PHYSICAL SITE ANALYSIS Flashcards
Site analysis is a combination of what two site factors
Opportunities and constraints
Steep slopes, wetlands, shallow bedrock, water, and local of site access are all examples of what?
Unsuitable building conditions
Physical attributes documented during site inventory (5)
Topography Hydrology Soils Geology Microclimate
Biological attributes documented during site inventory (3)
Ecological communities (plant/animal)
Vegetation
Wildlife
Cultural Attributes documented during site inventory
Land use, open space regulations, property, sensory perception, infrastructure
4 step design process (La Gro)
- Delineate conservation areas
- Delineate areas suitable for development
- Determine development ‘pods’ within those areas
- Locate the primary and secondary circulation systems
What three main site components are typically shown on a conceptual plan
Conservation areas/developed open spaces
Circulation systems
Building pods or “envelopes”
What should be included in a building envelope?
The building, parking, service areas, and landscaped pedestrian areas as required
5 patterns of circulation systems
Linear, grid, loop, radial and spiral
A circulation system pattern which is most appropriate for ceremonial processions
Spiral Pattern
A circulation system pattern which is best used to form intersections that can then be used as important pedestrian nodes
Radial pattern
Circulation pattern that connects a series of open spaces or other activity nodes
Loop pattern
Circulation pattern that is advantageous for ease of orientation and flexibility in route selection, typically parallel to a street network in urban areas
Grid pattern
Circulation system used in recreational corridors, may be parallel to natural features
Linear pattern
Preferred walkshed distances (in relation to transit)
.8 km (1/2 mile) for premium transit/rail service
.4 km (1/4 mile) for other bus services
Pedestrian circulation systems perform what 3 important functions
Access to site
Mobility within the site
Social spaces/spaces for individual activities such as reading or eating
William Whyte finds 4 main factors that impact social life outside
Seating,
Food/Entertainment
Sun/Shade
Nearby sources of people (i.e. office building)
What are 5 basic elements of a quality (safe, functional, convenient) pedestrian system?
Separation of modes Easy Connectivity Adequate Capacity Accessibility Amenities (site furnishings, vegetation…)
At what block length is Neighbourhood walkability increased?
90-150m (300-500 ft)
Interconnected street networks tend to do what to traffic congestion
Reduce it
3 aesthetic principles of composition
Unity, balance, emphasis
Elements which enhance unity in a compositions (4)
Repetition
Simplicity
Rhythm
Proportion
Repetition, simplicity, Rhythm and proportion are all examples of what principle of compositions?
Unity
What principle of composition is often achieved in relation to an imaginary line or axis imposed on the ground plane?
Balance
Balance in a composition is achieved by managing which two visual components?
Scale and weight
Weight in a composition refers to what?
A symmetric or asymmetric combination of elements in relation to a point or line
Contrast and Hierarchy within a composition are examples of what principle?
Emphasis
Contrast in a composition provides what important element?
Interest of focal points
Hierarchy establishes what within a composition
Establishes visual dominant and subordinate elements
How is a slope analysis typically represented graphically
Slopes shown in classes or ranges
James Urban’s Evaluation of Trees in Urban Environments has 7 classes of trees:
1 - Excellent Condition 2 - Good Condition 3 - Fair Condition 4 - Poor Condition 5 - Very Poor Condition 6 - Replace 7 - Dead
Liquefaction
A condition in which solid ground turns mushy when soils are vibrated (like in earthquakes)
When liquefaction causes quicksand-like conditions it is typically due to which soils
Fine- to medium-grained sands and silts in loosely packed layers. Also in Quick clay with a high water content.
What soil factor would provide protection from liquefaction?
15% or higher clay content
Quick Clay is formed how?
Collecting in shallow water and later risen above sea level. Typically in northern states and Canada
Typical Lot pattern examples
Grid, alley houses, Z-lots,
Minimum required pathway width for wheel chair users
32”
Formula for calculating the width of a pathway
W=V(M)/S
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
sidewalk cross slope
1% - 3%
Sidewalk longitudinal slope
3 - 5%
Minimum Number of stairs to signal a grade change
3
Minimum/Maximum stair tread height
4.5 inches - 7 inches
Vertical distance between landings
5feet or less
Football Field dimensions
170’ x 370’
Volleyball court dimensions
50’ x 80’
Soccer field dimensions
330’ x 179-200’
Basketball court dimensions
50’ x 84-94’
Ideal slope of a bike path
5% or less
