What is an architectural site plan and how it is prepared
An architectural site plan shows existing and proposed conditions for a given area. Find out what it is, the types of information that it typically includes, and how it is used
Architectural site plans are an important tool in the design and construction process, as they provide detailed information about the layout and features of a site. In fact, before you can actually design and build, your construction project needs a thorough architectural site analysis.
Access to the area of intervention, vegetation, orography, boundaries and many other information are collected in these plans, which you can create in a few simple steps through a software for technical construction drawings.
We recommend you try this software immediately. But first find out in detail what an architectural plan is and what it should necessarily include.
What is an architectural site plan?
Architectural plans are graphical representation of a site, which shows its existing and future conditions, highlighting the position of any structure on a parcel of land.
Whereas project drawings such as architectural or structural floor plans focus on a single building, providing its complete layout, site plans collect multiple buildings and different constructions and highlight all the components of the structures of a specific area.
What are architectural site plans used for?
Architectural plans are created and used at the early stages of the design process. Although they do not give detailed information about the construction, they represent its general envelope and position in a reference lot.
In addition, they are often used by architects or engineers, urban planners, etc. to analyze the features of buildings and adjacent spaces, information that is used to obtain authorizations and permissions from the competent authorities.
Architectural site plan
What does an architectural site plan include?
An architectural plan is a construction drawing that contains different information depending on the nature of the project, although it typically includes::
- access to the intervention area;
- building roofing;
- drainage systems;
- paths;
- sidewalks;
- ramps;
- fencing;
- streets;
- buildings;
- parking lots;
- gradients;
- water lines;
- lighting;
- green areas;
- trees;
- metric scale or dimensions;
- boundaries;
- topography.
Which factors to consider in an architectural site plan?
There is a series of important information to represent:
- vegetation: it is good to detail and feature the types of vegetation present, those to be removed and those to be kept;
- terrain composition: the terrain, with its development and its elevation, greatly influences the organization of spaces;
- hydrography: surface waters, whether rivers, lakes or streams, must always be reported and analyzed, to fully understand the stability characteristics and any constraints present;
- use of existing land: when developing a new construction plan it is good to analyze the pre-existing natural and construction elements, not to alter the surrounding space, but to adapt in the best possible way.
How to create a site plan?
As you can see, to properly develop a site plan you need to consider many factors and having an adequate software can greatly facilitate your work.
In fact, with the adoption of the BIM methodology, architectural plans can be integrated directly into the 3D model and processed automatically with the support of a software for construction drawings, starting from a site surveying with LIDAR technology or with a points cloud.
The advantages are many, such as:
- accuracy in details;
- improved communication with authorities or the client;
- accurate measurements;
- verification of constraints as expected by local regulation.
