Week 5
Monday, 2/16
Discuss articles
Nature Maker Steel Trees - www.naturemaker.com
Discuss research assignment; complete worksheet "Standard Sizes for site development
Select site
- Create site plan with dimensions and boundaries.
- All students should make a copy of the existing site plan
Site requirements and space allocation
Measurement units:
- 1 Acre = 43,560 SF (208.7 ft. x 208.7 ft.)
- 1 Acre = 1/640 sq. mile (.001563)
- 1 Mile = 5280 Ft.
What existing site elements need to be considered in the layout? Example: creek, trees, existing structures
What offsite influences need to be considered? Example: noise from nearby traffic, good and bad views
What are the major areas? Example: retail, residential, green space
What will be the main traffic pattern? Entrances to area, main roadways?
Sustainable sites
Review the Leed-ND Checklist and Guidelines , Section 2 ( Neighborhood Pattern and Design) and Section 3 (Green Construction and Technology)
Develop a list of requirements for the site chosen. Examples:
- At least 25% Residential building square footage - NPD-Pr2
- Residential density should be at least 7 units per acre - NPD-Cr2
- Maximum parking area of 20% of development footprint - NPD-Cr6
- Include transit shelters - NPD-Cr9
- Include several small parks and plazas, 1/6 acre (7260 sf, or 50' x 150') - NPD-Cr12
All students should get a copy of the completed list.
The list is basically the project program:
The development of the program is the bridging step between the analysis and the synthesis or design phases. Kevin Lynch defines the program as composed of the four “P’s” – population, package, performance, and patterns. “Population” refers to the actual user who may or may not be the client per se. “Packaging” involves the type and quantities of elements that will be provided in the design. “Performance” standards set the quality of elements expected, whether in terms of materials or function. “Patterns” refer to general physical relationships that should be achieved (Lynch 109).
-Stephen McBride, West Virginia University, http://www.rri.wvu.edu/WebBook/McBride/section3.html
Site development diagram (conceptual site plan)
The actual design manipulation begins at this point now that we have developed a program that delineates the project. Conceptual design begins with functional diagrams in which we explore the relationships of program elements and activities. This is first done as “ideal” or non-site related diagrams to establish the best abstract relationships among the various components of the project program. This is essentially a diagrammatic exploration in which the designer may move through a series of alternative arrangements until he/she achieves a solution which maximizes the positive relationships and minimizes the number of conflicts.
The resultant ideal functional diagram is then applied to the site, responding to the summary of the site analysis phase. As Lynch says, “design consists of imagining patterns of activity, circulation, and physical form, as they will occur in some place” (9). It is absolutely critical that the designer integrates the project facilities into the site, highlighting the positive character of the site, while protecting sensitive elements. Simonds echoes the significance of the design concept, which he refers to as the site-structure diagram from which “the planning process becomes one of integration of proposed uses, structures, and site” (123). Again, the designer explores a series of alternative arrangements, evaluating each in terms of suitability with natural site features, adjacent existing land uses and proposed development. The result is a series of site-related diagrams or concepts.
- Stephen McBride, West Virginia University, http://www.rri.wvu.edu/WebBook/McBride/section3.html
A site development diagram is a simple drawing showing how the site will be "divided" into several uses. The diagram does not show detail, such as individual lots. It does show the "major" area divisions, including streets, parks, residential areas, etc.
- Example of diagram for park in Overland Park, Kansas,
http://www.opkansas.org/_Assets/parks/soccer/BubbleDiagram.pdf - Another example of a site development diagram
http://www.ci.larkspur.ca.us/clasp/CLASP-21-NivenPolicyDiagram.pdf - Example of a site development diagram by Steven McBride
http://www.rri.wvu.edu/WebBook/McBride/figure12.html
A site development diagram is developed further into a site development plan. Development plans are submitted to the Planning and Zoning, City Council or other governing body for approval
- Example of documentation submitted for city approval, Callula Hill development, Peachtree City, Georgia,
http://www.peachtree-city.org/documents/Planning%20and%20Zoning/Site%20Plans/2009/Cullula%20Hills%20PC%202-9-09.PDF
Assignment:
Use the items discussed in class to design a site development diagram. Diagram should include the following:
- Major streets (traffic flow through site and entrances)
- Parks, green spaces, and squares
- Walk and bike paths
- Transit facilities
- Parking
- Mixed use development area
- Single family residential development area
- Office and commercial development area
- Retail development area
- Any other specific use spaces (gardens, renewable energy, etc.)
The diagram can be done in Cad or hand-drawn, but must be to scale. It may be color-coded. Include area titles and any other notes necessary. Include a key that lists all items, their development area (in square feet), and percent of total development area. Sheet size should be 18" x 24" (C-size). Due Monday, 2/23.
Wednesday, 2/18
Work day. Site development diagrams will be presented in class Monday.