Site Analysis: Know Before You Build

    Today I conducted one of my first site analyses as a learning architect. A site analysis refers to a breakdown and interpretation of a specific land property. This is necessary for the designers as they will understand the site they are constructing. This relates to sound design and implementing an architecture that works with its surrounding environment, rather than sitting as an eye sore.  

    There are many things to consider in a site analysis, from weather and elemental patterns to pedestrian traffic to the pre-existing architecture. Accounting for all of the established variables at the property will better prepare the architect to begin stewardly design. 

    To use my site analysis from today as an example, I arrived at the marked property square in a park that will hold the site. A percussion pavilion that functions as a performance center and entertainment hub will be implemented in the back portion of this park, which sits adjacent to a river. I noted the way that users of the park and myself arrived at the park, using the main parking lot. From here, a paved path prompts visitors to begin the loop around the park, passing a playground, picnic pavilions, and a disc golf course. I noted the way pedestrians remained mostly on the paved path but also hot some meandered off slightly to wander in the grass or to view the river. 

    Weather variables were also important to document at this park. The sun pattern will affect how listeners and performers at the future pavilion will see and enjoy the space. Recording the sun pattern on the site will allow me to prepare for the positioning of the pavilion to best accommodate the visibility. Separate from the sun, wind was also prevalent in the park. The mainly east-to-west winds that traveled back and forth may suggest a building that is rather open for airflow along this axis. By analyzing these two variables alone, I was able to conclude major early-developmental decisions on the project that will help form the refined pavilion design. 

    To help in the documentation process, photos and videos are most helpful to source as tools. A site analysis is best done when the architect and designers are physically present at the site to analyze the many factors taken into consideration, however, after they leave the site, any visuals will be beneficial to recall information. Visuals often include drawings and sketches of the site as the architect will probably do on-site, additionally, they will often take numerous photos and videos to note the surrounding landscape for recall later at the design studio. 

    During my site analysis, I recorded a video of the front entrance of the park while also taking many photos of the specific building site. The many angles I now have recorded will help me further along in the design process. I have included some pictures of my own documentation as well as the site plan overhead view to exemplify how different photos are useful in showing the property outlines.