PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY
School of Architecture and Design
A311 Design III
Project 3: Part 1
Interpretative Site Analysis through Observation and Research
As architecture students, you have been acquiring fundamental analysis skills
that may be applied to a variety of situations.
In this project, you will sketch, map, and analyze the characteristics of a site
for use in the design of the next project, a
non-denominational, municipal cemetery. It is essential to fully understand a
place before designing a project interacting with
that location. Your design for the next project will have physical and abstract
manifestations that will alter the site. Also, the site
will automatically have implications that affect the design intent. Architecture
is about more than just a single building. One of its
strengths is that it is part of a larger collective fabric of its surroundings
that can enhance the sense of community and culture.
Objectives
:To develop the ability to respond to natural and built site characteristics in the development of a design of a project.
To develop the ability to employ site data collection and analysis to inform the design process.
To observe and illustrate formal design ideas that shape exterior spaces and forms.
To introduce the concept of designers’ responsibility with respect to the environment.
To begin to understand how a specific site is influenced by its physical characteristics and ecological context.
To develop the ability to appropriately use various media techniques to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the design process.
Sketch:
On your field trip with your professor, you will
visit a site in the Norristown State Farm Park. Through observation, prepare
freehand drawings in your sketchbook of the site. Use all of your senses.
Photography is encouraged. For your design, it is important not only to
understand the area directly around your project, but also the greater context
to which it contributes.
You will be required to make more site visits on your own.
Map:
Document your findings. Use your perception as well as research. Begin to consider what is significant about the information you discover. All orthographic drawings should be drawn to scale. Indicate north. Photographs are also useful in this process. Include the following:
1. Site plan and 3 site sections with all major elements of the landscape:
•edges defined by buildings, water, streets, trees, paths, bridges, etc.
•trees, plants, grass and shrubs.
•walkways, paths, trails
•built elements
•contours of the topography
•parking
2. Perspective sketches (minimum 3) describing the site or distinctive views. These sketches should describe the aspects that you consider to be the most revealing of the site’s characteristics.
3. Two- and/or three-dimensional drawings with explanatory text describing the characteristics that are particular to the site including, but not limited to:
•climatic: sunlight, thermal sensations, prevailing winds or breezes
•geography: natural elements, soils, rocks, topography
•water patterns: existing water elements, runoff
•vegetation: types of trees and varieties of plantings
•sensory: character, textures, colors, views, sounds
•wildlife: patterns of birds, animals, insects
4. Select a natural element from the site (a leaf, pine cone, small branch,
etc.). From the readings, derive a means of diagramming the
geometry of growth patterns of the element.
Analyze:
The site analysis process is more than a mapping of conditions. It necessitates a personal, critical, spatial and creative approach. It is important to draw conclusions. Ask yourself why is this information important and how will it affect the project and its location.
Diagrams:
Consider the issues from the preceding list in Part 1 and draw a minimum of five analytical diagrams that you think are the most significant issues to which you will respond. These diagrams may be drawn in either plan, section, or axonometric. (These diagrams do not need to be large.)Conceptual/Perceptual Model:
Essentially, this is a three-dimensional diagram. It should be an abstract model that describes the perceptual characteristics of the site. For this model, you may use a variety of materials. Remember, your choice of materials affects the communication of your idea. (It should not exceed 12"x12"x12" boundaries. This is an individual model.)Collage:
This collage should use as its basis the site plan. The nature of the collage technique helps to abstract information. (This collage is 12"x12".)Group Site Model / Individual Site Models
On a 24"x36" board, execute the following drawings in pencil and
render in color:
Site plan: show all context, render the figural and textural qualities
Site section: show level changes and all major natural elements
Correctly proportioned perspective(s)
Analytical diagrams (5+)
Conceptual/Perceptual Model
Collage
Group site model (at a scale determined by your professor)
Required Reading: (readings are on ERes and Library reserve)
Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses, pp. 235-267.
Gyorgy Doczi, The Power of Limits, "Chapter 1: Dinergy in Plants," "Chapter 5: The Anatomy of Sharing,"and "Chapter 6: Order and Freedom in Nature"
Ian McHarg, Design With Nature, "On Values," pp. 67-78.
Norristown State Farm Park Information Packet
Required Viewing:
Schedule:
Day 15 Final critique of Project 2. Assign Project 3. For next class, read required reading.
Day 16 Field Trip. Discussion of readings. Organize group site model. Develop schedule for work on model.
Day 17 Sketch and Map assignment is due. Begin analysis of information for next class.
Day 18 Continue work on drawings, diagrams and perceptual model. Mock-up of final boards due.
Day 19 Final critique of Project 3: Part 1. Assign Project 3: Part 2.
PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY
School of Architecture and Design
A311 Design III
Project 3: Part 1
Project 3: Part 1 will count for 15% of your grade and will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:
Comprehension of the problem.
Ability to analyze and comprehend site issues.
Ability to work spatially and represent ideas with models and drawings.
Overall level of development and ability to work independently..
Craftsmanship, clarity, and completeness of the presentation.
FINAL GRADE