The document discusses important factors to consider when evaluating a site for an architectural project. It states that the site plays a crucial role in determining the success of a project and that every site is unique. It provides guidelines for site selection including defining project requirements, complying with planning frameworks, evaluating accessibility, shape and size, land costs, avoiding low-lying areas, complying with legal prohibitions, and ensuring basic infrastructure is available. Detailed site analysis and consideration of physical, environmental and social factors is important for developing an appropriate architectural solution.
Evaluating Suitability of Sites for Architectural Projects
1. Evaluating Suitability of Site for any Architectural Projects
Jit Kumar Gupta
jit.kumar1944@gmail.com
Role of site selected for any building project remains most critical ,valuable
and prime reason and major determinant of success and failure of any
project. All architectural projects
have their origin/genesis in the site
on which they are located and
accordingly remain site specific for
their conceptualization, planning,
designing and construction. Like
human beings, sites also remain
different and distinct. Every site
remains unique and distinct,
comprising of numerous complex
elements including; varying
topography, changing
physiography, existing flora & fauna; existing bio-diversity; ruling
climatic conditions; physical, social, environmental features; local
culture; available building materials and construction technologies in
practice, which largely influence, impact and guide design process and
decision making.
Site plays a crucial role in positioning and orienting the building, determining
its footprints, form, shape, fabric, material, structure, sustainability and
typology, including its relation with nature, surrounding and neighborhood
buildings. Accordingly, finding and locating appropriate site for any project
and carrying out detailed site analysis, remains vital and crucial for any
project to be rational, effective and sustainable. In the parlance of
2. Architecture, site analysis involves evaluating a particular location
physically, environmentally and socially with the basic objective of
developing an architectural
solution which would be distinct
and help achieve the defined
objective of the project besides
making the project cost-
effective, energy-efficient , eco-
friendly, user-friendly and
sustainable. Accordingly,
sourcing an appropriate and
suitable site remains pre-requisite
and vital for developing any
project of any merit, because all good architectural solutions have their
genesis in understanding, analyzing, appreciating and bringing best out
of the given site.
All globally known architectural master pieces had their genesis in the
uniqueness and appropriateness of site on which they were located and the
design option used for optimizing the prevailing strength of such unique sites.
Sourcing appropriate site remains vital for the owner, project managers and
architects and accordingly, it will be relevant and rational to define broad
guidelines and principles which must be kept in mind, valued and should
remain the basis/ guiding principles while defining/ selecting sites for any
sustainable architectural project. Since all human settlements remain
different, distinct and unique, accordingly searching appropriate site for any
standalone project remains both a difficult and most challenging task.
However, critical factors which need to be considered and broad
methodology, guidelines and approach, which can be used/leveraged for
searching appropriate site, have been briefed below. These factors will also
form the very basis of carrying out site analysis, before taking up the site
planning and designing the built environment of the project.
3. Defining Project Scope and Requirements;
Site selection is globally valued as one of the most exciting and challenging
phases in an architectural project, because process involves and includes
looking and searching for appropriate and suitable options, where to locate
the project and construct the building. It is more complicated than simply
choosing a location that is convenient. Site selection requires a careful
examination of different options available , factoring in many things beyond
aesthetic and climate. Before going for location of the site, where project is
to located, it will be important to define all the requirement of the project, in
terms of built space and the open spaces required besides area required
under parking etc. Parking area remains crucial for commercial, industrial,
institutional and mixed land use projects. In addition to quantifying the built
area required for the project, it will be relevant to decide whether site
proposed to be selected; should make and include provision and scope for
the future expansion to increase its capacity at later date/stage. This
remains generally the case for education, healthcare and industrial projects.
If scope for future expansion is to be made, then area requirement for such
expansion should also be quantified and included in the total requirement of
the built space. Quantifying different spaces precisely , will invariably be
valuable in determining total land requirements for the project, depending
upon the permissible floor area ratio, ground coverage, height, setbacks etc.
defined in the building control regulations made applicable in the area and
city, depending upon the nature of the project.
Looking at the Planning Framework;
After having quantified the built area requirement and broadly understanding
the contours and area of the land required for the project, it will be
appropriate to look at the existing planning framework/Master
Plans/Development Plans/Zonal Plans, evolved for the city and identify the
permissible zone in which the land use of the project is permissible. Site must
be identified in the permissible land-use zones defined in the planning
4. framework of the city, failing which it will create numerous problems in getting
statutory approvals like change
of land use and getting building
permit for starting the
construction etc., which may
inordinately delay the project
and may even require selection
of an alternate site in the
relevant zones. In addition, city
planning framework needs a
detailed study and in-depth
analysis, with regard to land
uses defined for the adjoining areas; proposed pattern of future development
of the city; suggested traffic and transportation network; positioning of major
infrastructures at city and local level; future density and population
distribution, so as to have an overview of the city existing/future growth, for
making optimum use of the positive development while eliminating any threat
posed by the non- conforming development. Permissible zones positioned in
the city need critical and objective evaluation and analysis for ascertaining
their comparative merits and demerits for appropriateness of the siting of the
project. However, in case of projects having large land requirement, it will
be desirable that before selecting/locating the precise site, it will be essential
to understand/analyze the context of the planning framework of the city, for
which services of the professional planner must be made use of. This would
help in making right choice of land without getting into subsequent
formalities. Sourcing and studying master/zonal plans , zoning regulations
and applicable building by-laws should invariably be made integral part of
site selection process. After locating the permissible zone, process of
precise location of the site can be initiated based on the following factors;
5. Involving Technology;
After having identified the preferred
zone for locating project, identifying
precisely the site for project should be
done based on detailed data available
for that zone. It will be desirable to
make use of available technology for
zeroing on the site. Google maps can
be a handy tool to provide the overall
profile of the area including mapping
physiography; understanding
topography and contours of the area; existing road network; connectivity with
roads- both main and sub-roads; position of the railway lines; location of
major transport nodes including railway station, Bus Terminals, Airport ;
distance from major landmarks of city including Shopping centers, Railway
Station, Airport; mapping flora and fauna, existing structures, water bodies,
canals, rivers, electric lines- both Low /High Tension Lines, service network,
forests, low lying areas etc. These maps will be of considerable value while
defining the exact site, working out its boundaries, dimensions and area.
However, if the site is being sourced in the planned area, developed by a
Parastatal agency/ Development Authority/Urban Local
Bodies/Improvement Trusts/Private Builders/ Developers; then in such
cases, the approved layout plan of the area in which site falls; overall
dimensions of the site, number/width of the existing/proposed roads
permissible entry/exit, set- backs, permissible height; orientation, open
spaces, shape and size of the plot, ; positioning of supportive infrastructure
etc. must be looked at. Before opting/bidding, site must be visited to assess
its location ,suitability and the existing encumbrances. In case of sites in
hills, sites have lot of vegetation, sites having large area, use of drones can
also be made for assessing and evaluating the site realistically and rationally.
Sourcing demarcation plan and zoning plan of the area/site should always
be insisted before opting for site.
6. Evaluating Accessibility;
Site to be selected must have good
accessibility, both inter/intra city and
the region, so as to provide good
connectivity with different residential,
commercial, institutional areas of the
city/region. Good connectivity
enhances the value , visibility, viability
and usability of the project whereas
poor accessibility is likely to create
numerous operational problems for the projects. Accordingly, it will be
desirable to study the available access to the site. While commercial sites
may require location on the major axis and important roads of the city,
residential sites may require areas which are not close to highway , and
must be free from noise and traffic hazard but still close and well-connected
to the work areas, healthcare, educational institutions and market area for
sourcing day to day needs. Site for institutional area must be located in close
proximity to the residential areas, in order to serve the community without
much travel. Depending upon the nature of the project accessibility
requirement of the site needs to be evaluated and considered essential and
integral part of the site selection process. However, for larger sites
accessibility from more than one side shall be desirable to cater to the
different requirement of accessibility to the project. Accessibility to the site
should invariably evaluated in all modes of travel involving public, private,
vehicular and pedestrian access in order to make optimum use of all
available options of accessibility/mobility.
Valuing Shape and Size;
While selecting the site, it must be ensured that the shape of the site should
be such that it allows proper planning, designing and placement of buildings.
Accordingly, sites having regular shape should be preferred as compared to
7. irregular shaped sites, because regular shaped sites allow making optimum
use of the site area. Sites having irregular boundaries, forming acute angles
should invariably be avoided. Acute angled site leads to creating deep
pockets which lead to inefficient use of site as compared to sites having
obtuse angles. Shape and size of the site must ensure proper air, light and
ventilation within the building designed. Accordingly, too deep and too
narrow sites with large depth as compared to width or larger width as
compared to depth, should be avoided for proper designing of buildings and
making provision of parking etc. Area of the site should also be adequate to
accommodate the covered area worked out as per the scope of the project
Understanding Cost of Land;
Cost per unit area of land will be one of the most critical factors in making
decision about the selection of the site and its location because of its
implication in determining the sustainability and affordability of the project.
Too high land cost will make the project unviable leading to cost overrun.
Sites in developed area will be costlier as compared to sites in the
comparatively less developed area. Sites having better accessibility and
located on the major roads shall always command more premium as
compared to site having low accessibility and located on the lower order
roads. Sites located on major roads have more commercial value and
potential and are more appropriate for locating shopping malls, multiplexes
as compared to housing complexes. While evaluating the cost of land, care
must be taken with regard to future pattern/trends of growth and
development of the city, for which master plans/development plans will
remain useful documents for reference and decision making. In case, the
land is being sourced directly from the private landowners, then in addition
to looking at the cost, land ownership also needs detailed study and
evaluation. While selecting the site, it must be seen that land ownership is
not disputed and site is unencumbered. Also, site is not fragmented and is
not mortgaged or under dispute in a court of law. All disputed sites must
invariably be avoided for obvious implications, for the feasibility of the project.
8. Land having too many landowners must be considered carefully. Before
buying land , it will be important to check the ownership record, land area
and status of land from local revenue authorities. It will always be advisable
to get a feasibility study done in respect of the land falling in the site, from
any advocate for obtaining non-encumbrance certificate for the land. In any
case when land is sourced privately from an individual landowner, certified
copies of revenue record of ownership, land holding, area of land, quality etc.
should invariably be obtained and made integral part of record.
Avoiding low lying and floodable sites;
While selecting sites, care should
be taken that; all low-lying areas
and sites, which are prone to
flooding, must always/invariably be
avoided for any likely damage to the
site/buildings in future. In order to
avoid low lying area, it will be
appropriate to obtain the flood-
ability map of the city, to know the
area which is prone to flooding.
Further, low lying area falling on the banks of water bodies should also be
avoided to make the project safe. Highest flood level along the water bodies
must be made part of site selection for avoiding low-lying areas. In such
cases, levels of the site, with respect to adjoining land must be visited along
with the past history of flood- ability of the area, before making a decision.
Levelling low lying area could be an expensive investment, raising the cost
of the project. In addition, all areas used for sourcing earth for brick kilns
should also be avoided. Low lying area, levelled by dumping solid waste,
should never be selected because of health hazards and environmental
implications it will have for the residents of the buildings in the project. Low
9. lying sites which have been used for dumping debris, construction,
demolition waste and sites which are filled with non-toxic or other harmless
materials, can be taken up for construction, considering the consolidation
and stability of land to avoid differential settlement subsequently. However,
low lying sites, which are not prone to flooding and which can be managed
against disaster, can prove to be asset for project and designing of
buildings, where basements are required to be created for meeting the
parking norms, creating space for storage, services etc. Consultation with
architect will always help in critically evaluating the merits and demerits
besides evaluating suitability of land for the project sustainability and rational
designing.
Looking at Prohibitions imposed by legal Framework;
There are numerous restrictions which are imposed on the development
coming up along the major roads to control the ribbon development and to
ensure smooth flow of traffic and to safeguard areas of importance like area
under forest, protected area and area around heritage buildings and
wetlands. In addition, master plans also provide restrictions on the use of
land in certain pockets calling for making provision of the green belts. In
Punjab along Scheduled Roads, a no-building zone up to 50 meters and in
case of By-pass; up to 150 meters, is to be provided in all projects located
on such roads. These restrictions, lead to making large area open in the site
adjoining these roads, where no construction can be undertaken. Such
locations need to be clearly avoided. In case the sites are required to be
located on such locations, considering the peculiar requirement of the
project, then site with lesser length /façade with more depth should
invariably be preferred in order to minimize the extent of site area , coming
under no construction zone and more area becomes available for building
purposes. However ,in projects having large requirements of open spaces ,
siting of projects along these roads can be considered. Sites falling in the
coastal areas, impacted by the provisions of Coastal Regulations Zone ,
should also be avoided. Accordingly, all these legal requirements,
10. prohibitions, restrictions and limitations imposed in the area, either through
planning legislation or through planning framework- Master Plans/Zonal
Plans etc., must be identified, listed, considered, quantified and evaluated
before selecting the site and all prohibited sites covered under various
regulatory considerations should invariably be avoided.
Locating Basic Infrastructures;
Availability of water, sewerage, road network, stormwater drains,
communication network etc., remain vital and critical for any project,
institution and users to make the project cost-effective and economical. .
Accordingly, while evaluating sites, availability of these basic essentials must
be considered. In the absence of these services and infrastructures, the
projects will not only be considerably delayed but the initial, operational and
maintenance costs will become much higher and unaffordable. First priority
in site selection for the project must go to the area, which is developed and
where municipal services of appropriate capacity are already available.
Selecting site within defined boundary of urban areas should always be
preferred , as compared to sites falling outside urban limits, because within
urban limits, urban local bodies are mandated to provide the basic services.
In addition to looking at the existing network of services, area also needs be
studied in terms of future development of services in the area, creating new
roads/widening of existing roads, laying of sewers/water supply/drainage
network. In addition to physical infrastructures, availability of social
infrastructures in the close vicinity of the identified site also needs detailed
evaluation. Success and failure of projects are largely governed by the
availability of the quality supportive infrastructure within and in close vicinity
of the project. Non- existence of basic services invariably delays the project
and makes the project cost-intensive, whereas availability of such services
always makes value addition to the project in terms of cost and timeline of
completion of project.
11. Avoiding Physical Encumbrances;
Physical encumbrances in terms of; HT/LT Electrical Lines , Gas pipes, City
Water Supply, Storm Water drainage, Sewerage pipes, Built-up structures,
Religious Buildings, Revenue Roads, Canals, Water Bodies, Easement
Rights etc., play critical role in defining the usability of site because of
numerous implications /limitations such encumbrances impose on the use
of site. Accordingly, while locating site, it will be vital to identify physical
infrastructures existing within/without the site All sites having physical
encumbrances like High Tension Electric Lines needs to be avoided because
of enormous threat they pose to the safety of the building and inhabitants. In
addition, it causes inefficiency in use of land due to prohibition of construction
under these wires besides leaving a distinct air corridor where no
construction is permitted. Shifting these wires remains both cumbersome
and time consuming process/procedure, involving lot of cost, labour, time
and permissions. Sites having gas pipes, sewerage lines, telephone lines,
water pipes passing through it, should also be invariably avoided, because
of the limitations it imposes on the positioning of building and determining
building footprints. Similarly, sites with religious structures/derelict structures
should also be ignored for obvious reasons. It will always be desirable and
appropriate to select site which should be free from physical, social and
environmental encumbrances. In addition, existing Easement Rights in the
context of site should also be identified and evaluated in terms of its impact
on the usability of site.
Avoiding Disaster Prone Areas;
India, as a nation, is ranked high
globally among countries with major
land area subjected to numerous
natural disasters. Accordingly,
considering and evaluating the context
of vulnerability of sites to disasters
and for making buildings safe should
12. be made integral part of promoting safety of the project. Site selected
in a vulnerable zone, subjected to natural calamities, will make project
not only cost-intensive, but also make buildings vulnerable.
Accordingly, site falling in high risk, vulnerable and disaster-prone
areas, which are subjected to frequent flooding, earthquake, landslides,
tsunamis and cyclones; must be avoided for development, considering
the risk involved to the stability of the built environment created on these
sites and possibility of frequent loss of life and property. However, where
such risks are unavoidable, then site selected should be such that it
involves minimum risk even when such disasters hit the area. In case of
flooding; efforts should be made to identify sites which are located at
higher elevation. Similarly, in case of cyclone hit area, site falling in
windward direction should not be considered. Area facing landslides
would need evaluation for stability, with area selected having least
possibility of landslides. Area prone to earthquake, should involve
possibility of creating earthquake resistant buildings through adoption
of state of art planning, designing and construction options. Vulnerability
Atlas and other documents prepared/available, showcasing the area
prone to disaster and intensity of disaster need to be referred for
avoiding such sites. Mapping site in respect of extent/intensity of
exposure to disasters shall be valuable in selecting a safe site in
disaster prone areas.
Understanding and Valuing Topography;
Undulating sites have inherent
limitations in terms of their planning,
designing, development and
placement of buildings as compared to
level/flat sites and accordingly
topography and physical structure of
land must be evaluated before
finalizing site. In Hill areas, where flat
lands are generally not available,
13. selection of site should be based on involving minimum cutting and filling
with contours and gradient providing enough space/ options to design
buildings along the contours rather than across the contours. Study and
analysis of the slope of the site, must entail mapping of the existing
gradient, landforms, elevations, drainage patterns etc., for site study and
analysis. Considering the magnitude of the projects, undulating sites can be
asset for creating sustainable design options, depending upon the
architectural solutions, which can be leveraged effectively and efficiently for
converting them from challenge to opportunities. Derelict sites offer enough
opportunities for restoring and promoting environment of the area and make
value addition to bio-diversity and ecology. Such sites could be preferred for
large projects because of lower land values they have and numerous options
they offer to design buildings with nature and natural elements. However, it
will always be valuable that site selected in hill areas should have land
pockets with slope not exceeding 30-40 degrees, because many building
regulations prohibit the construction of buildings on slopes more than 40
degree and site selected should not be located on Northern slope.
Connecting with Existing Transportation Network;
As already defined, accessibility to site remains critical for the success of any
project. Accordingly, suggested site should also be mapped and defined in
terms of accessibility related to major nodes of local traffic and transportation
in terms of local bus stops , local metro stations, ferry- station etc. Site
selected should preferably be within walking distance, located near to and
closely connected with the existing system of public/mass traffic and
transportation, so as to enable the people working/living in the project,
are able to use these modes of travel in a convenient manner. This will
help in minimizing the use of personal vehicles for intra- city travel and
promote the use of public transport.
14. Documenting Existing Flora and Fauna;
Selection of site should also include
and involve, understanding and
evaluating the existing wealth of flora
and fauna on the site. Existence of
too many trees on a smaller site can
pose considerable challenge to
evolution of the appropriate design
solution whereas in case of large
sites, existing flora and fauna can
prove to be an asset. Sites having too
many protected trees or protected forest areas invariably needs to be
avoided. Evaluation of green wealth existing on the site needs to be made
right in the beginning, based on detailed survey by assessing the nature,
age, girth, foliage and number of trees and possibility of making existing flora
and fauna, integral part of design solution. However, before selecting the
site, documenting and analysing the positioning, quantity, quality and
typologies of such flora and fauna must be made to ensure there exists
enough area within the identified site, to meet the requirements of the built-
up area defined in the project report
Evaluating View to and from Site;
Views, from and to site, remain another valuable element to be considered
while determining comparative
merits and demerits of different sites.
Good views providing visibility to ,
lakes, water bodies, hills,
landmarks, bio-diverse area, forests
etc. which make value addition to the
site ,should invariably be considered
an asset for the site and the project.
On other hand, view which lead to
derelict areas, slums, industrial area,
15. thermal plants, large industrial units, refineries, garbage dumps and areas
which are polluted, needs to be discounted. Good views are considered
valuable while designing the buildings and are major determinant for
evolving good design solutions.
Understanding Soil
Quality of soil existing at the site also needs to be evaluated in terms of its
usability for building purposes. Soil having good bearing capacity makes
enormous value addition, in making project not only cost-effective but also
providing safety against disasters. Good load bearing capacity makes not
only foundation more economical
but also reduces structural cost of
the building. Accordingly, sites
having good load bearing capacity
soil should be valued and preferred
as compared to soil with low
bearing capacity. Site having high
water table needs to be discounted
for obvious reason of water
seepage into the building, and low
bearing capacity it will create for the soil at the site. Sites with high water
table make them unfit for creating spaces at basement level and always pose
threat to buildings in terms of water getting into the building. During heavy
rainfalls, such sites are invariably subjected to flooding and create problems
of safety to building and inhabitants, using the building. Good soil is known
for the capacity and quality to make buildings not only cost- effective but also
facilitate the rapid growth of flora and fauna, making value addition to the
project.
16. Mapping Wind Direction;
Wind direction needs critical study
and analysis while selecting any site.
Wind has both positivity and
negativity. If fresh air remains
essential for good quality living,
managing humidity and temperature,
bad air causes enormous pollution
and generates poor quality of life.
Wind modulate temperature
depending upon the climate zone in which site is located. Accordingly, it is
essential induction of foul air into the buildings have to be invariably avoided
and fresh brought in to make the buildings healthy and well-ventilated.
Accordingly, if site falls on the path of wind coming from industrial area, then
it is likely to cause pollution and will adversely impact health, hygiene and
quality of life of the people living/working in the project area. Accordingly,
location of industries /non-conforming uses and both in present and future ,
must be considered while selecting any site. Wind direction will also be
relevant in selecting site and positioning of buildings in order to make
optimum use of prevailing wind and avoiding its adverse impact. In case of
coastal areas and area falling in the warm and humid climatic zone; site
should invariably be located in the windward direction, to promote cross-
ventilation in site and the buildings to be constructed therein. Site located on
leeward side should invariably be avoided in coastal area. However, in case
of Cold regions and Hill areas, site facing windward direction should
invariably be avoided as against site located in the leeward side, to avoid
adverse impact of cold air on the built environment.
17. Locating Air Funnel;
Air Funnel defined in the case of cities, having air connectivity, also need to
be taken into account while finalizing
the site, located on the periphery or
falling under the defined air funnel.
Site falling under existing air-funnels
need to be avoided, because of two
distinct reasons; involving high degree
of noise generated by planes while
taking off and landing. Sites for
hospitals, education, offices and
activities requiring minimum noise, should invariably avoid locating under the
air funnels and locating near nodes generating noise pollution. Sites located
in close vicinity of airports also need careful consideration due to limitation
of height imposed on the buildings to be constructed there, which invariably
limits the quantum of built up area to be constructed on the site. It leads to
underutilization of the site due to low floor area ration admissible on such
sites.
Exploring Brown field Sites;
In majority of cases, all developers/architects go in for green field sites as
against the brownfield sites for the reasons , green field sites provide
enormous options/flexibility in planning, designing and construction of
buildings to both architects , engineers and developers. But all green field
sites remain consumers of land and resources besides adversely impacting
the nature, environment and ecology. Accordingly, it is important that while
looking at the site in any urban settings, option of selecting existing site for
the use of the project should also be explored. Brown field development hold
distinct advantages in terms of location, services, centrality, existing built
environment, materials etc., subject to suitability of site based on
considerations defined above.
18. Locating Climatic Zone;
Study of climate remains critical and basic factor for evaluating the site and
its suitability for planning, designing and
construction of buildings. Based on climate,
India is divided into five distinct Climatic
zones considering the norms defined for
day-temperature and humidity. Each
climate zone, remains unique and distinct;
requiring different options for planning ,
designing and construction of buildings
due to differential requirements of heating,
cooling, air, light and ventilation. Climate
evaluation of site will have to be carried out at three distinct stages involving;
Macro-climate( Study of the Climatic Zone in which the site falls); Meso-
Climate (Climate of the city where site is located) and Micro- climate
( Climate of the site) .Detailed study and analysis of three distinct climates
will be crucial not only for selecting appropriate site but also for evolving Bio-
climatic architecture structure. It will also provide clear idea to the
architect/designer about the Bio- climatic aspects to be considered while
designing the structures. Accordingly, role , importance and relevance of the
climate, should invariably be built into the site selection process. In case of
Cold& Sunny- Dry/wet regions /hill areas; all sites falling on the Northern
slopes, should invariably be prohibited for construction, for making buildings
sustainable and energy-efficient. Similarly, context of leeward and windward
direction on the proposed site, as already defined earlier, should also be
taken care of , while selecting site. In case of zones having too much rainfall,
then site on higher elevation and having efficient drainage should be
selected to avoid flooding.
Evaluating Impact on surrounding Environment
While analyzing the site, it will be critical to evaluate, quantify and list
both positive and negative impact of the proposed project on the
19. surrounding environment and evolve strategies to build on the positive
aspects and eliminate negative impact on environment. This will help in
designing the buildings in a sustainable manner and for making value
addition to the project and the surrounding environment.
Mapping Orientation;
Orientation should invariably be valued and considered while selecting site.
Sites providing best orientation need to be preferred for planning and
designing sustainable buildings. It will be easier to achieve sustainability on
sites having good orientation, considering the prevailing climate in the zone.
Sites facing west in hot regions need to be invariably avoided considering
the inherent limitation they create in managing the adverse impact of the sun
and heat for designing sustainable buildings. North- South remain best
orientation for office buildings in hot regions. North slopes need to be avoided
in the hill areas for creating sustainable buildings due to non- availability of
Sun. South/South-East is considered good orientation in the composite
climate zones
Conclusion
Efforts have been made in brief, to describe factors which need to be
considered, analyzed, quantified and evaluated for identifying
appropriate sites for any project. However, it remains difficult to
comprehensively detail out all the possible factors which govern the
precise and appropriate location of the site of any project. Guidelines
for locating the project remain both dynamic- constantly and
continuously evolving and devolving requiring constant review, revision
and redefinition from time to time to make them more relevant, rational
and objective. Nevertheless, identification of appropriate site will need
lot of study, data, knowledge, understanding and expertise of the
various factors detailed above, before coming to any logical and
rational conclusion.