Site Analysis in Architecture: Research, Study and Synthesis

In architecture, the site analysis is the process of evaluating the physical, social, architectural, landscape, etc. characteristics of the location that will host a work, in order to develop an architectural solution in harmony with the reference context.

In this article, we will see how to correctly perform the site analysis, what all the steps to follow are, which aspects to consider before starting the design, and which specific BIM-GIS software can support you in the process.

What is meant by site analysis?

The first step for any architectural project is always the site analysis.

Every site is unique, and there are many elements and factors that come into play in its characterization: topography, natural elements (watercourses, vegetation, fauna, etc.), history (presence of monuments, characteristic or traditional buildings, events to remember, etc.), existing buildings and infrastructure, social aspects, climate, constraints (urban, landscape, etc.), etc.

The architectural site analysis represents the process of researching and analyzing the social, historical, climatic, geographical, legal, and infrastructural characteristics of a given site.

The study of these aspects, along with the objectives set by designers and clients, forms the basis for making informed decisions throughout the design process: from the choice of shapes, to materials, from construction types, to the type of systems.

How to analyze your site with usBIM.gis

Usually, to systematize all the characteristics of the site that we have detected during the research phase, we think about diagrams, graphs, and schemes that describe the paths of the sun and shadows, the accesses to the area, circulation, land use, public and private spaces, landmarks, etc.

Graphing these elements also means analyzing them to understand how they can influence design choices.

scheme in architecture

The importance of Site Analysis in Landscape Architecture

Developing a thorough site analysis helps to assess the economic and technical feasibility of a project and serves as a guide for implementing a design that responds to the physical and environmental characteristics of the site.

Examining the existing conditions of a project site and evaluating imminent or potential future conditions allows for an understanding of opportunities or problems in an area that could prevent the project from proceeding or could have a negative impact on its overall outcome.

Once feasibility is determined, context study also aids in the definition of design guidelines: constraints and limits outline design decisions and the outcome.

Leveraging a particular view, optimizing solar exposure, or utilizing existing tree species are just a few ways to enhance a site. Developing a comprehensive and holistic design, considering all aspects of the surroundings, allows for thoughtful results for the end users of the project.

Site Analysis: how to Research important Characteristics for Architecture

To proceed in defining the important characteristics for architecture, the first step is certainly the research phase. Researching the architectural specifications of the site represents the first approach to studying a place and must consider all present aspects as well as those past aspects that have changed or evolved over time.

Generally, this information can be acquired through the combination of various sources:

• historical maps and updated maps;
• geological maps;
• photographs and aerial maps;
• public entities;
• regional, provincial, or municipal GIS geoportals;
• neighborhood associations;
• local bibliography;
• archives;
• websites;
• site visits.

During site visits, it is necessary to gather all information, take notes, measurements, take photos, and treasure personal first impressions, sensory data, access points to the area, and also involve users who typically live in that area.

A geometric and architectural survey of the area, if detailed and updated floor plans are not available, is certainly a necessary step for a better understanding of the spaces and will be very useful in the design phase.

Site Analysis: studying Site Characteristics

To study the characteristics of the site, it is appropriate to use a strategic approach, considering objective and subjective data first in a very broad context of the site, including the periphery and relationships with neighboring cities.

Subsequently, one can narrow down to the site and its boundaries, and only at the end does one analyze all the characteristics within the site.

The objective data to study within a site, to best characterize it, are certainly:

• geographical position, location, address, lot, boundaries, and any limits from them;
• legal data, easements, right of way, title of ownership of the legal owner, any mortgages;
• urban planning data, zoning plans and documents, environmental, landscape, historical, or cultural constraints of any kind;
• services and infrastructure, roads, sewage network, electricity, stormwater, fiber, and telecommunications;
• natural physical conditions, geological, vegetative, topographic elements present;
• artificial physical conditions, buildings, structures, sidewalks, urban furniture, neighborhoods.

Site Analysis: synthesis and Implementation of the Informations

After gathering the information, it is necessary to examine and synthesize the results of the research: it is good to study all the relationships that exist between the various pieces of information collected.

To do this, it may be useful to develop a report with key information and results and create diagrams, schemes, and maps useful for providing a visual and schematic development of the collected information.

In practice, in developing this synthesis process, one should ask: what have I learned about the site and how will it be useful for the project?

Although important, data collection is useless if it stands alone. The data collected must indeed support decisions. By combining the results of the research, observations, and regulatory references, you will be ready to apply the results and begin the concept phase and the design phase.

BIM-GIS integration

What are the steps of site analysis?

Let’s take a closer look at the aspects you need to consider during the site analysis phase; here’s a checklist:

• general analysis
  • geographical location
  • site boundaries
  • access to the area
  • site security
  • existing buildings
• nearby buildings
  • distances
  • heights
  • intended use
  • architectural styles and features
  • views and brightness
  • regulations
  • acoustics
• regulatory references
  • landscape, hydrogeological constraints, etc.
  • easements and rights of way
  • municipal, provincial, regional plans and national regulations
• accessibility
  • public and private roads
  • vehicular access
  • pedestrian access
  • existing traffic routes
• topography
  • contour lines
  • soil characteristics
  • exposure
• sunlight
  • study of sunlight at different times of the day and year
  • shading
• wind exposure
  • prevailing direction
  • exposure
  • existing barriers
• public transport
  • presence of bus, train, subway stops, etc.
• trees and vegetation
  • existing vegetation species
  • root system encumbrances
  • greenery to be removed or preserved
  • purposes of existing vegetation (wind and noise barrier, privacy, shading, etc.)
• ecology
  • protected species and areas
  • environmental impact assessment
• site restrictions
  • visibility
  • adjacent activities
  • pollution
  • flood-prone areas, landslides, etc.
• characteristics
  • strengths
  • areas for improvement
  • points to hide
• hazards
  • power lines, drainage, telephone lines, utilities, etc.
  • degraded areas
  • proximity to unfinished or unsafe structures.

This framework will be useful for ensuring you don’t forget anything during the analysis phase and for making informed choices during works design and execution.

Sun Path in Architecture Site Analysis

The solar path, sometimes also called the diurnal arc, refers to the daily and seasonal path that the sun appears to follow in the sky as the Earth orbits around it and rotates.

It is typically represented with a solar path diagram, composed of month curves, time curves, altitude circles, and azimuth lines.

The analysis of the solar path involves experiencing daylight in any construction lot, helping us design and orient a building to make the most of sunlight and solar gains, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the building itself.

To evaluate a site in relation to solar lighting, it is necessary to consider a series of relevant aspects:

• site, shape, slope, orientation, any obstacles that create shade, and the sun’s path at different times of the day and year;
• altitude and azimuth. Altitude is the angle of solar rays relative to the horizon: at dawn and sunset, altitude is zero, and in the southern hemisphere; the maximum altitude of the sun at any specific location occurs at solar noon on December 21/22 (the longest days of the year). Azimuth is the direction of the sun as shown on a compass;
• solar radiation, that is, the energy from the sun. The amount of solar radiation available on a site depends on latitude and the hours of sunlight received;
• shade, which is often desired in summer, becomes a negative aspect in winter, so it is important to consider all obstructions present on a site that may block access to sunlight when it is needed.

The preventive analysis of all these parameters thus helps with the optimal positioning of the building on the lot, designing spaces sensitive to the climate.

Since we know how the sun will influence our site and the building throughout the year, it will be possible to make the most of natural light and influence both the aesthetic aspect of the project, creating plays with shadows, and the functional aspect, because the calculation of solar shading influences the setup of various systems such as photovoltaic or solar systems.

Site Analysis Drawings, Symbols, Diagrams and Examples

The site analysis should include the climatic, geographical, historical, social, legal, and infrastructural context of a given site.

There is no unique way to represent this information, but it certainly should include:

• architectural site plans;
• annotated photographs;
• sketches;
• site mappings;
• analysis diagrams;
• schematics.

Diagrams and schematics of the site are tools that begin to illustrate the origins of the design process and then evolve into the project concept. They should represent what is possible to do and what are the essential conditions that influence the decision-making process.

Diagrams are often used to visualize and explain a topic or theme through a simple visual representation and well-structured format. Within these diagrams, symbols are often found, generally used to represent quantities or individual characteristics.

Among the architectural site analysis symbols used in site analysis diagrams, sketches, and mappings, you might include, for example:

• lines, used to show boundaries, buildings, landscapes, and services;
• arrows, to indicate accessibility, views, circulation, passages;
• volumes, dotted or colored, to represent areas of interest, zones, regulations;
• vegetation symbols, to indicate important or protected areas;
• sun and wind patterns.

To create GIS maps linked to BIM models, shared databases, schemes with territorial indicators (climatic conditions, seismic vulnerability, hydrogeological risk, infrastructure and logistics services, quality of the built environment, etc.), we recommend following an approach to integrated BIM-GIS planning using a free and fully online BIM-GIS software.

With usBIM.gis, you can digitize all the information you would have noted on paper with the advantage of having it always available online, shareable with your collaborators, securely archived, and modifiable or expandable when necessary. Additionally, you can also associate BIM models on the map, which will be very useful during the project phase.