Site Planning

Course Description 

This course serves as an introduction to the theories and methods of spatial arrangement and management of the external physical environment. Topics will include site selection, the creation of meaningful spaces and site planning in order to achieve the ideal relationship between the building and the site.  Various techniques used for site analysis with regards to the form, shape and size of the development will be demonstrated. Several environmental considerations will be examined, including:  the natural site (geological, formations, topography of the ground, water, vegetation, wildlife), aesthetic, and legal aspects associated with highly sensitive environmental sites. Protection of the natural habitat as well as the harmonization between the new development with its surroundings, the grounds and the site will be examined as well as the justifications for why one site is preferable to another.  Different constraints, special characteristics and features of a site will be examined along with whether a site is in an urban or rural area and the historical, ecological and environmental constraints, which would affect the design. Special attention will be paid to the choice of species, plants, soil, orientation and drainage.  The mechanics of how to set up an efficient development program that will fulfill the user’s requirements and activities, (which can differ regarding the kind of users involved), as well as strengthen the relationship between form and design. Students will undertake a field study, which will help them to fully understand various issues related to site planning that have been taught in this course.

Course ID: ARCH-252