site analysis presentation

Free Site Analysis Checklist

Every design project begins with site analysis … start it with confidence for free!

Comprehensive Guide to Architecture Site Analysis: Techniques, Tools, and Tips

• Updated: May 17, 2024

Site analysis is more than just an initial step in a design projects development; it’s a deep dive into the heartbeat of it’s context and environment.

It involves a comprehensive assessment of the physical, environmental, legal, and social characteristics of a site, ensuring that the final design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable.

Effective site analysis can reveal opportunities and constraints that might not be apparent at first glance, influencing everything from the orientation of the building to the choice of materials and the incorporation of sustainable features.

This guide aims to provide a thorough overview of the site analysis process, equipping architects and students alike with the knowledge and tools needed to conduct detailed evaluations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Comprehensive Assessment is Crucial : Site analysis involves a detailed evaluation of physical, environmental, legal, and social characteristics, ensuring that architectural designs are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing.
• Informs Design Decisions : Effective site analysis reveals opportunities and constraints, influencing critical aspects of architectural design such as building orientation, material selection, and the incorporation of sustainable features.
• Step-by-Step Analytical Process : The process of site analysis is structured into stages, including preliminary research, field work, and data synthesis, which together ensure a thorough understanding of the site’s characteristics and constraint
• Visual Aids Improve Communication : Utilizing visual aids such as photographic documentation, maps, and 3D models is vital for effectively communicating complex site characteristics and design proposals.

Understanding Site Analysis

Definition and importance.

Site analysis plays a pivotal role in the architectural planning and design process, where a thorough evaluation of the projects site’s conditions is conducted before beginning any design work.

This analysis is pivotal as it informs the design team about the site’s characteristics, helping to optimize building orientation, maximize energy efficiency, and enhance the overall sustainability of the project …to name just a few.

Through understanding the site’s constraints and potentials, we can ensure our design concepts respond appropriately to local climates, landscapes, and urban fabric, thereby reducing unforeseen complications and costs during construction.

Key Components

To perform a comprehensive site analysis, several key components need to be examined:

• Physical and Environmental Conditions : This includes the study of topography, soil type, hydrology, vegetation, and existing structures. These factors determine foundational aspects of the design, such as drainage solutions and the building’s orientation.
• Climate and Microclimate Factors : Analyzing the site’s climate involves understanding seasonal variations, wind patterns, sunlight exposure, and precipitation. Microclimate studies might include specific site-generated conditions like heat generated by paved areas.
• Social and Cultural Context : This involves assessing the site’s impact on and relationship with the surrounding community. Considerations include local lifestyle, historical importance, and community needs which might affect the design.
• Legal and Regulatory Requirements : Every site is subject to local zoning laws, building codes, and other regulatory restrictions. A thorough analysis includes a review of these documents to identify any potential legal obstacles that could affect the project.
• Infrastructure and Services : Understanding the existing infrastructure—such as roads, utilities, and public services—is crucial for integrating the new project into the existing urban or rural framework efficiently.
• Sensory and Aesthetic Aspects : Considerations include views, natural light, noise levels, and other aesthetic factors that might influence the quality of life for future occupants and the overall design of the building.

Each of these components plays a crucial role in shaping the architectural response to the site’s unique characteristics, that ensures the final design is not only feasible but also contextually appropriate and sustainable.

The Step-by-Step Process of Site Analysis

Preliminary research.

Start your site analysis by gathering all available data on the site. This includes maps, previous studies, property records, and any existing plans or proposals. Engage with local planning authorities to understand zoning laws and development restrictions.

This phase (commonly referred to as a desktop study ) sets the groundwork for accurate and informed fieldwork.

• Document Collection : Obtain site surveys , topographical maps , and historical data.
• Regulatory Review : Familiarize yourself with zoning regulations, building codes, and any environmental protections that might influence the design.
• Stakeholder Consultations : Conduct interviews or meetings with community members, local businesses, and other stakeholders to gather insights and expectations.

This step involves physically visiting the site to observe and document existing conditions. Physical observation helps verify data collected during the preliminary research and provides additional insights that are not evident from maps and documents.

• Physical Surveying : Measure land features, note vegetation types, and identify key landmarks.
• Photographic Documentation : Take extensive photographs from various angles and at different times of the day to capture lighting, traffic patterns, and neighborhood context.
• Environmental Testing : Conduct soil tests, water quality assessments, and other relevant environmental evaluations to understand the site’s suitability for development.

Data Synthesis

The final step is to analyze and synthesize the collected data into a coherent site analysis report. This report should illustrate how the site’s characteristics will influence the architectural design.

• Data Organization : Compile and organize all gathered data systematically.
• Visual Diagramming : Create diagrams that show site features such as sun paths, wind patterns, and views. These visualizations are crucial for understanding the site’s dynamics.
• Report Writing : Develop a comprehensive report that includes all findings with recommendations for the design phase. This should detail the opportunities and constraints presented by the site.

By meticulously following these steps, we as architects and designers can ensure a thorough understanding of the site, providing a solid foundation for meaningful and responsive design approches.

This process not only enhances the project’s feasibility but also its potential to integrate seamlessly into its context, ultimately leading to more successful and sustainable architecture.

Practical Applications, Examples and Case Studies

Practical applications of site analysis.

Site analysis provides insights that significantly influence the design and development of a project. Here we discuss how effectively applied site analysis can lead to successful project outcomes across various types of developments.

• Eco-Friendly Housing Development In a residential project aimed at sustainability, site analysis is pivotal in determining the optimal orientation for the houses to maximize solar gain in the winter and minimize heat during the summer. The analysis would provide detailed assessments of the sun’s path, prevailing winds, and local vegetation, which inform decisions about placement of windows, insulation levels, and even the types of plants used in the landscaping to enhance energy efficiency.
• Commercial Complex in Urban Setting For a new commercial complex in an urban environment, site analysis can help address potential traffic issues and pedestrian flow. For example, the study would include traffic pattern assessments during different times of the day and week, that would influence the placement of entrances, parking lot design, and the location of public transport stops. This careful planning helps to ensure ease of access and safety for visitors and workers, significantly enhancing the site’s usability.
• Areas of Historical Importance When tasked with working in an area of historical importance, we can use site analysis to integrate new constructions while preserving the area’s historical essence. This would involve evaluating the architectural styles , materials used in existing buildings, and historical land use patterns. The insights gained would guide the design process to complement the old structures with new developments, maintaining a coherent aesthetic and cultural narrative throughout the district.

Case Studies

Each of the following case studies provides a deeper look into the site analysis process and its direct impact on the design and implementation of significant projects.

• Case Study 1: Suburban Educational Complex A comprehensive site analysis was conducted for a new educational complex in a suburban area. The analysis focused on environmental aspects, local demographics, and available infrastructure. It revealed a high water table and poor soil conditions, which led to innovative foundation solutions and the integration of rainwater harvesting systems in the project. The design also included multiple access points to ease traffic during school events, enhancing safety and accessibility.
• Case Study 2: Mixed-Use Development This project combined residential, commercial, and recreational spaces in a single development. Site analysis included detailed studies of local market demands, existing land use, and environmental impact assessments. The findings influenced the distribution of space—allocating more area to residential units in quieter zones and placing entertainment and retail spaces nearer to main roads to attract passersby and reduce noise impact on residents.

The practical applications and detailed case studies above, illustrate the transformative power of thorough site analysis in architecture.

By meticulously examining every facet of the site, we can design spaces that not only meet the functional needs of their users but also enhance the environmental and social fabric of the community.

These examples underline the necessity of site analysis as a fundamental component of our project planning, and ensure that projects are not only feasible but also thriving environments for future occupants.

Example Using Site Analysis Diagrams

Architectural site analysis diagrams provide visual representations that synthesize a site’s physical, environmental, and socio-cultural data, providing us with essential insights for informed design decisions.

These diagrams highlight key elements such as topography, climate, vegetation, and usage patterns, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the site’s characteristics and constraints

Referred and referenced to throughout the design and construction process, the below list highlights some of the key areas that should be investigated, along with diagram examples of how site analysis recordings can be presented.

These examples were created using the below site analysis drawing symbols kit in Adobe Photoshop .

Document your site analysis recordings!

Have confidence in your research process.

01 – General

• Geographic location
• Site boundary
• Entrance locations and types
• Site security
• Existing buildings

02 – Buildings analysis

• Rights to light
• Legal restrictions
• Noise levels

03 – Legal Restrictions

• Conservation areas
• Covenants and easements
• Rights of way
• SSSI ( Site of Special Scientific Interest)
• Listings (Grade II, II*, I)
• TPO’s (Tree preservation orders)
• Previous planning permissions and applications

04 – Access and circulation

• Public routes
• Private routes
• Vehicle access
• Pedestrian access
• Existing site circulation routes within

05 – Topography

• Key features/restrictions

06 – Views

• Private views out
• Public views in

07 – Sun paths

• Solar gains

08 – Site wind analysis architecture

• Prevailing direction

09 – Public Transport Links

• Bus’s
• Train’s
• Taxi’s

010 – Trees and vegetation

• TPO’s and protected species
• Root protection areas
• Items for removal
• Items to maintain

011 – Ecology

• Protected species
• Protected zones

012 – Site restrictions

• Neighbors / adjacent conditions
• Land slides

013 – Features

• Areas to expose/use
• Areas to improve
• Areas to hide

014 – Hazards

• (Electricity lines, Drainage, Telephone lines, Sub-stations)
• Derelict Buildings
• Unfinished building works

Tools and Resources for Effective Site Analysis

Essential tools for site analysis.

The right tools can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your analysis. This subsection introduces key tools and software that we rely on to gather and analyze data effectively.

• GIS Software : Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are crucial for mapping and analyzing spatial data, allowing architects to visualize site features in relation to one another and to the broader environment. Programs like ArcGIS or QGIS offer powerful functionality for overlaying various data layers, such as zoning laws, topography, and infrastructure.
• CAD Software : Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools, such as AutoCAD and SketchUp, are essential for drawing precise site plans and sections based on gathered data. These tools help in visualizing the potential impact of design decisions in the context of the site’s conditions.
• Environmental Simulation Software : Tools like Autodesk’s Ecotect Analysis and IES VE enable architects to simulate sunlight, shadow, and energy interactions based on site conditions. This can be invaluable for assessing building performance and sustainability.
• Mobile Surveying Apps : Applications such as Site Audit Pro and MagicPlan allow architects to gather and organize site data directly from their mobile devices, making fieldwork more streamlined and accurate.
• RIBA Present medals
• Visualizing architecture
• I Made That
• Pamphlet architecture
• The Bartlett Summer Show Book
• Architecture Infographics
• Knowledge is Beautiful
• Architecture competitions entries
• End of year shows
• Exhibitions

Also check out our own Architecture site analysis diagram and presentation examples on  Pinterest

Downloadable Resources

These downloadable resources that offer practical assistance in the form of templates, checklists, and guides.

• Site Analysis Checklists : Our free and downloadable checklist belowe covers all critical aspects of site analysis ensuring that no important details are missed during your survey.
• Template Diagrams and Sheets : Our site analysis diagrams, help to standardize the presentation of information, making it easier to interpret and use in design proposals.
• E-books and Guides : We take a deep look at how to translate your analysis into working design proposals in our digital resource The Concept Kit.

Do you find design projects difficult?

...Remove the guesswork, and start designing award winning projects.

Following on from the above, here we have provided two site analysis checklists that firstly cover all of the primary areas of the site analysis process and secondly, provide a checklist outlining what to assess during your first site visit.

To download our free checklists, simply sign up with your email below and follow the download link provided:

Free checklist

Sign up to our mailing list to receive our free Site Analysis and Site Visit Checklists

Visual Aids

Visual aids are integral to understanding and communicating the complexities of site analysis in architecture.

Visual tools can enhance the comprehension and presentation of your site analysis, ensuring that all stakeholders, from clients to design teams, can visualize the potential of a project.

Types of Visual Aids

• Photographic Documentation : Before and after photos, as well as ongoing site conditions, provide a real-time look at the environmental and urban context. These visuals help stakeholders understand the existing conditions and the impact of potential changes.
• Maps and Topographical Layouts : Utilizing geographic information system (GIS) maps and detailed topographical layouts can help architects and planners assess the geography and features of the site. These maps are essential for understanding slopes, elevation, and other physical attributes that will affect the design.
• Sun Path and Wind Pattern Diagrams : These diagrams are crucial for sustainable design, showing how natural elements interact with the site. Sun path diagrams help in planning building orientation and window placement for optimal solar gain, while wind patterns can influence the design of outdoor spaces and ventilation systems.
• 3D Models and Renderings : Advanced software can generate 3D visualizations of the proposed project within the actual site conditions. This not only helps in presenting a realistic view of the finished project but also allows for virtual tours that can be instrumental in the approval and stakeholder buy-in process.

Creating Effective Visual Aids

• Clarity and Precision : Visuals should be clear and precise, with annotations where necessary to highlight key features or data points. This ensures that the information is accessible to all stakeholders, regardless of their technical background.
• Interactivity : Interactive elements such as clickable layers on digital maps or virtual reality tours of the site can engage stakeholders more deeply, allowing them to explore different aspects of the analysis and design proposals at their own pace.
• Integration with Textual Content : Visual aids should be effectively integrated with the textual content of the report or presentation. Each visual should have a clear reference in the text, explaining its relevance and what it illustrates about the site analysis.

Tools and Software for Developing Visual Aids

• GIS Software : Tools like ArcGIS provide powerful capabilities for mapping and analyzing geographical data, which can be used to create detailed site analysis maps.
• CAD and BIM Software : Programs like AutoCAD and Revit allow architects to create precise drawings and models that can be used for both analysis and presentation of data.
• Visualization Software : Software such as SketchUp and 3ds Max can be used to create high-quality 3D renderings and animations that bring the project to life.

Incorporating visual aids into your site analysis reports and presentations not only enhances the understanding of complex data but also facilitates more informed decision-making by clearly communicating design intent and site potential.

To Sum Up: The Power of Thorough Site Analysis in Architecture

As demonstrated, a well-conducted site analysis not only informs the practical aspects of a project but also deeply influences the creative process, enabling architects to make decisions that are environmentally responsible, contextually appropriate, and culturally sensitive.

Effective site analysis acts as a linchpin in the development process, connecting diverse aspects such as environmental conditions, user needs, and aesthetic values with the technical requirements of construction and urban planning.

By thoroughly understanding the site, we as architects can foresee potential challenges and harness opportunities that enhance both the functionality and the impact of their designs.

Moreover, the integration of advanced tools and technologies, as discussed, provides architects and planners with the means to present their findings and design concepts in ways that are both accessible and engaging to clients, stakeholders, and the community.

Visual aids and interactive models, in particular, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between complex data and actionable insights, making site analysis not just a procedural step, but a compelling narrative of what a project can achieve.

As we continue to face global challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and resource scarcity, the importance of site analysis will only grow.

It is through meticulous site examination that sustainable and innovative solutions can be devised, ensuring that the built environment serves not just the present but also future generations.

This guide aims to inspire and equip young architects and students with the knowledge to perform insightful site analyses, driving the creation of spaces that are not merely places to inhabit but are thoughtful, sustainable, and integral parts of the larger world tapestry.

Through the mastery of site analysis, we can contribute to a more sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing built environment.

Image credits: Cover image – Beatriz Caon Amenta (Thank you Beatriz!)

Every design project begins with site analysis … start it with confidence for free!.

• Construction Details

Detail Template Kit

• $ 29.99
• Add to cart

Timber Construction Detail Kit

Steel Frame Detail Kit

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

As seen on:

Unlock access to all our new and current products for life .

Providing a general introduction and overview into the subject, and life as a student and professional.

Study aid for both students and young architects, offering tutorials, tips, guides and resources.

Information and resources addressing the professional architectural environment and industry.

• Concept Design Skills
• Portfolio Creation
• Meet The Team

Where can we send the Checklist?

By entering your email address, you agree to receive emails from archisoup. We’ll respect your privacy, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

The Ultimate Architectural Site Analysis Guide

What Is A Site Analysis?

For every architecture project you undertake in your studies and practice, you are going to be asked to undertake a site analysis.

A site analysis is a research activity that looks at the existing conditions of a site as well as possible future conditions. It considers physical qualities and characteristics, patterns and activities, relationships, context, givens, assumptions, opportunities and constraints within the immediate site and broader context and surroundings.

It is undertaken by undertaking several steps including researching and gathering existing information and documents, visiting the site and observing existing conditions, analysing the data in terms of patterns, impacts and opportunities on the design and project, and presenting the data.

The outcome will include a series of documents, photographs, drawings, diagrams, sketches, texts and other interpretations of the conditions on the site.

The site analysis needs to consider the location, what is physically existing on and around the site now, what may exist in the future, how the site conditions and experience, changes over time, and identifiable patterns.

Why Undertake A Site Analysis?

Completion of a site analysis early in a project assists us with determining the feasibility and practicality of a project and lays the foundations for the design process.

A good site analysis will help determine if a project is feasible. Thorough research and analysis will identify any issues that may prohibit the project from proceeding or negatively impact the overall outcome. This could include such things as an easement that runs through the middle of a property that cannot be built over, a height restriction on the building or some kind of zoning that prevents a commercial shop from being built amongst residential houses. From a feasibility perspective, site analysis is very much about understanding the objective, physical conditions, opportunities and constraints.

Once the feasibility is determined the site analysis can assist greatly with developing the design. Understanding the site helps identify the opportunities, challenges and constraints that will impact, inhibit or enhance design decisions and the outcome. This could include such things as avoiding or blocking out the noise coming from a neighbour, taking advantage of a particular view from a point on a hill, designing around a beautiful tree the client wants to keep or ensuring a living area captures the only access to afternoon sun on the site and avoids shadows from a neighbouring high-rise. A site analysis is an essential part of the design process that helps a designer understand and respond to the external environment to create a well-considered outcome experience for the end-users of the project.

Types Of Data

It is important to research and complete as thorough a site analysis as possible. A poor site analysis can result in problems that are costly or difficult to resolve at later stages in the design pr construction process.

There are three types of data to collect and analyse during a site analysis that we will consider one at a time. The best analysis considers all three. These include:

• Mega, Macro, Micro.
• Objective or Hard Data.
• Subjective or Soft Data.

We are going to go through everything you need to consider for a thorough site analysis. Note, however, that every project is different and there can always be something unique to your project. Also, at university, you may not be required to consider everything, especially legal or authorities, so check with your tutor or teacher as to how deep you need to research and consider different aspects.

Mega , Macro, Micro

The strategic approach a site analysis is to consider the objective and subjective data at three different scales:

• Mega | The very large, or huge context of the site including the suburb and even the larger city conditions and relationships.
• Macro | The large scale including the full site and immediate surround on all sides.
• Micro | The very small within the site including the qualities and characteristics of individual objects and elements.

The site and project down not exist in isolation. It sits within an existing and changing context and has connections to and relationship with immediate surroundings, the wider site, suburb and city and the local community and people living within.

Objective Or Hard Data

Objective or hard data refers to the conditions that exist, regardless of human interaction with the site. These things are objective because they are what they are and they exist without us observing or experiencing them. Objective data includes:

01 | Location – The place or position that something is.

• Geographic Location – Identify the site location, address, lot number or reference.
• Site Survey – Obtain the site survey document and identify the significant information on this document.
• Aerial photographs and maps – Obtain historical and current photographs and maps of the site, suburb and surrounds and identify the significant information on these documents.
• Site Boundary – Identify the boundary locations and confirm it is clear and correct on the physical site.
• Dimensions – Determine the size, dimensions, angles, shape and proportion or radii of the site.

02 | Legal – The legal status of the site including ownership, rights and access.

• Site identification – Confirm the registered site address, lot number or legal reference.
• Title and Ownership – Obtain the site title document, the legal owner or titleholder, and the status of mortgages or multiple mortgages on the site.
• Caveats – Caveats or legal actions pending on the site that prevents access, development or construction.
• Easements and rights of way – Identify any legal overlays that give another permission to use the site or prevent the owner from accessing or building on any part of the site.

03 | Authorities – The regulations, restrictions and allowances on the site as set out by federal, state and local authorities. (Check which level of government and which departments govern development in your areas).

• Zoning – Obtain zoning plans or documents. Determine the zoning of the site under local authorities and the allowances and restrictions for development and building under this zoning.
• Overlays (eg. heritage, environment, conservation, green belt etc.) – Obtain overlay plans or documents. Determine any heritage, environmental or other overlays of the site and the allowances and restrictions for development and building under these overlays.
• Flood levels – Obtain flood records. Identify regular floods in the area (eg. 50-year/ 100-year floods) and any water levels that need to be built above.
• Protected animal or plant species – Identify any protected plant or animal species or Tree Preservation Orders.
• Other development controls – Obtain other development controls and local authorities documents and identify development restrictions or requirements. (A visit to your local, state or federal regulatory department/s will help answer this).
• Development application requirements – The process of applying for development approval and the requirements of your local authorities in terms of site analysis, meetings, documentation, report, community consultation, timeframes, lodgement process etc.

04 | Utilities and infrastructure – The extent of above and below-ground infrastructure and utilities access adjacent, around, through and on the site. Identify the different suppliers and obtain their documents for the site and immediate surroundings.

• Sewer –  Underground and above-ground pipes, access, substations and connection point location/s.
• Water – Underground and above-ground pipes, access, substations and connection point location/s.
• Gas – Underground and above-ground pipes, access, substations and connection point location/s.
• Electricity – Underground and above-ground wires, cables, power poles, access, substations and connection point location/s.
• Communications (telephone and internet) – Underground and above-ground telephone and internet wires, cables, power poles, access, substations and connection point location/s.
• Fire – Underground and above-ground pipes, hydrants, access and connection point location/s.

05 | Adjacent structures and conditions – The physical conditions surrounding all boundaries of the site.

• Land Uses – The different uses of adjacent sites, spaces and structures.
• Adjacent natural conditions – Natural conditions on adjacent sides of the site. (See 07 for criteria).
• Adjacent artificial conditions – Artificial or human-made conditions on adjacent sides of the site including private properties or public footpaths, entries or roadways. (See 08 for criteria).
• Distance – The distances of the adjacent sites, spaces and structures from the site.
• Heights – The different heights of adjacent sites, spaces and structures.
• Vernacular – The different vernacular, styles or characteristics of adjacent sites, spaces and structures.

06 | Streetscapes, elevations and sections – A full representation of the existing vertical conditions.

• Streetscape panoramas of the site – Panoramic photographs to show the extent of the site and adjacent conditions and communicate character, form and materials.
• Street and site elevations – Elevation at the boundary and/ or centre of the street to show levels, boundaries, allowed building envelope (from authorities), vegetations, and existing structures as well as and adjacent conditions to include buildings and structure height and distances.
• Site sections – Cut showing levels, boundaries, vegetations, and existing structures as well as and adjacent conditions to include buildings and structure height and distances.

07 | Natural physical conditions + features – The natural conditions, elements or features existing on the site?

• Typography – Obtain any existing surveys and confirm the accuracy of contours, levels above sea level, gradients and slopes and existing terrain. Note that some of these may be natural or artificial.
• Vegetation – Identify the vegetation and different species on the site including trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses and individual vegetation heights, canopy widths and root coverage. Identify the changes at different times of the year (eg. deciduous trees lose their leaves in Winter while coniferous trees keep their leaves all year) and how the vegetation affects the site microclimate (shade, temperature etc.) Obtain an Arborist Report as required.
• Geology, soil type and state – Obtain any geotechnical or soil reports. Identify the soil and rock conditions on the site and how this may affect the type of structure or construction across different areas of the site.
• Animal Species – Any animal, bird or insect species of significance and the requirements of and obligations to these species.
• Natural Qualities and Characteristics – The natural materials, textures, colours and patterns of the natural environment in and around the site.
• Natural features or highlights – Natural elements of specific interest, relevance or significance.
• Items to retain, remove and improve – What needs to be retained, removed or improved (See also 10 for Hazards and risks.)

08 | Artificial physical conditions – The artificial or human-made conditions, elements or features existing on the site.

• Buildings and structures – Existing buildings or structures on the site including the use, heights, distances, materials and conditions.
• Roads and kerbs – Roads and/or kerbs on, entering, or adjacent to the site and the materials, levels, dimensions and conditions.
• Footpaths – Footpaths on, entering, or adjacent to the site and the materials, levels, dimensions and conditions.
• Ground surfaces and materials – Different ground materials on, entering, or adjacent to the site and the materials, steps, levels and changes, dimensions and conditions.
• Street furniture – Street furniture on or adjacent to the site (ie. park benches, telephone poles, fire hydrants, rubbish bins etc.) and the sizes, materials and conditions.
• Materials, textures, colours and patterns – The materials, textures, colours and patterns across the site and any themes or opportunities.
• Artificial features or highlights – Human-made elements of specific interest, relevance or significance.

09 | Climate – Climate includes the weather. Climate should be considered across each of the 4 seasons, and at different times of the day.

• Sun path, solar gain and shadows – A good sun study will show sun direction and resultant shadows for at least 3 different times of the day (eg. 9am, 12pm and 3pm) at different times of the year (eg. Summer solstice with the longest day and shortest night, Winter Solstice with the shortest day and longest night, and the Equinox with equal day and night).
• Precipitation – The high, low, median and average rain, snow, and humidity for 4 seasons including rain, snow, hail and humidity.
• Temperature – The seasonal changes in temperature including the high, low, median and average temperature for each of the 4 seasons.
• Wind – The wind direction and intensity for each of the 4 seasons, areas of exposure that require shelter and elements that provide existing shelter from the wind. Use wind roses to help assist.

10 | Hazards and risks – A hazard is a substance or situation which has the potential to cause harm to health, life, the environment, property, or any other value. Risk is the possibility of something bad happening.

• Exposed services (electricity, telephone, sewage, water, gas) – Are there any wires, pipes, open access panels or other services elements that could cause damage, trip or fall?
• Machinery – Machinery in storage or operation on or nearby that someone could walk into, or access?
• Drainage – Where is the drainage point/s on and from the site? What is the path of water across the site? Could this be dangerous in heavy rains or if there is a blockage of drainage?
• Natural events – Flooding, landslides, volcanoes, cyclones – What is the frequency of natural events? What has the impact been on the site in the past?
• Derelict buildings – Are there abandoned buildings or structures that have dangerous, loose materials or elements that could collapse, or cause someone to trip or fall?
• Unfinished building works – Is there partly finished building works that could collapse, or cause someone to trip or fall?

11 | Site history and significance – A summary of the past uses, conditions and significance of the site.

• Previous use/s – A brief (bullet point) history and previous uses of the site.
• Contamination – A summary of manufacturing, industrial or other processes or operations that could have or are contaminating the site.
• Archaeological significance – Anything previously built on the site that could still be present under the ground in some form. Known inhabitants on the site or local area that could have inhabited the site or left any objects or remnants of historical significance on it.
• Historical significance – Anything about the site, the past uses, the structures or the people who used the site that is significant or needs to be preserved, recognised or considered in the design.
• Cultural significance – Anything significant about the site in terms of the ideas, customs and social behaviour of a particular people or local group of society.
• Demographic significance – The science that deals with populations and their structures, statistically and theoretically to consider who are the people who live in the area, what are their needs and how might this affect the project.

12 | Neighbourhood context – Consider previous uses of the site and how that could impact the current condition.

• Significant buildings, structures, spaces, landmarks – Significant buildings, structures, spaces and landmarks in the local area. Include an annotated visual or photographic representation to describe their significance.
• Architectural style/s, character and qualities – Styles, character and qualities commonly used in the architecture, buildings and structures in the local area. Include an annotated visual or photographic representation.
• Common materials – Materials, colors and textures commonly used in the architecture, buildings and structures in the local area. Include an annotated visual or photographic representation.

Subjective Or Soft Data

Subjective or soft data refers to the conditions or situations that exist because of human interaction with the site. These things are subjective because they change over time and only exist because humans are there to create, interact with or experience these things. Most of these are sensory and relate to what humans can see, hear, smell, taste and touch and how a human experiences the site. Subjective Data includes:

13 | Access and movement – The different entry, exit and movement paths across the site and their relationship or interaction with one another.

• People – External or adjacent footpaths and informal circulation paths and the entry, exit and circulation paths for people or pedestrians in and around the site.
• Vehicles – Hierarchy of external and adjacent roads and the entry, exit and circulation paths of vehicles including cars, trucks, bicycles, skateboards or others in and around the site.
• Animals – Entry, exit and circulation paths and movement of animals.
• Public transport links – Locations of bus, train, taxi, tram, cycle and other transport stops and routes.

14 | Views – The ability to see something or be seen from a particular place. This may require longer walks and analysis in the surrounding areas.

• Views In – The views from adjacent buildings and spaces into the site as well as longer views from vistas, surrounding buildings, hills or high points. Consider different heights in the environment and where views might occur and test them.
• Views Out – The existing or potential short views from the site to the adjacent environment as well as long views into the wider surrounds. Consider different heights.

15 | Privacy – The ability to seclude people, information or activities from the views or awareness of others.

• Privacy In – Elements within the site that needs to be hidden or concealed from external views into the site, hearing, people or overlooking. Internal elements that provide privacy.
• Privacy out – Elements outside the site that need to be hidden or concealed from views out of the site, hearing, people or overlooking. This could include unsightly structures on an adjacent site. External elements that provide privacy.

16 | Security , protection and safety – The degree of protection of individuals or property from harm, danger or risk. (See also 10 | Hazards and risks).

• Security , protection and safety in – Internal conditions that pose a security risk. The people, property, activities and other elements of the site and project that need protection from external people, property or conditions.
• Security , protection and safety out – External conditions that pose a security risk. The people, property, activities and other external elements of the site and project that need protection from the internal people, property or conditions.

17 | Sound and noise – The sounds and noises created by the adjacent conditions, the existing site and the proposed development.

• Noise In – Where noise is produced from outside the site, how this changes with the wind and where internal protection needs to occur.
• Noise Out – Where noise will be produced by the site, how this may change with the wind and where external protection needs to occur.

18 | Smells – The smells and odours created by the adjacent conditions, the existing site and the proposed development.

• Smells In – Smells coming from outside the site, how this changes with the wind and where internal protection needs to occur.
• Smells Out – Smells that will be produced by the site, how this changes with the wind and where external protection needs to occur.

Step 01 – Desktop Analysis

The first phase of site analysis is to undertake desktop research and obtain as much existing information and documents about the site and adjacent and immediate surroundings. By carrying out this research early

Before you go to the site, you can collect any existing drawings, reports, legal documents, historical, existing or satellite photographs for the following areas:

• 01 | Location –  Site survey, aerial photographs, site maps and plans.
• 02 | Legal – Title, easements, mortgages etc.
• 03 | Authorities  – Zoning documents, overlays, development controls, development application requirements.
• 04 | Utilities and infrastructure – Plans and drawings from service providers.
• 06 | Adjacent structures and conditions – Titles, architectural and services drawings, surveys, consultant reports.
• 07 | Natural physical features – Geology and soil report, arborist report, other reports.
• 08 | Artificial physical features – Existing condition, building survey or dilapidation report.
• 09 | Climate – Sun path studies, research precipitation, temperature and wind roses.
• 11 | Site history and significance – Research, historical and current photographs, reports, other documents.
• 12 | Neighbourhood context – Research, historical and current photographs, reports, other documents.

Step 02 – Site Visit

Once on the site, you will need to verify any of the information, documents and research you have obtained during the desktop research and identify any incorrect or conflicting information or conditions. You will also need to record all other existing conditions.

To prepare for a successful site visit, you will need:

• Camera and/ or smartphone – Make sure you take pictures of everything, from different scale, perspectives, within the site and from a distance. A smartphone with apps to take panoramic views and streetscapes is also useful.
• Clipboard – To hold your notebook and existing documents.
• Existing documents – Print out key documents with post-it notes or a list of things to verify on the site from your preliminary desktop research. Bind or staple these together in some way to avoid them blowing away in the wind and clip them to your clipboard.
• Notebook – To take notes, sketch and make any observations on site.
• Pens and pencils – Take your favourite 2-3 pens and pencils.
• Tape measure or laser measurer – You will need to verify or take unknown dimensions on site.
• Backpack and pockets – Take a backpack so you can hold other objects and keep your hands free (with a  clipboard, camera, and pens and pencils!!) A jacket or pants with large pockets is also helpful so you can quickly store pencils or cameras or tape measures when not in use and easily access them.
• Food, water, supplies – Make sure you take water and snacks, especially if you are going to be observing on the site for a significant amount of time.
• Good weather – Try to go on a clear, sunny day with a blue sky and good sublight. This will look better for photos and give you a better indication of colours, textures and shadows.

You may like to stay on the site for a length of time to observe changes in climate or subjective data such as movement and pedestrian use of the site. Alternatively, you may like to come back at different times over several days. It is unlikely you will obtain all the information you need in one visit, so be prepared to return to the site at least during the pre-design phase, if not during the design to test ideas and potential experiences of your design.

Step 03 – Gathering And Recording The Data

You will gather a lot of desktop research in the form of existing documents, photographs and reports as well as on-site observations and experiences.

Ways of gathering and summarizing this data and key findings include:

• Extract key information from documents and reports into a new word document and bullet point key findings.
• Print out scale plans, maps and photographs and start to analyse and identify key elements as a butter paper or tracing paper overlay through diagrams and annotations.
• Record on-site observations through sketches, photographs, and marked up and annotated existing drawings, plans and maps.
• Start to develop findings into diagrams and annotated drawings, sketches, photographs, maps or plans.

Step 04 – Analysing The Data

Collecting information about the existing conditions of a site is great, but this is only the first step. The big question is:

So what? What does this existing site information mean for the design?

When collecting and collating the existing site data into an analysis summary you need to start to consider the implications of the existing site conditions on the design and the final experience of the users. Include existing conditions as well as analysis and conclusions about the following:

• The site – Existing patterns, activities, relationships, typologies, practical function, temporality or  changes over time,
• The proposed building or structure – Impact on massing, geometry and form, scale and proportion, access, entry and circulation, views, light, private and public spaces, hierarchy, level of enclosure, solid and void, internal and external space.

Remember, the design process is not linear. By this stage, you should also hopefully be developing a good understanding of the brief, users and activities and program for the project and start to develop preliminary concept ideas in parallel to finalising your site analysis.

Step 05 – Presenting The Analysis

You may not be required to present your site analysis, but you may be required to provide a summary or a report to a client, authority or university tutor. Your site analysis presentation could range from a single site plan to a whole report.

Here are some ideas about the structure or order of how you might present your findings. If you are developing longer reports, set up a mock storyboard of each page to sort out what information will be presented where. Leave out the things that are not relevant for your submission.

• Introduction – An overview of the site and findings.
• 01 | Location (Mega and macro) – Location plans at a range of scales to show existing site using aerial photographs
• 02 + 03 | Legal and Authorities – Summary or reference to any relevant legal and authorities requirements.
• 11 – Site history and significance – Summary of research and findings.
• 12 – Neighbourhood context – Summary of research and findings, photographs, sketches etc.
• Existing conditions photographs – Key photographs of the existing site and views with a reference plan to show the location of each photograph.
• Streetscapes, elevations and sections (to scale) – Key drawings to show vertical information and context.
• Site Analysis Plans – To show your observations and findings of the remaining objective and subjective data. Depending on the size, context and scale of the site, this could be included on one plan drawings or separated into a series of diagrams to show themes of patterns, activities, conditions, opportunities and constraints. Analysis plans could be developed based on the themes of the objective and subjective data with 1 or more themes per diagram.  Label each diagram and include a legend/ key and simple annotations if required.
• Sun path and shadow diagrams – A simple, one page 3 x 3 diagrams of 3 times of day and 3 times of the year. Label each diagram and include a legend/ key.
• Conclusions – Include a summary of key findings, opportunities, constraints and the main design considerations moving forward.

The site analysis is just the beginning of the design process but like all aspects of design, is essential to the success of every project. The more thorough this is, the more you have to draw inspiration from and guide and inform your concept, design ideas and decisions.

Like every aspect of the design process, use the site analysis as an opportunity to explore and something to get interested in and excited about!

Constantly ask your self “So what? What does this mean for the design?

Don’t just complete your site analysis as something that needs to be done. Use the checklist to consider which aspects are important for each site and each project. Which aspects of the site do you need to focus on and delve deep into? Which aspects require not so much consideration? Focus your time, attention and energy on the aspects that will impact your design the most – for better or for worse.

Until next time…

… Liz at ArchiMash

This is our updated, revised architecture site analysis guide. We cover all things site analysis in this guide, from data collection to presentation. We hope you find it useful.

Scroll to the end to download this article as a handy PDF guide!

What is Architectural Site Analysis?

An architectural site analysis process will look at issues such as site location, size, topography, zoning, traffic conditions and climate. The analysis also needs to consider any future developments, or changes to the site’s surroundings, such as a change of road designations, changing cultural patterns, or other significant building developments within the area.

A contextual analysis is a research activity that looks at the existing conditions of a project site, along with any imminent or potential future conditions. The purpose is to inform us about a site prior to the start of our design process so that our initial design thinking about a site can incorporate considered responses to the external conditions.

The site analysis is done in the initial stages of a project. In a professional setting, it usually takes place during Stage 1 (Preparation and Briefing) of the RIBA Plan of Work. Site information including site surveys are sourced.

If you wish to learn more about measured surveys, check out the link below:

Measured Survey 101 – How to measure a building with ease

And, to find out where to get all the relevant survey information, read our Contextual Surveys post:

Contextual Surveys – Where to Get Relevant Information

Why do you carry out an architectural site analysis?

Prior to starting any design, your client will want to know whether construction on the site is viable. Carrying out an extensive site analysis [or context analysis] will assess whether development is financially feasible, and establish parameters to implement the best design that responds to the physical and environmental features of the site.

Understanding the context of a site is key to enabling the designer to weave the new design in with the existing fabric of the site. It allows us to understand the existing opportunities, or problems in a site, and make informed decisions on how to respond to our findings. This response could be that the designed building reflects the surrounding context and is designed to be in sympathy, or perhaps to turn away or eliminate certain unwanted site conditions.

Making sure the architecture site analysis is thorough

It is important when carrying out a site analysis, that we endeavour to research as much as possible and collect all available data that relates to the site and our design. A poorly executed site analysis can lead to a sub standard design due to the designer not having all available information to respond to and develop solutions for. You can never know too much about the site.

What kind of information are we collecting?

Our analysis data can be split into two main categories. Hard data and soft data.

Soft data looks at site conditions that can be changed. Hard data looks at more concrete elements such as site boundaries, site areas, utility locations, contours, dimensions, site features, climate, legal information. Early site investigations should look at hard data. From this, we are able to establish which elements we consider to have a negative impact on the site or proposed design and which conditions have a more positive influence. This allows us to create a hierarchy and gives a more systematic approach to understanding our data and developing the design.

The general categories of data we will be looking at as we carry out our architectural site analysis are:

• Location – where the site is situated
• Neighbourhood context – the immediate surrounding of the site including data on zoning and buildings and other impacts on our project.
• Zoning and size – dimensional considerations such as boundaries, easements, height restrictions, site area, access along with any further plans.
• Legal information – ownership, restrictions or covenants, council related information, future urban development plans.
• Natural physical features – actual features of the site such as trees, rocks, topography, rivers, ponds, drainage patterns.
• Man made features – existing buildings, walls, surrounding vernacular, setbacks, materials, landscaping, scale.
• Circulation – Vehicle and pedestrian movements in, through and around the site. Consider the timing of these movements, and duration of heavier patterns. Future traffic and road developments should also be considered.
• Utilities – Any electricity, gas, water, sewer and telephone services that are situated in or near the site, along with distances, depths and materials.
• Climate – all climatic information such as rainfall, snowfall, wind directions, temperatures, sun path, all considered during the different times of the year.
• Sensory – this addresses the visual, audible and tactile aspects of the site, such as views, noise, and so on. These again should be considered in time frames and a positive or negative factor can be attributed to the condition.
• Human and cultural – the cultural, psychological, behavioural and sociological aspects of the surrounding neighbourhood. Activities and patterns, density, population ethnic patterns, employment, income, values and so on.

Desktop Study

Before you visit the site, there is a lot of information you can gain from a desktop study. By carrying out thorough research prior to your visit to site, you will arrive well informed, and possibly have identified specific things that you want to check or look out for on your site visit.

Prior to your site visit it may be necessary to obtain an OS map of the site. From this, and from client information you can clarify the location of site boundaries.

Things to look into before you go to site:

• Geological maps to discover predominant types of soil or rock on the site.
• Aerial photographs and maps (google and bing have really useful and quite different aerial
• Historical maps can also be interesting.
• Distances and travel times between the site and other locations of importance.

Legal Information:

• Rights of way, rights of access, Town and Country Planning restrictions, is the site in a green belt?
• History of the site – anything you can use to inform your design. Any tunnels, disused mines, archaeological interests under the site could curtail development.
• Historical use of the site – could industrial processes have contaminated the land?
• If the site sits in a conservation area or close to listed buildings you may need to go into more detail regarding cultural significance, historic significance, etc.
• Developmental controls – is the site subject to any specific planning controls, building control or health and safety?
• Are there any trees on the site? Do they have Tree Preservation Orders on them?
• Determine whether water, electricity, gas, telephone, sewerage and other services are connected to the land.
• Climate conditions of the site/area.
• Sun path and angles.
• Is the area susceptible to flooding, is it considered a flood risk area?

Some information is not freely available, but a client or their legal representative should be able to clarify any issues regarding rights of way, rights of light, legal easements and any rights of tenants.

There are many more things to look at, and each site is very different, but hopefully this will give you a starting point for getting the best out of your site visit. In the next section we will look at visiting the site, and some of the items on the checklist according to the categories that you should look out for.

Visiting The Site

What to take with you for your architecture site analysis

Depending on the project you will want to consider taking the following items with you when you go to look at a potential site, or proposed site for your design project. It is likely you will require PPE (personal protection equipment) so make sure you have all the necessary items before heading to site.

• Camera – essential. Make sure you take pictures of everything. Also, make sure you get some shots of the site from a distance so you can use these in your final images, cgi’s and so on. Also take pictures of what is opposite the site, so you can use these as reflections in windows of your design. It is so frustrating when you go to the trouble of visiting a site and come back wishing you had taken more pictures.
• Smart phone . If you have any apps that assist with taking panoramic pictures, take a few of these too. You can do some interesting stuff when you get to later design stages if you have a few panoramics to play with.
• Notebook. Really important to be able to make notes and jot down any observations on site. Also to roughly sketch out any notable features of the site.
• Tape measure. Some sites may be close to hazards or situations where you will need to measure the proximity. If you have one, a disto, or laser measure could also come in handy, but not essential.
• Good weather! If you have a choice of when to visit the site try to pick a day when there is a bit of blue sky around. It will look better for your site photos, particularly if you are planning on using them in future presentations.

Architecture Site Analysis Checklist 

To help with collecting information, we have made a checklist that is a starting point for analysing the site and gathering data. The checklist is not exhaustive, which means you can add to the checklist every time you come across a new issue or factor relating to a site

We would suggest you go with a list of items to look out for, and check off your list so that you don’t miss anything. Our list would go something like this based on the categories we established earlier:

Site and surroundings

• Site location details (road names, address, major landmarks etc)
• Current context – existing buildings, car parking, roads.

Neighbourhood context

• Look at existing and proposed building uses in the neighbourhood
• What condition are the buildings in?
• Are there exterior spaces and what are they used for?
• Are there activities in the neighbourhood that may create strong vehicle or pedestrian traffic?
• Existing vehicle movement patterns, major and minor roads, bus routes and stops.
• Street lighting
• Vernacular context, materials, architectural features, fenestration, landscaping, parking, building heights
• Any nearby historical buildings, or buildings of particular significance
• Sun and shade patterns during the year
• Building context – what style, period, state of repair are the surrounding buildings? It is a historical/heritage/conservation area? Will your design need to reflect the existing style?
• Is the site close to listed buildings?
• Surfaces and materials around the site.

Site and Zoning

• Site boundary and dimensions
• Any rights of way through the site and the dimensions
• Any easements location and dimensions
• Buildable area of the site
• Any building height restrictions
• Access to the site – car parking, bus routes, train stations, cycle routes, pedestrian walkways.
• Access to site for construction – will there be any obstacles or restrictions that could affect the construction process?

Natural Features

• Topography of the site, valleys, ridges, slopes etc.
• Vegetation – landscaping, greenery, shrubs and trees, open spaces.
• Site levels. How will this affect your design process? How does the site drainage work, would there be any potential problems with drainage?
• Soil types on site

Man made features

• What was the previous use of the site? Would there be any contamination concerns?
• Are there existing buildings on the site – what is their state of repair? Is there any sign of subsidence or settlement damage?
• Are the existing buildings part of the project?
• Any walls, retaining walls on the site, or other built items
• Circulation
• Circulation – how do visitors/pedestrians/traffic to or near the site flow around or within it.
• Accessibility – current provisions of disabled access to the site and how will this need to be considered.
• Does the existing pedestrian movement need to be preserved?
• What is the vehicle peak load and when?
• Public transport close to the site
• Locations of best access to site for both vehicles and pedestrians
• Travel time to walk across the site
• Location of all services: electricity, gas, water, sewer, telephone. This includes both underground and above ground.
• Location of power poles.
• Sub-stations
• Views – where are the best views to and from the site.
• What are the views of?
• Mark out the positive and negative views.
• Which is the most likely feature aspect?
• Look at views towards the site from different approaches to see how the site would be seen when drawing near to the site. What are the best views of the site, and would these change in the long term?
• Noise, odour and pollution – is the site in a particularly noisy area? Or near industrial buildings that produce levels of pollution. Is it near a facility that creates smoke?

Human and Cultural

• Negative neighbourhood issues such as vandalism and crime.
• What are the attitudes towards the site and the potential build?
• What are the general neighbourhood attitudes about the area?
• What are the cultural, psychological, behavioural and sociological aspects of the surrounding area?
• What is the population, density, family size, ethnic patterns, employment, recreation activities etc.
• Orientation of the site.
• Weather – how does the weather affect the site? Is it well shaded, exposed?
• How does the temperature, rainfall etc vary throughout the year?
• What are the prevailing wind directions throughout the year?
• What is the sun path throughout the different times of the year, and day.

Take some time to walk around the site as much as possible. Take note of the general topography of the site, and any significant changes in level. Also note any indications of what is underneath the surface, for example, any marsh grasses could suggest that there is a high water table, if the soil is sticky it could indicate the subsoil on the site is clay. If there is any rubble on the site, it could suggest there has been previous development, or possibly landfill on the land.

Many of these site issues (particularly services) would be picked up on a topographical survey or other professional report, but for the benefit of a student site analysis assignment We think it would be good to demonstrate that you have considered the hazards that could be on or around the site.

Diagramming your findings

The best way to present much of the data you have collected is through diagrams. There are varying approaches to expressing the features of the site, some prefer to include as much information as possible on one diagram, while others will produce a number of smaller diagrams to demonstrate particular site conditions or features.

Both options work, but if you decide to present all the data in one drawing, it is important to make sure it doesn’t become muddled and difficult to interpret the information. So a single diagram demonstrating many of the site conditions will be a larger drawing than numerous individual diagrams demonstrating one site factor. It is also important that the hierarchy of the drawing is clear – using your pen thicknesses to demonstrate the different aspects.

You can represent data from your site visit in plans, elevations and sections, isometrics or perspectives. Be sure to choose the best option for the date you are trying to explain. We want to make sure the diagram is simple, and clear, with the data we are presenting graphically bolder than the referent information. You want the emphasis to be on the information you are communicating, for example a path through the site, or the position of trees on the site. If you choose to create a series of drawings, ensure that the site drawing is always the same orientation, and preferably scale, so that the reader can easily understand the drawings.

Evaluating Your Site Visit

So you have collected all this information and taken a shed load of photos, now you’ve got to evaluate this information and consider the implications to your design process. As well as considering all the points below you also have to integrate the requirements of the brief. You are slowly putting together the pieces of the puzzle in order to come up with a great design.

Your diagrams and data collection will be starting to build a picture of the site, helping you to evaluate what you have found and begin to consider solutions.

When looking at your site and considering your design think about the following:

• Street patterns
• Street section
• Scale and the hierarchy/form/space
• Neighbourhood relationships, formal street variation
• Perspective relationships, views
• Edge conditions, surfaces and materials
• Natural and man made
• Movement and circulation within and around the site
• Vehicle vs. pedestrian
• Public space vs. private space
• Climate – sun angles and sun shadows
• Negative and positive spaces – we move through negative spaces and dwell in positive spaces

The Building

Think about how your proposal is going to link in with the site, and how the site will connect with the building. Make a few notes about each of the points below about what you are looking to achieve.

• Scale and proportion
• Regulating lines
• Light quality
• Rhythm and repetition
• Space/void relationship

During your evaluation of the site, it may be useful to create a model of a particular aspect, or even the site itself. A model may demonstrate something better than a drawing or photograph, particularly three dimensional situations. Land contours are often demonstrated using a simple site model. This base model could then be used as part of your concept development.

Presenting your Site Analysis

It may not be a requirement to present your site analysis information, but in many cases it is. Whether you are putting together a couple of plans with your findings, or a full report, here are some tips and ideas to help you get the information across.

• Give an overview of the site and the information you have found.
• Show some of the key photographs of the site.
• Give more detail about the elements of your site analysis that you feel will be important in your design process.
• Sketches from site
• Photographs from site
• Annotated photographs
• Present any relevant data found (climate, sun paths etc). Keep data clear and concise, don’t bore everyone with complicated graphs and tables. Instead, make your own chart or table that picks out the important information.
• Present your sun paths and angles as some sort of annotated drawing. Sketchup can be a useful way of presenting sun path drawings.
• Be sure to show the North Arrow on plans 
• Depending on what has been asked of you, sometimes it is useful to present a couple of overlay drawings showing some initial ideas you have worked on. This will demonstrate your understanding of the site.

The most important thing when presenting your site analysis is to ensure that the information is clear, and the reader can understand what you have found. In my opinion there is no point labouring away on fancy graphics if the information is not clear and difficult to digest.

To help save you tons of time, we have put together some really valuable Site Analysis Symbols sets. These include all the different types of symbols you will need to jazz up your drawings and diagrams. Check them out here:

Here is a Site Analysis diagram we made using our symbols:

Final Thoughts

We hope our guide helps you effectively analyse your sites!

Don’t forget you can download this post as a handy pdf by entering your details below.

Thank you for reading 🙂

You might also be interested in…

We have loads of other incredible architecture content. Be sure to check it out.

Other recent posts…

Ornament and Crime

Introduction   ‘Ornament and Crime’ is a famous architectural manifesto by Austrian architect Adolf Loos (1870-1933). The phrase was initially the title of a lecture he gave in 1910 at the Akademischer Verband für Literatur und Musik (Academic Association for...

Average Male and Female Dimensions and Heights

Introduction   Updated July 2024 The average dimensions of the human body are essential in architectural design as they help to ensure comfort and enhance the user experience. These physical measurements, known as anthropometric data, are used by architects and...

17 Best Websites For Architecture Inspiration

Introduction   This post is all about the best websites for architecture inspiration. With so many architectural inspiration websites online, we know how difficult and time-consuming it can be to find the best ones. This is why we put together a list of the best...

53 Comments

thank you … it is a good job

is there any tips how to study this architecture?

Thank you so much

Thank you…

how to subscribe to urs?

interesting

This is a detailed description of what site analysis is, bravo!!

Thank you Awal.

Thank you for your sharing knowledge to other architects.

Nice!! is there any place to get this information on the Internet?

Try here mark.

https://easysiteanalysis.com

That is nice explanation

Thank you very much for this information. Very helpful…

How I can download this?

thank you for information

Good piece of work. Thanks

Thanks a bunch, highly appreciated

allah razı olsun sizden thank you so much ı love you guys

You are very welcome 🙂

Thanks a lot

I am very thankful for this information. It gives me a lot of knowledge for making my design better. Thanku……. So much

You’re welcome 🙂

i cant download

very informative article and it is evident that lot of thought went into it

Nice summary

very informative..! with useful pin to pin data

Excellent!!

Thanks a lot , you created a very helpful checklist !!

Extremely helpful in forming my own methodology to carry out a site analysis! thx a lot!

The information is very helpful, thanks so much -It helps clear out some misconceptions, it is clear and important

Informative and easy to understand. Thank you.

Very helpful

You made it so easy to understand. Thank you

thanks a lot

Excellent material, which I’ve shared with my students! Keep up with the good work!

I liked a lot this excellent information, it helped me on my architectural assignments at college.

Thanks! Not only for the book but to amazing selflessness. May this world be fillled by your breed!

Thank you! 🙂

Very informative ,architects can benefit for their continuing practice

Very informative, thank you for posting. I enjoyed the Pinterest bulletin board of site analysis sketches too!

Great Post! Thank you for sharing ultimate guide with us. I appreciate you for this blog.

Great and very informative post

As an architectural student I find this information to very helpful. Thank you

Thank you Terry 🙂

Thank you for your valuable tips, guidance and informative too. This will able student even junior architect’s to develop and enhance their skills with the right practice.

Very fantastic publication with updated academic materials. Thank you so much as you keep on sending me such kind of wonderful work. Much regards with love. ANNAN.

Thank you Annan, much appreciated.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More