PHYSICAL SITE ANALYSIS

Question 1

Site analysis is a combination of what two site factors

Answer 1

Opportunities and constraints

Question 2

Steep slopes, wetlands, shallow bedrock, water, and local of site access are all examples of what?

Answer 2

Unsuitable building conditions

Question 3

Physical attributes documented during site inventory (5)

Answer 3

Topography
Hydrology
Soils
Geology
Microclimate

Question 4

Biological attributes documented during site inventory (3)

Answer 4

Ecological communities (plant/animal)
Vegetation
Wildlife

Question 5

Cultural Attributes documented during site inventory

Answer 5

Land use, open space regulations, property, sensory perception, infrastructure

Question 6

4 step design process (La Gro)

Answer 6

1. Delineate conservation areas
2. Delineate areas suitable for development
3. Determine development ‘pods’ within those areas
4. Locate the primary and secondary circulation systems

Question 7

What three main site components are typically shown on a conceptual plan

Answer 7

Conservation areas/developed open spaces
Circulation systems
Building pods or “envelopes”

Question 8

What should be included in a building envelope?

Answer 8

The building, parking, service areas, and landscaped pedestrian areas as required

Question 9

5 patterns of circulation systems

Answer 9

Linear, grid, loop, radial and spiral

Question 10

A circulation system pattern which is most appropriate for ceremonial processions

Answer 10

Spiral Pattern

Question 11

A circulation system pattern which is best used to form intersections that can then be used as important pedestrian nodes

Answer 11

Radial pattern

Question 12

Circulation pattern that connects a series of open spaces or other activity nodes

Answer 12

Loop pattern

Question 13

Circulation pattern that is advantageous for ease of orientation and flexibility in route selection, typically parallel to a street network in urban areas

Answer 13

Grid pattern

Question 14

Circulation system used in recreational corridors, may be parallel to natural features

Answer 14

Linear pattern

Question 15

Preferred walkshed distances (in relation to transit)

Answer 15

.8 km (1/2 mile) for premium transit/rail service

.4 km (1/4 mile) for other bus services

Question 16

Pedestrian circulation systems perform what 3 important functions

Answer 16

Access to site
Mobility within the site
Social spaces/spaces for individual activities such as reading or eating

Question 17

William Whyte finds 4 main factors that impact social life outside

Answer 17

Seating,
Food/Entertainment
Sun/Shade
Nearby sources of people (i.e. office building)

Question 18

What are 5 basic elements of a quality (safe, functional, convenient) pedestrian system?

Answer 18

Separation of modes
Easy Connectivity
Adequate Capacity
Accessibility
Amenities (site furnishings, vegetation…)

Question 19

At what block length is Neighbourhood walkability increased?

Answer 19

90-150m (300-500 ft)

Question 20

Interconnected street networks tend to do what to traffic congestion

Answer 20

Reduce it

Question 21

3 aesthetic principles of composition

Answer 21

Unity, balance, emphasis

Question 22

Elements which enhance unity in a compositions (4)

Answer 22

Repetition
Simplicity
Rhythm
Proportion

Question 23

Repetition, simplicity, Rhythm and proportion are all examples of what principle of compositions?

Answer 23

Unity

Question 24

What principle of composition is often achieved in relation to an imaginary line or axis imposed on the ground plane?

Answer 24

Balance

Question 25

Balance in a composition is achieved by managing which two visual components?

Answer 25

Scale and weight

Question 26

Weight in a composition refers to what?

Answer 26

A symmetric or asymmetric combination of elements in relation to a point or line

Question 27

Contrast and Hierarchy within a composition are examples of what principle?

Answer 27

Emphasis

Question 28

Contrast in a composition provides what important element?

Answer 28

Interest of focal points

Question 29

Hierarchy establishes what within a composition

Answer 29

Establishes visual dominant and subordinate elements

Question 30

How is a slope analysis typically represented graphically

Answer 30

Slopes shown in classes or ranges

Question 31

James Urban’s Evaluation of Trees in Urban Environments has 7 classes of trees:

Answer 31

``` 1 - Excellent Condition 2 - Good Condition 3 - Fair Condition 4 - Poor Condition 5 - Very Poor Condition 6 - Replace 7 - Dead ```

Question 32

Liquefaction

Answer 32

A condition in which solid ground turns mushy when soils are vibrated (like in earthquakes)

Question 33

When liquefaction causes quicksand-like conditions it is typically due to which soils

Answer 33

Fine- to medium-grained sands and silts in loosely packed layers. Also in Quick clay with a high water content.

Question 34

What soil factor would provide protection from liquefaction?

Answer 34

15% or higher clay content

Question 35

Quick Clay is formed how?

Answer 35

Collecting in shallow water and later risen above sea level. Typically in northern states and Canada

Question 36

Typical Lot pattern examples

Answer 36

Grid, alley houses, Z-lots,

Question 37

Minimum required pathway width for wheel chair users

Answer 37

32”

Question 38

Formula for calculating the width of a pathway | W=V(M)/S

Answer 38

``` W = the width of the pathway V = Volume in person/minute M = the space module or square feet allowed per person S = walking speed in feet per minute ```

Question 39

sidewalk cross slope

Answer 39

1% - 3%

Question 40

Sidewalk longitudinal slope

Answer 40

3 - 5%

Question 41

Minimum Number of stairs to signal a grade change

Answer 41

3

Question 42

Minimum/Maximum stair tread height

Answer 42

4.5 inches - 7 inches

Question 43

Vertical distance between landings

Answer 43

5feet or less

Question 44

Football Field dimensions

Answer 44

170’ x 370’

Question 45

Volleyball court dimensions

Answer 45

50’ x 80’

Question 46

Soccer field dimensions

Answer 46

330’ x 179-200’

Question 47

Basketball court dimensions

Answer 47

50’ x 84-94’

Question 48

Ideal slope of a bike path

Answer 48

5% or less