URBAN DESIGN I

Lecture three
 SITE ANALYSIS
FINDINGS

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 1. Site introduction 9. Linkage
2. Natural analysis 10. Activity
3. Sensory analysis 11. Blue green analysis
4. Topography or slope analysis 12. Open space analysis( public, semi-public)
5. Land use 13. Special analysis
6. Street 14. Socioeconomic analysis
7. Building 15. SWOT
8. Infrastructure

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SITE INTRODUCTION
L o c a ti o n , h i s t o r y & l a n d m a r k

In urban design, analyzing the location is essential for

creating spaces that are functional, sustainable, and
responsive to the needs of the community.

Evaluate the existing character of the area, including

architectural styles, street layouts, and the general
aesthetic. This informs how well a new development will
integrate or stand out.

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 NATURAL ANALYSIS
C l i m ate , G e o l o g y, H yd ro l o g y, S o il

Sunlight and Solar Exposure: Determine sunlight hours, seasonal

variations, and shading requirements. This helps in positioning buildings,
open space and streets with adequate shading or sun exposure.

Bedrock and Subsurface Conditions: Identify the depth, type, and

strength of bedrock, which affect foundation design, construction costs,
and the feasibility of underground structures.

Soil Composition and Types: Identify the primary soil types (e.g., clay, silt,
sand, loam) and their distribution, as this influences drainage, foundation
design, and plant suitability for landscaping.

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 SENSORY ANALYSIS
• Noise Levels and Sources: Map out
sources of noise, including traffic,
public transit, construction, and
nearby commercial activities. • Aesthetic Appeal and Views:

Determine areas where noise Evaluate the visual character of

reduction is needed, as excessive buildings, landscapes, public art, and

noise can deter people from using a streetscapes. This includes observing

space how materials, colors, shapes, and

architectural styles create an
• Natural and Pleasant Scents,
aesthetic that aligns with the area’s
Unpleasant or Industrial Odors,
Seasonal and Temporal Changes in
Smell

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 TOPOGRAPHY OR SLOPE
ANALYSIS
Land Suitability and Buildability

Land Use and Zoning Guidance

Water Drainage and Flood Management

Accessibility and Circulation

Erosion and Soil Stability Management

Aesthetic and Visual Potential

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 LAND USE
• Existing Land Use Patterns and
Distribution

• Density and Intensity of Land Use

• Environmental and Ecological Land Use

• Connectivity and Accessibility Considerations

• Socioeconomic Characteristics and Activity

• Functional Compatibility and Land
Patterns
Use Conflicts
• Historic and Cultural Significance
• Underutilized or Vacant Land
• Future Development Potential and Land Use
Suitability

These findings from land use analysis provide a

comprehensive understanding of how land is
currently utilized and where changes or
enhancements are needed.

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 STREET
• Street Patterns: Grid Pattern, Radial
Pattern, Linear Pattern, Organic
Pattern, Cul-de-Sac and Looped
Patterns and dead-end streets. • Traffic Calming and Safety Measures:
Speed Bumps, Raised Crosswalks, and
• Surface Material: Pavement Type
Curb Extensions, Bike Lanes and
(e.g., Asphalt, Concrete,
Bicycle Infrastructure, Street Lighting
Cobblestone), Permeable Surfaces,
and Visibility,
Reflectivity and Heat Absorption,
• Street Furniture and landscaping:
Tactile Paving
Benches, Trash Bins, and Bike Racks,
Street Trees and Green Infrastructure

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 BUILDING

Morphology

• Texture: Fine and Coarse Grain

• Pavilion and Parametric Building Alignments

• Attached and Detached Buildings

Urban morphology analysis involves studying the

physical form, structure, and organization of urban
spaces, which influences the overall character and
functionality of a city.

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 Social infrastructure

• Presence of Essential Services: Identify whether key services

INFRASTRUCTURE such as schools, hospitals, clinics, public safety facilities
(police and fire stations), and libraries are available within the
area.
Physical infrastructure
• Proximity to Residential Areas: Analyze how close social
• Existing Infrastructure: (water, sewer, electricity, and
infrastructure is to residential neighborhoods, as proximity
telecommunications)
greatly affects usability.
• Storm water and Drainage Systems: Understand
natural and existing drainage patterns to design • Public Transportation and Connectivity: Evaluate the

systems that prevent flooding, especially during heavy connectivity of social infrastructure to public transportation
rains. networks, pedestrian pathways, and other means of
transportation.
• Waste Management Systems: Ensure there is a
system in place for efficient waste collection, • Quality of Social Infrastructure: condition, capacity interims of
recycling, and disposal that aligns with urban population
sustainability.

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 LINKAGE
Transport and functional

• Degree of Connectivity Between Key

Destinations:

• Integration of Transport Modes: Examines how

different transportation modes (e.g., walking,
cycling, driving, public transit)

• Proximity to Transit Stations and Stops

• Frequency and Reliability of Public Transit

Services

• Quality of Sidewalks and Pedestrian Pathways:

• Capacity to Support Future Growth:

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 • Traffic Flow and Congestion Points

HUMAN ACTIVITY • Insights into rush hours and other peak times

Pedestrian, commercial, vehicular • Parking Demand and Availability

• Road Safety Issues

• Identification of high-density pedestrian zones,
• High-Activity Commercial Zones
• times of day with peak foot traffic,
• Discovery of underserved areas with limited
• Identification of areas where pedestrian infrastructure is
commercial activities
lacking, such as missing sidewalks, inaccessible
crossings, or obstructions. • Impact of Surrounding Land Uses on
Commerce
• Pedestrian Safety Issues
• Seasonal and Temporal Patterns in
• Public Space Utilization
Commercial Activity

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 BLUE GREEN ANALYSIS

• Location and Accessibility of Water and Green Spaces • Impact of Blue-Green Infrastructure on
Property Values
• Integration with Built Environment
• Community Interaction with the blue green
• Flood-Prone and Low-Lying Areas
infrastructure
• Existing Water Bodies for Stormwater Capture
• Space Availability and Usability
• Biodiversity and Habitat Support

• Tree Canopy Coverage and Shade Provision

• Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect Reduction

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 OPEN SPACE
ANALYSIS( PUBLIC, SEMI- • Aesthetic Quality and Greenery: Evaluate the landscaping,

PUBLIC) presence of trees, water features, and overall design.

Physical Accessibility • community Interaction: Analyze whether the spaces

encourage social gatherings and interactions,
Connectivity with Other Spaces
• Cultural Relevance: Note if the design and activities reflect
Types of Activities Supported
local culture, heritage, or community identity, which can
Quality and Amenities: increase community pride and engagement.

Amenities: Examine facilities like seating, lighting,

public restrooms, water fountains, and playgrounds

Maintenance and Safety: Assess maintenance levels,

safety features (e.g., lighting, surveillance), and
cleanliness.

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 SOCIOECONOMIC
•Age Distribution

•Income Levels

•Educational Attainment and Employment

•Local Economy Strengths and Weaknesses

•Business Types and Distribution

•Employment opportunity and Accessibility

•Public Safety and Law Enforcement

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 SWOT analysis is a strategic
tool used to evaluate an
entity’s strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats.

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THANK YOU
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