Site Design Process

Goals & Objectives

◦ Goal is to set a general framework for the project develop the expected result or outcome of the

project (e.g.) The trail design will provide recreational and

transportation opportunities that support a sustainable community.

◦ Objectives are specific statements that

contribute to the goal describe tasks or results to be achieved

(e.g.) To provide adequate and accessible connections between the trail and surrounding land uses.

What are you doing?

1. Inventory - to record and understand the big picture (context) and details of the site and the user(s)

2. Analysis - to understand user - site relationships

3. Synthesis - to articulate relationships into a functional design (arrangement of parts).

Site design components

Understanding the Place◦ Regional Context ◦ Site Location and Access ◦ Surrounding Land Uses ◦ History of Community & Site ◦ Existing Design Elements ◦ Walking Distances ◦ Street Character

Understanding the Legal Framework ◦ Zoning and Subdivision Regulations ◦ Design Standards (e.g., ADA requirements)

1. Inventory

Understanding the user(s) Who will they be? demographic characteristics What will they want to experience? interviews,

stakeholder meetings, trends analysis How will they use the site? activities Where are they located? When are they likely to use the site?

Inventory

Understanding the Site (natural landscape)◦ Topography

Elevation (range, above sea level, on site) Ridges & valleys (watershed features) Views (how topo influences creates view out of and into site)

◦ Microclimate (e.g. prevailing wind-strength and direction) ◦ Sun◦ Soils ◦ Vegetation

Species on-site, special features (natives, invasives)◦ Wetlands and Water bodies

Surface drainage, ground water, floodplain◦ Wildlife

Inventory

Topography

Microclimate (prevailing wind)

Sun Light

Understanding the Site (human-made built environment)◦ Existing on-site structures◦ Transportation patterns

Existing auto traffic, access points, existing trails & sidewalks ◦ Potential historical or cultural site◦ Surrounding land uses (e.g. attractive or annoying)◦ Utilities

Sewer and water, electricity, telephone ◦ Public service/places

Schools Parks or other public open spaces Emergency service Shopping areas & restaurants

Inventory (continued)

Begin developing concepts ◦ Make bubble diagrams of activity relationships◦ Making plan view sketches of the site with

“affordances” ◦ Exploring ideas at various scales: 1"=100‘ & 1"=400'

2. Analysis

Example of a siteanalysis map

Example of analysis ofprograms on a site.

The idea is to situate facilitiesand activities in a complementaryway - also reducing conflict.

Process evolves to best set of relationships.

3. Synthesis

Design principles should complement goals & objectives for example:◦ Consider sense of place – existing or creating ◦ Ecological responsibility ◦ The user experience◦ Community access, opportunity ◦ Maintenance

Design Concept

Ideally: A synthesis of site analysis and program analysis

Synthesis Map (Refined Plan)

Example of a Site Design Process

Three Mile Campground Yellowstone Wyoming

Bear’s injure visitors at a rate of about 1-600,000

There have been 8 human deaths in the Yellowstone region over park’s history

Approximately 100 bears moved or killed

Bear Recovery Plan Mandates Changes

Bears and People

ProcessInventory site, bear behavior, human behavior

Analyze site related to bear & human behavior

Synthesize a concept for redevelopment that will help protect campers and bears

Campground Redesign

Site Characteristics◦ Existing vegetation◦ Topography

Human Behavior◦ Sleeping◦ Walking/hiking◦ Cooking

Bear behavior◦ Bear “pathways”◦ Places they search for food

Inventory/survey

Primary Site Inventory

Part of Analysis

Solitary but converge at food sources Some bears habituate to (learn to tolerate)

humans Bears search for food Sudden encounters with humans worst Sight distance and distance to water were

both short at known confrontation sites Encounters common on trails (bears use

trails too)

Bear behavior (analysis)

Avoid areas of frequent bear activity Maximize sight distance along trails Make all attractants (e.g., food, trash)

unavailable and away from sleeping areas Keep in mind that people are fascinated by

bears but vary significantly in their knowledge of proper behavior.

Design Criteria (analysis)

Zoned area – hard sided campers, tents, outside food/cooking, restrooms

Buffer tent area from river with hard sided campers

Tents “up wind” from cooking area and 100 yards from commons area.

Managed vegetation to improve sightlines Good lighting to and from toilets Bear “details” and info about encounters

used to remind visitor where they are.

Synthesis

Conceptual Site Plan for Three Mile Campground

Synthesis