Site Analysis Informing Context-Sensitive and Sustainable Site Planning and Design

by LaGro, James A.

• ISBN13: 9781118123676
• ISBN10: 1118123670
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-02-25
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Blending theory with application, Site Analysis offers a cross-disciplinary perspective on the evolving practice of designing sustainable built environments. Information on understanding existing site conditions and context-sensitive design teaches readers how a thorough site analysis can create meaningful places and promote sustainability through energy, water, and natural resource conservation. The new Third Edition is fully updated throughout to include coverage of the latest sustainability topics. Additional new material includes a chapter on site plan review and design review, as well as case studies about site-scale planning and design, infill redevelopment of urban and suburban sites, and smart growth. Review questions at the end of each chapter serve as a valuable resource both for students learning about site and land use development for the first time and for professionals preparing for the ARE, LARE, or AICP exams.

Author Biography

JAMES A. LaGRO Jr., PhD, Professor and former Department Chair of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a registered landscape architect with professional experienceas a land planner and urban designer. He is an expert in environmental planning, community design, and land use decision-making processes.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Part I  Context and Approach

Chapter 1 Shaping the Built Environment

Introduction

Ecosystem Services

Place-Based Stewardship

Evidence-Based Design

Site Planning Process

Professional Competency

Conclusion

Part II Pre-Design and Analysis

Chapter 2 Site Selection and Programming

Introduction

Site Selection Scope

Site Requirements

Spatial Extent of the Search

Site Selection Process

Site Selection Report

Conclusion

Chapter 3 Assessing Physiographic Context

Introduction

Parcel Size and Shape

Topography

Geology, Hydrology, and Soils

Climate and Microclimate

Natural Hazards

Conclusion

Chapter 4 Assessing Biological Context

Introduction

Nature’s Infrastructure

Wetlands

Wildlife

Plants

Conclusion

Chapter 5 AssessingLand Use, Infrastructure, and Regulatory Context

Introduction

Land Use and Property Ownership

Land Use Regulation

Property Value

Infrastructure

Conclusion

Chapter 6 AssessingCultural and Historic Context

Introduction

Building and Neighborhood Character

Historic Resources

Demographics

Environmental Perception

Conclusion

Chapter 7 Integration and Synthesis

Introduction

On-Site Design Influences

Off-Site Design Influences

Land Use Suitability Analysis

Site Carrying Capacity

Conclusion

Part III   Design and Implementation

Chapter 8 Conceptual Design

Introduction

Context-Sensitive Design

Design Creativity

Conceptual Design Process

Anatomy of a Concept Plan

Conceptual Design Principles

Concept Evaluation

Conclusion

Chapter 9 Design Development

Introduction

Design Theory

Principles of Composition

Creating Order with Geometry

Open Space Systems

Circulation Networks

Buildings

Green Infrastructure

Site Plan Review

Conclusion

Appendix A – Mapping and Graphic

Appendix B – Resources

Glossary

References

Index