As a landscape architect, you need to understand the physical, environmental, and cultural aspects of a site before you design anything. Site analysis is the process of collecting, mapping, and interpreting data about a site and its context. But how do you choose the best tool for your site analysis? Here are some factors to consider.
The first thing to ask yourself is what is the purpose and scope of your site analysis. Are you trying to identify the opportunities and constraints of a site, or are you looking for more specific information, such as soil conditions, vegetation types, or historical features? Depending on your goal, you may need different tools to collect and present your data. For example, if you are doing a preliminary site analysis, you may use a simple sketch map or a digital map with basic layers. If you are doing a more detailed site analysis, you may need a more sophisticated tool, such as a geographic information system (GIS) or a drone.
As a landscape architect, the choice of site analysis tools is critical for understanding the characteristics and constraints of a site. 1. Define Project Goals 2. Assess Project Scale 3. Budget Constraints 4. Level of Detail Required 5. Consider Time Constraints 6. Integrated Workflow 7. Accessibility of Data
The next thing to consider is what data sources are available and accessible for your site analysis. Data sources can be primary or secondary, qualitative or quantitative, and spatial or non-spatial. Primary data sources are those that you collect yourself, such as field observations, surveys, or measurements. Secondary data sources are those that are already collected by others, such as census data, aerial photos, or historical maps. Qualitative data sources are those that describe the qualities or characteristics of a site, such as user preferences, cultural values, or aesthetic impressions. Quantitative data sources are those that measure the quantities or numbers of a site, such as population, area, or slope. Spatial data sources are those that have a geographic location, such as coordinates, boundaries, or contours. Non-spatial data sources are those that do not have a geographic location, such as demographics, policies, or climate. Depending on the type and availability of your data sources, you may need different tools to access, store, and analyze them. For example, if you have a lot of spatial data, you may use a GIS or a CAD software. If you have a lot of non-spatial data, you may use a spreadsheet or a database.
The final thing to think about is how you want to visualize and communicate your site analysis results. Data visualization is the process of transforming data into graphics, such as maps, charts, diagrams, or images. Data communication is the process of conveying your data analysis findings and implications to your audience, such as clients, stakeholders, or the public. Depending on your audience and message, you may need different tools to create and present your data visualizations. For example, if you want to show the spatial relationships and patterns of your site, you may use a map or a 3D model. If you want to show the trends and comparisons of your site, you may use a chart or a table. If you want to show the processes and flows of your site, you may use a diagram or a storyboard.
Choosing the right tool for your site analysis is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on your purpose and scope, your data sources and availability, and your data visualization and communication. By considering these factors, you can select the most suitable and effective tool for your site analysis project.
The 6 steps above roughly describe the architectural design process! What needs to be considered here is why and how we gather and use data in the design process. - We gather relevant data to inform the final design strategy or concept. At this stage, we need to move laterally and gather as much data as possible in all relevant aspects. All context is important here. - Next is combined stages of analysis and synthesis. Analysis is the processing of gathered data, while synthesis is formation of new ideas, concepts, or thesis for innovative design. It is in this stage that a designer reveals her ability to create through creative problem solving. -At this stage the making and breaking starts. THINK, MAKE, BREAK, and repeat the process.