How do you analyze a site for different environments?

1 Urban environment

Urban environments are characterized by high density, diversity, and complexity of human activities, infrastructure, and built forms. To analyze a site in an urban context, one must consider land use and zoning, circulation and access, public space and amenities, climate and microclimate, as well as history and identity. Land use and zoning can affect design possibilities and limitations; circulation and access can influence the site layout and connectivity; public space and amenities can contribute to the social and cultural life of the area; climate and microclimate can be designed for thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental quality; finally, history and identity must be respected and celebrated through design.

2 Rural environment

Analyzing a rural site requires consideration of numerous factors, such as topography and hydrology, ecology and biodiversity, agriculture and forestry, culture and community, and aesthetics and character. For example, you should consider the shape, slope and elevation of the land, as well as how water flows on and off the site. You should also analyze existing and potential natural habitats and species on and near the site, existing and planned crops, livestock and timber production in the area, traditions, beliefs and lifestyles of local people, visual and sensory qualities of the site and its surroundings, and how to create a sense of place. Design can play a role in protecting and restoring natural habitats, supporting crop production, engaging with local people, and enhancing visuals.

3 Coastal environment

Coastal environments are characterized by their dynamism, diversity and fragility, which is influenced by the interaction of land, sea and air. To analyze a site in such a context, you need to consider geomorphology and sedimentation, hydrology and water quality, ecology and biodiversity, recreation and tourism, as well as hazards and resilience. Geomorphology and sedimentation involve the shape, size and composition of the coast and seabed, as well as how they change over time due to erosion, deposition or accretion. Hydrology and water quality encompass the patterns of tides, waves, currents and storms, as well as their impact on the water level, flow or salinity. Ecology and biodiversity involve existing or potential marine, coastal or terrestrial habitats and species. Recreation and tourism involve existing or desired recreational activities or facilities. Lastly, hazards and resilience involve potential natural or human-induced risks like flooding or tsunami. All these factors must be taken into account when designing for safety, adaptation and mitigation while also balancing environmental conservation with cultural preservation.

4 Mountainous environment

Mountainous environments are characterized by high elevation, steepness and variability of natural and human systems, influenced by the interaction of land, air and gravity. When analyzing a site in such a context, it is important to consider the topography and geology of the land, such as its shape, slope and elevation; the climate and microclimate, including patterns and cycles of temperature, precipitation, wind and solar exposure; the existing and potential alpine, subalpine and montane habitats and species; the history, culture and heritage of the local people; as well as the existing and potential modes and routes of transportation and communication on and near the site. All these factors can influence the stability, drainage and erosion of the site; its rock, soil and mineral conditions; its snow, ice and avalanche conditions; its accessibility, mobility and connectivity; as well as its ability to protect or restore habitats through design.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?