Good design begins with a structured sequence in which data is gathered and researched until the best solution is devised. It is a rational, logical and problem solving process.
Site and context analysis are used to estimate factors such as the impact your development will have on the surrounding area and how the site location could affect your investment. Although there is no crystal ball, careful analysis of your site’s context can give you a good idea of how the area may change over time.
There are two scales of analysis: Context is a broad scale analysis and Site is a localised analysis.
Context Analysis
A context analysis studies the wider area of a selected location. The analysis looks for key components that may be important during the design process.
The key criteria for consideration in a context analysis are:
- Road network and access to urban centres
- Topography and vegetation
- Socio-economic profile
- Character
- Local planning policies such as LEPs and DCPs
- Existing uses and open space
- ‘People Places’ – special places that attract people
- Views and vistas
- Way finding elements such as buildings or natural features
The analysis will also look at the relationships between the key criteria, your context and the site.
Site Analysis
Whether you are identifying a site to purchase or selecting a location on your existing land to construct a new building, a site analysis can be a useful tool.
Site analysis typically forms part of an overall design process such as master planning or feasibility studies help you understand your site better.
A site analysis studies a selected site and looks for key components that may be important during the design process.
The key criteria for consideration in a site analysis are:
- Topography and existing trees and vegetation
- Easements
- Services such as sewer, gas, electricity poles and water
- Orientation and prevailing winds
- Views and vistas
- Noise sources
- Potential overshadowing sources
- Access to urban centres or parks
- Existing site contamination
Understanding your site before you purchase or start designing can be the difference between success and failure.