8 things to look for when evaluating building site

At the very beginning of design process, the paramount task is to evaluate the site. Architecture without site is just an idea, a hazy concept in the vacuum. The building should be anchored to the location from the start and it is our duty to find all the circumstances that influence the final result in order to create the optimal solutions for those given circumstances. However, what shall we pay attention to? What is the most important? This list is neither a definitive answer nor checklist. Every site is different and some of these points will be more important than the others and many times you have to compromise because these findings often contradict each other. In no particular order, let’s begin.

1.TOPOGRAPHY

The most obvious at first glance is the topography of the site. It can vary from completely flat urban infill site to a rugged landscape far away in the country or by the sea. Telling you how to react to these conditions is far beyond this list and therefore I would like to mention just some subcategories that are connected to the topography.

Water is a crucial factor, which, in many cases helped to shape the building site itself. People are drawn to water, on the other hand, our buildings must be protected from it. Do you have a water feature on site? Sea, lake, river, pond, marsh?

Rocks and boulders can be often found on mountainous sites and can be unstable. They can also serve as an anchor to your design. The choice is yours.

Careful observations of the ground and surrounding can also give a hint about the geological conditions of the site before it is analysed by an engineer. We can guess how stable the soil is and make notes about possible types of the foundations.

In the cities, we should examine the history of the site, because many times we can encounter so-called brownfield, site that was already used and there are often remains of buildings. The ground can be polluted and because the geological qualities were already disrupted by the previous foundation it might be costly to establish new.

2.VEGETATION

True architect never fells a tree, that is what is said. Truth is, sometimes it might be necessary, it should be avoided if possible though. Trees can become a constraint if there are many of them, they can also be the focal point of the design. Be aware of the roots when building around trees. Rule of thumb is that the root system has a diameter of the tree crown. Some architects managed to masterfully navigate just outside the root system to create building inherently bound with nature.

Some sites may also be invaded by a dense shrubbery and small trees that must be cleared before the building, that will again, slightly raise the cost.

If the site is very sensitive, one can think of ways how to create as little impact as possible and how the building can be dismantled once it will be no longer used.

3.SUN

Both friend and enemy. The sun can heat buildings passively, but it can also overheat it if the building is not shaded and properly ventilated. The sun rises in the east and moves to the west in an arc through south at the northern hemisphere or through the north in the southern hemisphere.

Because of that, the lighting conditions vary at different cardinal directions and our design has to react to that.

Different locations on our planet offer a wide variety of conditions. If we are familiar with the location, it might be enough to remember how the sun moves during different seasons and during each day. If the location is unfamiliar to us, we should consult sun calculators to get the precise angles of sun during solstices and equinoxes. And compare that information also with the reality of the site and possible shading from other buildings, trees and other prominent features.

4.WIND

Some sites are windier than other and we have to know how is it on our site. Check the wind rose of your location to see the prevailing winds and think of possibilities how to either shield against them or how to use them to cool down your building if you are in the hot climate.

Because of that duality, the wind is again neither friend nor enemy. We have to acknowledge its power and work with it.

In cities, the wind is usually not our concern. In many cases, the rough shape of the building is predetermined because of existing streets.

5.LOCAL BUILDING CODE

Even though it usually imposes many constraints, the local zoning plan, building code or similar protect the interest of citizens. Yes, quite often some of those constraints do not make sense and yes, it chains the creativity, still, it should be followed. On the other hand, if you can push the boundary a little bit I would like to encourage you to do it. Do not break the rules, just bend them, gently. Maybe no one will find out.

Building code usually defines setbacks from the neighbouring properties, as well as the maximum high and maximum size of the building. Sometimes it can also dictate the choice of materials. Quite often it also determines the usage of the building.

6. BUILDINGS IN VICINITY

Very important in the context of the town or city is to aware of the buildings that are nearby the site. In case of infills your building will touch other buildings to create a street wall and in those case, special care must be taken how to execute that connection.

In the suburbs or countryside, more often we do want to position the building so it is more secluded and private. We want to minimalize unwanted overlooking from neighbours.

7. INSPIRATION

Let the site speak to you and it will tell you something. It might not be the answer, but it can be a hint. On countryside, the site can provide you with the colour palette for the building if you observe the changing season, bark on the trees and leaves on the ground.

In the city, it is up to you to channel inspiration from buildings around. Churches, squares, plazas, parks. If it is close enough, it will be in dialogue with your design.

8. CLIMATE

Buildings are drastically influenced by the local weather conditions. Precipitation is one of the more important. We have to protect our buildings from water, that usually harm them and shortens the lifespan. However, you can also encounter other local climatic peculiarities. Sandstorms, humidity, tornado, tropical thunders, snow and earthquakes.

Many of these conditions are not to be taken lightly because they can seriously endanger inhabitants.

The architecture in its core about protection and safety. Only when these conditions are met we can advance further.

CONCLUSION

The best architect listens. In this case, listen and watch the site and its prominent features, that can guide us through a chaos of the design process.

Have I forgotten something you believe is important? Tell us in the comments.

Cheers