For every architecture student or fresher, a site analysis project is a crucial way to establish a strong architecture portfolio and upskill yourself. In the beginning, being entirely successful with these can be challenging. But with proper research, understanding, effort, and time, achieving a successful site analysis project becomes more convenient.
For beginners taking their first steps at a project like this, following specific guidelines will allow you to have a smoother process in building it. Hence, here’s a look at some ways to help total beginners achieve a successful site analysis.
6 Steps to Follow to Achieve a Successful Site Analysis Project
- Initial research: When starting a site analysis project, researching all elements involved is necessary before taking further steps. This includes analyzing different locations and lighting situations – land elements, cultural involvements, etc. There are several factors that one has to understand before moving forward, and conducting thorough research will be beneficial as you can have all the essential information at your fingertips when it is needed.
- Site mapping: It often involves digitally analyzing a preferred site that you are considering for your project. You can get a better view and understanding of different elements within or surrounding the location through site mapping. For instance, public transport routes, land spacing, soil information, and more. It is another form of research but more practical as it focuses on a specific location rather than general information. With the help of the information collected, it becomes more convenient to analyze the site when you visit it physically. You will have information that you can study beforehand, which is beneficial for a successful site analysis project.
- Physical visit: A physical location visit gives you first-hand information on how a project will fit into a particular location. You can practically take note of surrounding structures and land areas. You can also obtain information on nearby natural features such as gardens, forests, vegetation, etc. A physical visit gives you a better chance of analyzing and collecting information that can be used when presenting your site analysis project.
- Understanding surroundings: In a project, your understanding of site surroundings also plays a part in its success. Collecting information and working around it for your project can help you achieve better detail and make your analysis stand out. This includes collecting data on roads, transport, preserved lands, public facilities, cultural significance, and more. These factors are vital as they can help you determine how a particular project will fit into the selected site and whether taking it forward will be feasible. Such analysis is highly beneficial when working with clients as it allows you to provide clear and concise information on several locations. A high level of site understanding is also something employers look for, thus making it a beneficial skill for those looking to get hired by the top architecture firms in India.
- Noting sun paths: Creating sun path diagrams is a vital element of a site analysis project as it lets you indicate different light and shadow projections for a particular site. It gives you an in-depth detailed understanding of where placements, such as those of windows, doors, etc., can take place. It helps you make decisions for creating high-quality diagrams and structure designs for your analysis project. Beginners can take a BIM professional course that will give them detailed knowledge on how to make such diagrams successfully and the best tools to use.
- Presentation of work: Presenting your work is the last step but also the most vital part of a site analysis project. For better visualization, one can use rendered images that one can learn about with the help of a Parametric Modelling Certification course. Your presentation must include all elements, including initial findings and final designs. They should also be presented in a manner that reflects your skills and your abilities. It would help if you focused on including precise information that will benefit anyone viewing the project or a client involved.
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Before starting any site analysis project, it is necessary to plan out what you want the project to showcase and its goals. For beginners, this might be challenging, but it is a fundamental requirement for all projects. After the project is planned out, one can take the necessary steps to make it successful.
Another critical thing to keep in mind is that while acquiring all detail available is advantageous for better understanding, it is also necessary to include only the most relevant data. Including precise data and appropriate diagrams will make your site analysis project more reliable and allow you to showcase your abilities to future clients. It further helps to aid the process of making mindful design or construction decisions.
