the natural and socio-economic factors, and in accordance with
compatibility with adjacent land uses.
Each site must conform to the land use plan: a residential subdivision, for example, cannot be
developed in a site designated as Industrial.
3.2.2
Traffic and transit systems
The relationship of traffic pattern to each other and to the site must be studied for adequacy of access
and efficiency of circulation within and outside of the site.
Efficient traffic and transportation systems will result in successful integration of the different
developments in the vicinity.
Direction of dominant traffic flow, both vehicular and pedestrian will also help establish points of highest
visual impact for the site.
Access must also consider pedestrian movement.
3.2.3 Density and Zoning
Density refers to the population per unit land area. This data will determine whether existing utilities and
land areas will be sufficient to sustain additional future development, which will naturally add to the
existing population and bear on the capacity of these utilities.
Density is expressed in number of families or dwelling units per hectare. It may also be expressed in
Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
Density influences the privacy, social contact among people, and freedom of movement of an individual
or a group of people.
Zoning regulations, laws and codes are present in every city and municipality to regulate the type of
development. It divides the city or municipality into land use areas that are designated by building
height, building coverage, density of population, and open space.
3.2.4
Socio-Economic Factors
The study of the community and its social and economic structures are done to determine whether
there is a need, an interest, or any objections on the project.
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Any proposed project must be compatible with the economy of the particular community. For example, a
high-end boutique is hardly suitable in a low-income community.
The social structure of the community must be taken into consideration to ensure that a proposed
development will not result in any displaced families, and any major disruption in their businesses and
other activities.
3.2.5 Utilities / services:
It is important to determine the existing availability of utilities on site in terms of adequacy and efficiency.
This includes:
Sanitary/sewage system
Electric power supply
Water supply
Drainage
Most water systems will supply domestic, industrial, and fire stand-by supply from a distribution system.
Storm drains collect surface water and conduct it to rivers, creeks, or other bodies of water.
3.2.6 Historic factors:
1. Historic Buildings
2. Historic Landmarks
3. Archeology
3.3 AESTHETIC FACTOR
3.3.1
Natural features
When sites are characterized by outstanding natural features of earth, rock, water or plant material,
these may be incorporated in the site development as natural assets of the land.
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3.3.2
Spatial Patterns
an arrangement of elements that evoke activity or
Spatial pattern is defined as the way an open

space of a given site is configured according to
3.3.3
3.3.4 Visual Resources:

3.3.5
1. View is a scene observed from a vantage point.
3.3.12 A view is usually better if enframed or

seen through an appropriate screen.
3.3.13
3.3.6 The full view is not always the best view.

3.3.7
2. Vista is a confined view, usually directed toward
a terminal or dominant feature. It has three
components: a viewing station, a view, and a
foreground.
3.3.8
3.3.9
3.3.10
3.3.11
flow, both physically

or visually.
3.3.14
3.3.15 A view can be a theme that may suggest
and give added meaning to buildings.
3.3.16
3.3.17
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3.3.18
3.3.19
e
ol
o
g
y
a
n
d
S
oi
l
3.3.20
3.3.21
3.3.22
Water table elevation and

fluctuation,
springs,
flow
directions, presence of deep
aquifers.
3.3.23
Water supply location,
4.0
quantity and quality.
c) Topography:
1) General Site Context
Contours.
Geographic Location, adjacent
Pattern of landforms-typology,
land use patterns, access
slopes, circulation possibilities,
system, nearby destinations
access
points,
barriers,
and facilities, stability and Underlying
geology,
rock
visibility.
change in development pattern.
character and depth, fault lines. Unique features.
Political
authority,
social Soil types and depth, value asd) Climate
structure
of
the
locality,
an engineering material and as Regional
pattern
of
population
change
in
a plant medium, presence of
temperature,
humidity,
surrounding areas.
hazardous
chemicals
or
precipitation,
sun
angles,
Ecological and hydrographic
contaminants.
cloudiness, wind direction and
system of the region.
Areas of fill or ledge, liability to
speeds.
Nature of the area economy,
slides or subsidence, capability Local microclimates: warm and
other proposals or projects
for mining.
cool slopes, wind deflection and
nearby and their effects on theb) Water
local breeze, air drainage,
site.
Existing
water
bodies
shade, heat reflection and

variation and purity. Surface
storage, plant indicators
2) Physical Data, Site and
drainage pattern amount, Ambient air qualities, dust,
adjacent Land
directions, areas of continuing
smells, sound levels.
3.3.24 a)
erosion.
e) Ecology
G
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Dominant plant and animal
communities -- their location
and relative stability, and
vulnerability.
General pattern of plant cover,

quality of wooded areas, wind3)
firmness,
regeneration
a)
potential.
Specimen trees their location,
spread, species, elevation at
base, unique or endangered,
support system needed.
f) Man- Made structures
Existing buildings: location,

outline, floor elevations, type,
condition, current use.
b)
Networks: roads, paths, rails,
transit lines, sewers, water
lines, gas, electricity, telephone,c)
steamtheir
location,
elevations, capacity, condition.
Fences, walls, decks, other
human modifications to the
landscape.
g) Sensory qualities
Ongoing changes and those

likely to occur without
intervention the dynamic
aspect of the site.
Ties to context current
and possible linkages areas
where consistent uses are
desirable, patterns of
movement to be preserved.
Summary of significant
problems and potentials,
Character and relationship of

visual spaces and sequences.
Viewpoints, vistas, focal points. d)
Quality and variation of light,
sound, smell.
Cultural Data, Site and
Adjacent Land
Resident and using population e)
Numbers, composition, pattern
of change.
Social
structure,
ties,
institutions.
Economic status and role.

Organization,
leadership,
political participation.
Behavior
settings:
nature,
location, participants, rhythm,
stability, conflicts.
4)
Site values, rights, restraints:
Ownerships, easements and
other rights.
Zoning and other regulations
that influence site use and
character.
Economic value and how it
varies across the site.
including summary of the key
positive and negative impacts
of the proposal.
Accepted territories.
Political jurisdictions.
Past and Future:
History of the site and its visible
traces.
Public and private intentions for
future use of site, conflicts.
Site Character and image
Group and individual
identification with aspects of the
site.
How the site is organized in
people's minds.
Meanings attached to the site,
symbolic associations.
Hopes, fears, wishes,
preferences.
Correlation of Data
Subdivisions of the site: areas
of consistent structure,
character, problems.
Identification of key points,
axes, areas best left
undeveloped, areas where
tensive development is
possible.
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SITE ANALYSIS CHECKLIST

Exposure
___direction house faces
___areas of shade in mid-winter am/pm
___prevailing wind direction
___areas of shade in the mid-summer am/pm
___size of street
___traffic intensity
PREVAILING WINDS (NOTE THE DIRECTION AND SPEED)
Wet season__________
Dry season__________
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Slope and drainage

Views
___slopes
___good
___erosion
___bad
___drainage problems
___from windows
___standing water
___from doors
___soil type
___beyond property
Noise
Odors
___traffic
___sewer
___businesses
___garbage
___neighbor
___car exhaust
Lights
___street lights
___neighbors lights
___dark area
FEATURES (ATTRACTIVENESS, SIZE, CONDITION, FUNCTION)
Natural
Manmade
___water
___paths
___rocks
___walls
___hills
___steps
___other structures
House
Soil
___style and age
___type
___condition
___condition
___facade material
___depth of soil
REFERENCE
Dines, N. T. (1988).
Energy
and
Resource
Conservation.
InTime
Savers
Standard
for
Landscape
Architecture
(2nd
Ed. P.79). Mcgrawhill, inc.
Tubayan, O. (2014,
July
12).
Site
Planning. Retrieved
January 08, 2017,
from
http://www.slideshar
e.net/xthianescala/si
te-planning-kevinlynch
Lynch and hack
(1984)
Site
Planning, MIT press
(6th ed., pp.420425) retrieved from
http://www.faculty.ks
u.edu.sa/drmohsen/.
../site%20analysis
%20checklist.pdf
Site
Analysis
Checklist
(n.d.)
Retrieved
from
https://ncsu.edu/goi
ngnative/create/work
sheets/gn_step3site
_ws.pdf
28
29
1.0 INTRODUCTION
An ecosystem is a complex system with many parts, both and non-living. All parts of the
system are important. If one part of the system is removed, lots of other parts can be
affected.
If a part of ecosystem is missing may continue for a while but in time would start falling
apart.
All of the parts of the ecosystem work together. If you do not think about how your work will
affect the land, water or air where you are working, you could damage that ecosystem by
poisoning the land or water, removing plants and trees or killing the fish, insects, birds and
animals that live there.
2.0 GROUND FORM
A formation or geological formation is the fundamental unit of lithostratigraphy. A formation

consists of a certain number of rock strata C that have a comparable lithology, facies or
other similar properties. Formations are not defined on the thickness of the rock strata they
consist of and the thickness of different formations can therefore vary widely.
The concept of formally defined layers or strata is central to the geologic discipline of
stratigraphy. Formations can be divided into members and are themselves frequently
parcelled together in groups.
A geologic cross section of the Grand Canyon. Black numbers correspond to groups of
formations and white numbers correspond to formations.

Ground formation is to be considered in site selection or regarding the development of any
site. The surface features of a plot of land, which influences where and how to build a
developement site.
30
To study the response of a building design to the topography of a site

sections or a site, we can use a series if site selection or a site plan with contour lines.
Contour lines are imiginary lines joining points of equal elevation above a
datum or bench mark the trajectory of each contour line indicates the shape of the land
formation at that elevation.
2.1.0 Patterned Ground
Pattern Ground is the distinct and often symmetrical geometric shapes formed by ground
material in periglacial regions.
Patterned
ground
can be found in a
variety of forms.
Polygons- can form either

in permafrost areas or in areas
that
are
affected
by
seasonal frost.
Types of patterned
ground
Circles range in size from a few

centimeters to several meters in
diameter.
31
Steps can be developed from

circles and polygons. This form
of patterned ground is generally
a terrace-like feature that has a
border of either larger stones or
vegetation on the downslope
side, and can consist of either
sorted or unsorted material.
Stripes are lines of stones,
vegetation, and/or soil
3.0 SOIL AND

GEOLOGY
3.1.0 Soil
Soil is
the
mixture
of
minerals, organic matter, gases,
liquids, and the myriad of
organisms that together support
plant life.
Soil serves as a foundation

for
most construction projects.
Soil is intimately tied to our
urgent need to provide food for
ourselves and forage for our
animals.
3.1.1 Soil Types

Sand, Silt, Clay, and Loam.
32
3.1.2 Soil Layers
NINE (9) SOIL ORDERS RECOGNIZED IN THE PHILIPPINES
3.1.3
Soil
in
Construction
The
degree
of
compaction of soil is
measured by its unit
weight (or density)
and
optimum
moisture content.
compact soils to
increase
their
density.
Compaction
improves
the
following
characteristics
of
soils for engineering
purposes:
Increases strength
Decreases permeability
Reduces
settlement
of
foundation
Increase slope stability of
1)
embankments
If area is to support structures

(pavements,
footings,
foundations, etc.), subgrade
should be compacted according
to engineers specifications,
including depth, density and
moisture content.
To minimize settlement, fill
should
be
placed
and
The process of soil
compacted in layers, referred to

compaction is simply
as lifts.
expelling the air from
the voids or reducing

PLACING
AND
air voids. As soil is
COMPACTING SOIL
compacted,
soil
Compaction specifications for
density is increased.
structural soils should include
Soil compaction
Reducing,
or
density and optimum moisture
can be achieved
squeezing,
water
content.
either by static or
from the voids is
2) Range of optimum moisture
dynamic loading:
referred
to
as
content:
consolidation,
not
Sand 8%
compaction
Silt 15%
Clay 15-20%
3) Water content should be
controlled in making fills
Control stormwater runoff.
Smooth-wheel rollers
Discharge water away from
Sheepsfoot rollers
trenches and excavations.
Rubbe-tired rollers
Trenches
and
excavations
Vibratory roller
should be dewatered.
In
the Vibratory tempers
Compaction
construction
of
methods
streets,
parking
1) Rolling is the primary method
areas,
2) Three basic roller types:
embankments and
a) Steel wheeled recommended

many
other
site
Placement of fill material
for hard, angular material.
development
Topsoil should be removed in fillb) Rubber tired recommended
projects, it may be
areas
for softer material (sandy soils)
necessary
to
and for rolling during final

shaping operations.
c) Sheepsfoot or tamping
recommended for clay
3) Heavy
rubber-tired
earth
moving equipment such as
dump
trucks
assists
in
compaction during deposition of
successive layer.
4) Rammer, tampers and plate
vibrators are used to compact
trench excavations, excavations
in tight spaces, and against
retaining and foundation walls.
Controlled fill
3.2.0 GEOLOGY
Geology is an earth science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is
composed, and the processes by which they change.
Geology can also refer generally to the study of the solid features of any celestial body (such as
the geology of the Moon or Mars).
Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth by providing the primary evidence for plate
tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates.
Geology is important for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, evaluating water
resources, understanding of natural hazards, the remediation of environmental problems, and for
providing insights into past climate change.
Geology also plays a role in geotechnical engineering and is a major academic discipline.
Other areas of application:
The fields of engineering, environmental, architectural and urban geology are broadly
concerned with applying the findings of geologic studies to construction engineering and to problems of
land use. The location of a bridge, for example, involves geologic considerations in selecting sites for
the supporting piers. The strength of geologic materials such as rock or compacted clay that occur at
the sites of the piers should be adequate to support the load placed on them.
Geology is the study of the earth:
The materials of which it is made,
the structure of those materials,
The processes acting upon them.
The study of organisms that have inhabited our planet.
An important part of geology is the study of how Earths materials, structures, processes and organisms
have changed over time.
Cross-cutting relations can be

used to determine the relative
ages of rock strata and other
geological structures.
Explanations:
A. folded rock strata cut by a thrust fault;

B. large intrusion (cutting through A);
C. erosional angular unconformity
(cutting off A & B) on which rock
strata were deposited;
D. volcanic dyke (cutting through A, B &
C);
E. even younger rock strata (overlying C
& D);
F. normal fault (cutting through A, B, C & E).
3.2.0 GEOLOGIC MATERIALS
3.2.1 Rocks
Three major types of
rock:
1)
Igneous
a)
When a rock crystallizes from

melt (magma and/or lava), it is an
igneous rock.
b)
This rock can be weathered and

eroded, and then redeposited and
lithified into a sedimentary rock,
or be turned into a metamorphic
rock due to heat and pressure
that change the mineral content.
2)
Sedimentary
a) The sedimentary rock can then be subsequently turned into a metamorphic rock due to heat and
pressure and is then weathered, eroded, deposited, and lithified, ultimately becoming a sedimentary
rock.
b) Sedimentary rock may also be re-eroded and redeposited, and metamorphic rock may also undergo
additional metamorphism.
3) Metamorphic
a) The rock cycle is an
important concept in geology which illustrates the relationships between these three types of rock,
and magma.
b) All three types of rocks may be re-melted; when this happens, a new magma is formed, from which an
igneous rock may once again crystallize.
The majority of research in geology is associated with the study of rock, as rock provides the
primary record of the majority of the geologic history of the Earth.
Geologists use a number of field,
3.4.0 METHODS OF GEOLOGY
Laboratory, and numerical modeling methods to decipher Earth history and understand the processes
that occur on and inside the Earth.
In typical geological investigations, geologists use primary information related to:
Petrology (the study of rocks)
Stratigraphy (the study of sedimentary layers)
Structural geology (the study of positions of rock units and their deformation).
In many cases, geologists also study modern soils, rivers, landscapes, and glaciers; investigate
past and current life and biogeochemical pathways, and use geophysical methods to investigate the
subsurface.
4.0 RELEVANT SOIL SPECIFICATION SECTIONS
4.1 Earth
sheltering
Using earth as
building walls for
external thermal
mass, to reduce
heat loss, and to
easily maintain a
steady indoor air
temperature.
4.2 Grading
4.3 Subsurface
Investigation
4.5 Site Clearing

(stripping &
stockpiling topsoil)
4.6 Excavation and

Fill
4.7 Erosion and

Sedimentation
Control
4.4
Soil
Stabilization
To
improve
its
paving
properties
and compact ability.
Applied in roads,
railways, airport.
Silt fence installed on a

construction site
5.0 WATER RESOURCES
Water is a combination of two elementary substances hydrogen and oxygen.

It appears in its natural state as liquid-- 830 times heavier than air, solid-- ice, gas-- vapor or
steam 133 times lighter than air.
The Weight of water in liquid form 3.778kg.per U.S gallon and 1.000kg.per cubic meter.
Three Source Of Water:
Rainwater or Rainfall
Advantage
Obtain
from
roofs
and
From The Rainfall
Disadvantage
Hard to store for a long time as it will be a
watershed. It is soft pure and
breeding place for mosquitoes, requires big
good on places where there is
containers for storing big quantities for long
an abundant rainfall.
uses, roofs may not be clean, bad for places

that receives a little amount of rainfall.
Surface Water- a mixture of surface runoff and ground water includes rivers, pond and
reservoirs.
From The Natural

Surface
Dis
dv
adv
ant
nt
age
a
g
e
Dan
bt
ger
ai
ous
ne
bec
aus
fro
e it
con
po
tain
nd
s,
larg
la
ke
am
s,
oun
riv
ts
er
of
bac
ea
teri
si
a,
ne
org
ss
anic
of
and
pr
inor
oc
gan
ur
ic
sub
sta
en
nce
ts
s of
an
var
ying
go
qua
od
ntiti
for
es.
lo
ca
lit
y
ne
ar
su
ch
bo
di
es
of
w
at
er.
Underground/ Ground Water- portion of the rainwater which has percolated into the earth
underground deposit called (water bearing soil formation)
Ground water can be extracted by constructing well.
From
Underground
Disa
dvan
tage
a
n
t
a
g
e
Beca
use
of
vario
us
organ
ic
matte
r and
chem
ical
elem
ents
b
e
l
o
w
prese
nt, it
requir
es
treat
ment
of
g
vario
us
natur
es,
such
as
sedi
ment
ation,
chem
ical,
filtrati
on,
e
b
y
m
e
a
n
s
o
f
m
e
c
h
a
n
i
c
a
l
a
n
aerati
ons.
d
m
a
n
u
a
l
e
q
u
i
p
m
e
n
t
.
M
o
r
e
w
a
t
e
r
c
a
n
o
b
t
a
i
n
e
d
d
e
p
e
n
d
i
n
g
b
y
e
q
u
i
p
m
e
n
t
u
s
e
d
a
n
d
l
o
c
a
li
t
y
.
5.1.0 Types of well
Well are holes in the earth from which a fluid may be withdraw using manual or mechanical
means such as draw bucket, pump, etc.
Dug wells can be constructed by hand tools/ power tool. It can have the greatest diameter
that a space may allow.
Driven wells the simplest and usually the least expensive. A steel drive- well point is fitted
on one end of the pipe section & driven into the earth.
Bored wells dug w/ earth augers usually less than 30m deep. These are done when the
earth to be bored is boulder free and will not cave in. the well is lined with metal, vitrified tile
or concrete.
Drilled well require more elaborate equipment and accompanied by the lowering of a
casing.
5.2.0 Properties Of
Water
He
Ha
at
cap
the
acit
abil
ity
to
abs
orb
hea
t
wit
hou
t
bec
omi
ng
mu
ch
war
me
r
itse
lf
Sur
Abil
fac
ity
to
ten
stic
sio
k to
itse
lf
and
pull
itse
lf
tog
eth
er
Ca
Abil
pill
ity
arit
to
cli
mb
up
a
surf
ace
aga
inst
the
pull
of
gra
vity
Dis
Abil
sol
ity
vin
to
dis
abil
sol
ity
ve
alm
ost
any
sub
sta
nce
Common
Impurities Of Water
Entr
Lik
aine
car
gas
bo
es
n
dio
xid
e,
hyd
rog
en
sul
fide
,
met
ha
ne,
oxy
ge
n
an
d
nitr
og
en
ous
an
d
org
ani
c
co
mp
ou
nds
Diss
Su
olve
ch
as
min
cal
eral
ciu
m,
ma
gn
esi
um
,
sod
ium
,
iron
s,
ma
nga
nes
e,
alk
yl
be
nze
ne
sulf
ate
fro
m
det
erg
ent
s
an
d
syn
thet
ic
org
ani
c
co
mp
ou
nds
an
d
fro
m
ins
ecti
cid
es
an
d
pes
tici
des
Sus
Su
pen
ch
ded
as
and
bac
collo
teri
idal
a,
mat
alg
erial
ae,
fun
gi,
silt,
pro
toz
oa
an
d
the
like
that
ma
kes
the
wat
er
col
ore
d
an
d
aci
d
Radi
By
oact
ent
ive
ert
min
ain
eral
me
nt
of
radi
oac
tive
sub
sta
nce
s
fro
m
min
ing
or
pro
ces
sin
g
ore
s,
or
by
wa
ste
s
fro
m
ind
ustr
ials
use
of
radi
oac
tive
mat
eri
als
5.3.0 Methods Of Purification And Treatment Of Water
Sedimentation - article of matters that are suspended in the water are allowed to stay in a
container so that they will settle in the bathroom, then drawing the water out, leaving these
sediments in the container.
Chemical Treatments - water are given chemical treatments to kill the harmful bacterias
present and to cure the turbid taste or mud taste, remove clay, salts, iron etc. commonly use
chemical is chlorine.
Filtration - water are filtered on various processes, so as to remove the particles of

vegetable matter, mud, and other particles of matter present in the water, most commonly
used materials are sand and gravel.
Aeration - raw water is made to pass on pipes of tiny sieves and exposed to air of fine mist.
5.4 Water Resources
A sources of water that are useful or potentially useful. Uses of water include agricultural,
industrial, household, recreational and environmental activities. The majority of human uses
require fresh water.
It is 97 percent of the water on the Earth is salt water and only three percent is fresh water;
slightly over two thirds of this is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps.
A graphical distribution of the locations of water on Earth. Only 3% of the earth's water is fresh water. Most of it in
icecaps and glaciers (69%) and groundwater (30%), while all lakes, rivers and swamps combined only account
for a small fraction of 0.3% of the Earth's total freshwater reserves.
Sources Of Fresh Water
Under river flow
Throughout the course of a river, the total volume of water transported downstream will often
be a combination of the visible free water flow together with a substantial contribution flowing
through sub-surface rocks and gravels that underlie the river and its floodplain called
the hyporheic zone.
World Water Supply and Distribution
Food and water are two basic human needs. However, global coverage from 2002 indicate
that, of every 10 people: roughly 5 have a connection to a piped water supply at home
3 make use of some other sort of improved water supply, such as a protected well or public
standpipe;
2 are unserved;
In addition, 4 out of every 10 people live without improved sanitation.
At Earth Summit 2002 governments approved a Plan of Action to:
Halve by 2015 the proportion of people unable to reach or afford safe drinking water.
The Global Water Supply and Sanitation Assessment 2000 Report (GWSSAR) defines
"Reasonable access" to water as at least 20 liters per person per day from a source within
one kilometer of the users home.
Halve the proportion of people without access to basic sanitation. The GWSSR defines
"Basic sanitation" as private or shared but not public disposal systems that separate waste
from human contact.
6.0 MICROCLIMATE
Microclimate refers to much localised weather conditions around buildings or small

neighbourhood clusters.
A microclimate is a local atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the surrounding
area.
Microclimatic phenomena are localised at the scale of building or building cluster and
include air movement, precipitation, and temperature.
Building location and geometry can affect microclimate especially in dense urban areas
where air movement can be distorted to form wake and downwash phenomena that reduce
the liveability of external space.
Tall buildings create their own microclimate, both by overshadowing large areas and by
channelling strong winds to ground level. Wind effects around tall buildings are assessed as
part of a microclimate study.
The type of soil found in an area can also affect microclimates. For example, soils heavy in
clay can act like pavement, moderating the near ground temperature. On the other hand; if
soil has many air pockets, then the heat could be trapped underneath the topsoil, resulting in
the increased possibility of frost at ground level.
6.1.0 Types Of Environment On The Earths Surface
Upland regions
Upland areas have a specific type of climate that is notably different from the surrounding
lower levels. Temperature usually falls with height at a rate of between 5 and 10 C per
1,000 metres, depending on the humidity of the air.
Winter scene on Dartmoor,
Devon
Coastal regions
The coastal climate is
influenced by both the land and
sea between which
the coast forms a boundary. The
thermal properties of
water are such that the sea
maintains a relatively
constant day to day temperature
compared with the
land. The sea also takes a long
time to heat up during the summer months and, conversely, a long time to cool down during
the winter.
Coastal microclimates display different characteristics depending on where they occur on the
earths surface.
In the Tropics
Sea temperatures change little and the coastal climate depends on the effects caused by the
daytime heating and night-time cooling of the land. This involves the development of a
breeze from off the sea (sea breeze) from late morning and from off the land (land breeze)
during the night. The tropical climate is dominated by convective showers and thunderstorms
that continue to form over the sea but only develop over land during the day. As a
consequence, showers are less likely to fall on coasts than either the sea or the land.
Forest
Tropical rainforests cover only about 6% of Earths land surface, but it is believed they have
a significant effect on the transfer of water vapour to the atmosphere. This is due to a
process known as evapotranspiration from the leaves of the forest trees.
Urban regions
Temperate forest in Germany
What is an urban microclimate? The table below summarises some of the differences in
various weather elements in urban areas compared with rural locations.
Su
5 to
nsh
15
ine
dur
atio
n
An
0.5
nua
to
1.0
me
Cel
an
ciu
tem
per
hig
atu
her
re
Wi
1 to
nte
Cel
ma
ciu
xim
um
hig
tem
her
per
atu
res
Oc
2 to
cur
ren
we
ce
eks
of
few
fros
er
ts
Rel
2%
ativ
low
er
hu
mid
ity
(in
wai
nte
r)
Rel
8 to
ativ
10
hu
low
mid
er
ity
(in
su
mm
er)
Tot
5 to
al
10
pre
cipi
mo
tati
re
on
Nu
10
mb
er
mo
of
re
rain
day
s
Nu
14
mb
er
few
of
er
day
s
wit
h
sno
w
Clo
5 to
ud
10
cov
er
mo
re
Oc
100
cur
ren
mo
ce
re
of
fog
(in
win
ter)
Am
10
oun
tim
t of
es
con
mo
den
re
sati
on
nuc
lei
Comparisons of urban and rural microclimates.
Urban winds
Tall buildings can significantly disturb airflows over urban areas, and even a building 100
metres or so high can deflect and slow down the faster upper-atmosphere winds. The net
result is that urban areas, in general, are less windy than surrounding rural areas.
However, the office quarter of larger conurbations can be windier, with quite marked gusts.
This is the result of the increased surface roughness that the urban skyline creates, leading
to strong vortices and eddies. In some cases, these faster, turbulent winds are funnelled in
between buildings, producing a venturi effect, swirling up litter and making walking along the
pavements quite difficult.
Why use microclimate design?
A well-considered microclimatic strategy in the design of buildings and urban space, help
reduce exposure and to contribute to the success of well used external space. Careful
attention to building form can ensure that potentially harmful wind effects are mitigated
around tall buildings.
The use of shelter belts, both natural and constructed reduce exposure to the faces of
buildings therefore reducing excessive heat loss and protecting external finishes from
premature deterioration.
Microclimate is a critical design issue for both architecture and landscape architecture
disciplines and a shared sensibility encourages effective transdiciplinary and
crossdisciplinary collaboration.
When to use a microclimatic strategy?
Designing for microclimate is relevant particularly in dispersed, low density settlements.

Conversely, it is also vital to consider in dense urban areas with a wide variety of building
plan form and height. Proposals that include external amenity and recreational space are
relevant.
How to use Microclimate Design?
KEY POINTS:
Consider building form to protect external spaces including courtyard configurations

Tall buildings can benefit from an aerodynamic form including
simple measures such as smoothed
off corners. Facades that are modelled reduce the impact of downwash vortex effect.
Planted windbreaks are most effective in reducing exposure to and
around buildings.
Avoid katabatic (downhill) winds carrying high density air down a slope.
Avoid placing a building either in frost pockets or alternatively on exposed hilltop locations. Use
topography to shelter a building.
Avoid placing a building either in frost pockets or
alternatively on exposed hilltop locations. Use
topography to shelter a building.
Use techniques such as planted facades and

earth berming to protect buildings form wind
exposure.
Using building elements to protect against exposure
Step
2:
Critical
microclimatic effects
should be identified
and prioritised. The
architectural
6.2.0 Design
regarding
Procedure
topography,
Step 1: There is no
hydrology,
single
design
procedure to design
for
microclimate.
However,
detailed
knowledge of site,
context
and
surrounding
conditions is critical.
Designers
collect
should
information
position of existing
The
programme of the
proposal should be
clearly developed to
importance
the
of
external space for

amenity
and
recreational
use.
Straightforward principles for the design of a

simple building:
existing
and the form and

buildings.
should
respond to this
planting, sun paths,
ascertain
environmental
proposal
Step 3: Responses
vary
widely
depending
on
location
and
programme.
However,
consideration should
be given to the use
of building form to
afford protection for
example
in
formation
courtyards, or
the
of
openings to leeward
accelerate
side
windspeed. This can
of
buildings.
and
be achieved through
planting should be
softening corners of
considered
buildings
Topography
to
mitigate the effects
producing
of exposure around
modelled
facades.
buildings through the
and
highly
use of shelter belts

and mounding.
Step 4: In dense
urban
formed
by
good example of
sheltering exposed
should be designed
vortex
effects
and
that
external space with
effects
such as downwash
wake
can
Archaeolink by Edward
Cullinan Architects is a
level. Building forms

retard
passage of the sun across the

sky. Knowledge of sunpaths for
any site is fundamental in
design building facades to let
in light and passive solar gain,
overheating
to
the
interior.
is
important
It
building
to
the sun in the sky is dynamic,
canopies at ground
to
that buildings work with the
remember that the position of
areas,
protected zones to
be
fundamental step to ensure
as well as reducing glare and
and earth berming
Design for orientation is a
groundworks.
7.0
ORIENTATION
changing according to time of

day, time of year and the sites
latitude.
Why
consider
building
orientation?
Well-orientated
buildings
building facades reducing the

need for artificial lighting.
Some
especially
zoned
to
typologies
housing
ensure
can
be
different
functional uses receive sunlight

at different times of the day.
and neighboring buildings, and

vehicle access and parking.
Orientation For Passive

Heating And Cooling
Important Considerations Of
Solar Gain For Passive
Heating Is Important
Noise
Daylighting
For
A careful strategy can

also mitigate overheating and
glare
when
sunlight
is
excessive. You should know
how the sun interacts with your
building in high summer and
the depths of winter.
Layout And Orientation

Must Be Considered From The
Beginning Of The Design
Process
On this page:
Orientation for passive

heating and cooling
Choosing a site
Building location
Layout
Overcoming obstacles
Orientation, layout and

location on site will all influence
the amount of sun a building
receives and therefore its yearround
temperatures
and
comfort. Other considerations
include access to views and
cooling breezes.
Orientation and layout

will also be influenced by
topography, wind speed and
direction, the sites relationship
with the street, the location of
shade elements such as trees
maximum solar gain, a

building will be located,
oriented and designed
to maximize window
area facing north (or
within 20 degrees of
north)
Orientation for solar
gain will also depend
on other factors such as
proximity to neighboring
buildings and trees that
shade the site.
For solar gain, as well as
considering
location,
orientation and window size
and placement, it is also
important to consider the
thermal performance and solar
heat gain efficiency of the
glazing unit itself.
protection
from
prevailing winds
access
to
breezes
for ventilation
shade
to
prevent
summer
overheating
and glare
Views
Privacy
Access
indoor/outdoor flow
owners preferences
covenants and planning restrictions.
Choosing A Site
If a site is not suitable

for passive design,
some elements of the
passive design ethos
may not work in favour
of
efficiency
and
comfort.
site adjacent to a tall

building or substantial
planting on the northern
side, will not receive
good solar access.
IDEAL SITE FOR PASSIVE
SOLAR DESIGN
The most important

factor is the amount of
sun the site receives,
as a site that receives
little or no sunlight
cannot be used for
passive solar design.
A flat site will generally

have good sunlight
access anywhere, but a
south-facing slope or a
southern
boundary
for
maximum solar gain.
In most cases, this is likely
to reduce the risk of shading
from neighboring properties,
and also provide sunny outdoor
space.
The best location for
solar access will vary
from
site
to
site
depending
on
site
shape, orientation and
topography;
and
shading from trees and
neighboring buildings
(or future buildings).
Be flat or north-sloping
Be free of obstructions
to the north (and be
unlikely to be built out in
future)
Be able to
accommodate a
building with a relatively
large north-facing wall
or walls for maximum
solar gain (as well as
Other factors such as

views,
wind,
topography, and the
location of trees and
neighboring buildings
will also influence a
buildings location on
the site.
In areas where cooling
is more of a priority
than heating, factors
such as access to
breezes might be more
important than solar
access.
Layout
north-facing outdoor
areas if those are
wanted).
A site with north-south
alignment is likely to
receive midday sun and
with minimal
overshadowing, but
may have limited
morning or evening
sun. A site with eastwest alignment is more
likely to be
overshadowed to the
north.
Building Locatio
A building should in
general be located near
the sites
Rooms and outdoor spaces
should be located to maximize
comfort during use. In general,
this means living areas and
outdoor spaces facing north,

and service areas such as
garages,
laundries
and
bathrooms to the south.
Overcoming Obstacles
It is often not possible to
obtain the ideal building
orientation
on
a
site
(particularly in urban areas)
and compromise will be
necessary for example,
where the view is to the south,
the site has a south-facing
slope, there is a source of

noise on the north side, or the
view and sun face into strong

prevailing winds.
Google SketchUp model showing

building design orientated to maximise
south light. John Brennan
Housing
in
temperate
regions can benefit from
admitting the sun into the
building interior. Openings
should be primarily orientated
southwards, consider the use
of conservatories and buffer
spaces. Kitchens are better
facing east, living rooms to the
south and west. Bedrooms are
often better to the north to
avoid light disturbance.
How to design for building

Orientation?
KEY POINTS:
In the past the passage of
the sun across the sky was
plotted with preprinted sunpath
diagrams for specific latitudes.
Thankfully CAD packages can
do this for you. Specifically
Google SketchUp is effective in
setting up a model in any
global location and then able to
simulate a sunpath across a
building.
Simple criteria for the organisation

of spaces in housing
Office buildings typically are

about
the
reduction
of
excessive solar gain and glare.
This is because of a greater
preponderance
of
glazed
facades and also higher
internal gains from people,
computers etc. Use glazing
due south sparingly and
incorporate shading devices.
Knowledge of building orientation

can prioritise where to provide
protection for glazed facades. Scottish
National Heritage building Inverness.
Architects: Keppie. John Brennan
Design Procedure
Step 1:
There is no single design
procedure
to
design
for
orientation. However, you need
to model your proposal in a
package such as Google
SketchUp.
Step 2:
Ensure the building is
properly placed on its site in
relation to north and the
location either geographically
or in terms of latitude or
longitude is entered.
Step 3:
Use a sun or shadow tool to
model the building at seasonal
extremities.
Step 4: Be conservative in
the use of glazing to heavily
exposed sides.
Step 5:
Model the use of solar
shading devices.
Step 6:
You can quantify solar gain

coming through glazing over a
year using in a domestic
context, really simple SAP
tools.
Other packages such as
Autodesk Ecotect and IES VEware can model solar gain and
possible overheating of a
building model.
Step 7:
Remember orientation is
about protection and mitigation
of sunlight in buildings as well
as accommodating solar gain.

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1

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

This section focuses on siteplanning strategies and techniques

2.0 SITE ANALYSIS AND

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

The use, scale, and structural

of minerals; minerals are made

metamorphosed rocks due to

3.0 SITE INVENTORY

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

To penetration from a weighted object such

Massive crystalline bedrock, e.g. granite,

Sedimentary rocks, e.g. shale, sandstone

Well compacted gravels and sands

Loose gravel, compact coarse sand

Loose coarse sand; loose sand/gravel

mixtures, compact fine sand, wet coarse sand

Stiff clay (dry)

Fill, organic material, or silt

Source: Code Manual, New York State Building Code Commission

Physiography refers to the

Soil Properties In site(1)

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

Mineral Particles comprise 50%

Bearing capacity is a soils resistance

Organic Matter varies radically

themselves actually absorb2)

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

Texture - is the term used to

surface (usually measured inc)

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

Percolation - the rate at which

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

Contours are imaginary lines

Slope Analysis - is an important

Topographic Map a map of a

In the analysis of the

D distance = contour/ interval%

D distance = 200.00 m for slope

A Slope Map is prepared to

d. Color- or hatch-code each area

The result is a colored or

Slopes influence the alignment

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

wind, water, ice and gravity.

of rainfall in promoting soil

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

Water table is the upper

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

Wind helps to control

Precipitation. Plants help to

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

Air Purification Plants clean

Noise The sound level

thick fleshy leaves and thin petioles

Plants absorb sound waves

PLAN71E Planning 1 l BS Architecture 302 l

Glare and Reflection

d. Erosion Control Plants are a

c) Mood Plants affects peoples

Space Definition plants can

On sandy slopes, the presence