Site analysis
In the first site visit, the architects and interns marked the built anatomy, existing trees, opportunities, constraints, liabilities, legal parameters, and setbacks. They also noticed the sun path wind direction, city noise, bird sounds, weather patterns, cultural significance, etc. While much remains to be rolled out, in this pre-design phase. A thoughtful analysis should inform the final design /provide the answers to future questions. After the site visit the intern architects presented the field notes, hand sketches explaining the site conditions, natural and man-made features, hydrology, soils, vegetation, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, utilities, historic factors, etc.
I visited the site on a rainy day to see how it drains, at morning or afternoon peak traffic time, on the weekend, on a sunny day, on a night with a full moon to experience and understand ambiance, form, and use of space. The appropriate analysis of these elements will initially help determine the placement, orientation, form, and materiality. These all affect the city’s aesthetic, vitality, sustainability, and resiliency to changes over time.
