EVIRONMENTAL SITE ANALYSIS

1.SLOPE. The slope analysis is developed on the contour map, consideration

should include the percentage of slope and orientation of slope relative to the
infrastructure and land uses.
2.SOIL PATTERNS. Considerations may include the analysis of soils by erosion
potential, compressibility and plasticity, capability of supporting plant growth, drainage
capabilities. Possible sources of pollution or toxic wastes, septic tank location if relevant
and the proposed land uses and their infrastructure.
3.VEGETATIONS. Considerations of indigenous species (Values of each in
terms of the environmental system) include size and condition, the succession of groth
toward climax condition, uniqueness, the ability of certain species to tolerate
construction activities, aesthetic values and density of undergrowth.

MICROCLIMATOLOGY:
Microclimatology is the study of climatic conditions within the limited area. It is
sometimes refer to as the “science of small scale weather”. It may be inferred that the
purpose of the scientific study is so discover facts and principles which may be applied
to improve the human condition. This is precisely the case.

MICROCLIMATE PRINCIPLES:
• Whatever the climate or weather, when it comes to planning an agreeable
living environment there are many microclimatic principles that can be
applied to advantage
• Eliminate the extremes of heat, cold, humidity, air movement and
exposure. This can be achieved by intelligent site selection, plan layout,
building orientation, and the creation of climate- responsive spaces
• Provide direct structural protection against the discomfort of solar
radiation, precipitation, wind, storm and cold.
• Respond to the seasons. Each presents its problems: each provides its
opportunities for adaptation and enjoyment
• Adjust community, site and building plans to the movement of the sun.
The design of living area, indoors and out should ensure that the favored
type and amount of light are received at the favored time
• Use the suns radiation and solar panels to provide supplementary heat
and energy for cooling.
• Consider the wind also as a time tested to source of energy
 • Utilize the evaporation of moisture as a primary method of cooling. Air
moving across any moist surface, be it masonry, fabric or foliage is
thereby made cooler.
• Maximize the beneficial effects of adjacent water bodies. These temper
the atmosphere of the warmer and cooler adjacent lands.
• Introduce water. The presence of water in any form, from film to water fall
has a cooling effect both physically and psychologically.
• Preserve the existing vegetative cover. It ameliorates climatic problems in
many ways.
 It shades the ground surface
 It retains cooling moisture of precipitation
 It protects the soil and environs from freezing winds
 It cools and refreshes heated air by evaporation
 It provides sunscreen, shade and shadow
 It helps prevent rapid runoff and recharge the water –
bearing soil strata.
 It checks the wind

• Install new plantings where needed. They may be utilized for various types
of climate control. Windscreens, shades ,trees and heat – absorptive
ground covers are examples.
• Consider the effects of altitude. The higher the altitude and latitude (in the
northern hemisphere), the cooler the climate.
• Reduce the humidity. Generally speaking, a decrease in the humidity
affects an increase in bodily comfort. Dry cold is less chilling than wet
cold. Dry heat is less enervating than wet heat. Humidity can be
decreased by induced air circulation and drying effects of the sun.
• Avoid un drained air catchments areas and frost pockets.
• Avoid winter winds, floods, and paths of crippling storms. All can be
charted.
• Explore and apply all natural forms of healing and cooling before turning to
mechanical (energy consuming) devices.

Two main ways in which geology influences site planning decision making
process:
1. The soil bearing capacity limiting what can be built on the site
2. The presence of geological features which restrict the options of development
because of varying degrees to hazard life.