Site Analysis and Micro-Climatic Analysis

Objective:

1. To learn to evaluate the suitability of the site for the sustainable design goal before commencing project’s design phase
2. To embed students mind to consider micro-climatic information in designing a building

Outcome:

Students will learn to practice site analysis as a crucial task before commencing project’s design phase taking into consideration the site climatic characteristics to purpose design climate-responsive structures.

Requirements:

Site analysis equipment: measure tape, Hygrometer, Infrared thermometer, compass, Anemometer

Prerequisites:

A basic understanding of sustainable site planning, climatic study, passive design principles

Procedure:

Step 1: Carry out a pre site-visit desktop study:

1. Location of the site: Record Latitude and Longitude
2. Name of the site:
3. Legal Information/Land classification: Try to understand land classification and the guidelines applicable. (As a further study to deepen the land classification knowledge, look at it in your own neighbourhood. What is the land classification of your current house?) 
4. Climate Study: Climatic condition of the site, solar path and angles

Step 2: Conduct a survey for natural physical features

Sr. No.	Natural Physical Elements	Record Description
1	Topography
2	Hydrography
3	Soils
4	Drainage Pattern
5	Vegetation
6	Wildlife

Step 3: Conduct a survey for Neighbourhood, Cultural Behaviour 

Table:

Sr. No.	Neighbourhood and Cultural Survey	Record Descriptions
1	Zoning of the site
2	Existing Buildings
3	Utilities
4	Traffic
5	People
6	Others

Step 4: Conduct a survey for Climatic factors and orientation

Table: Checklist for micro-climatic study of a site

Temperature (oC)	Humidity (%)	Wind Direction	Wind Speed (mph)	Solar orientation

Step 5: Use Climate Consultant Software to do Climate Analysis.

Step 6: Present findings and discuss the survey processes in the class.

References:

Architecture Site Analysis Guide