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

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.

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