Introduction to Architectural Design
To achieve a successful design, site analysis is a must & should be done carefully Site Analysis involves taking an inventory of site elements and analyzing these factors relative to the clients needs & aims Gather relevant information about the properties of the site, from topography to climate to wind pattern and vegetation
Analyze these features and incorporate them into the design
Analyzing the conditions, ideal location for building can be established High spot might be right for building & low spot for water body For prevailing hot winds, trees would act as buffer Openings in building could be placed to absorb cooler winds
Subsurface Features
Geology: Geological history of the area, bedrock type & depth etc.
Hydrology: Underground water table, aquifers, springs etc. Soil Genesis: erosion susceptibility, moisture (pF), reaction (pH) organic content, bearing capacity etc.
Natural Surface Features
Vegetation: Type, size, location, shade pattern, aesthetics, ecology etc.
Slopes: Gradient, landforms, elevations, drainage patterns Wild Life: ecology, species etc. Climate: precipitation, annual rain/snow, humidity, wind direction, solar intensity & orientation, average/highest/lowest temperature
Cultural & Man-made Features
Utilities: sanitary, water supply, gas, electrical etc. Land use: Usage of site, adjacent use, zoning restrictions, easement etc. Historic notes: archeological sites, landmarks, building type, size, condition Circulation: linkages an transit roads, auto & pedestrian access, mass transit routes etc.
Social Factors: population, intensity, educational level, economic & political factors, ethnicity, cultural typology etc.
Aesthetic Factors:
Perceptual: from an auto, by pedestrian, by bike etc. Spatial Pattern: views of the site, views from the site, spaces existing, potential for new areas, sequential relationship Natural Features: significant natural features of the site, water elements, rock formations, plant materials
What is building bye law?
A building bye law is a document containing standardized requirement for the design & construction of most types of building.
Bye laws regulate building construction & building use in order to protect
the health, safety & welfare of the occupant.
Bye laws express all aspects of construction including structural integrity,
fire resistance, safe exists, lighting, electrical, energy conservation, plumbing,
sanitary facilities, ventilation, seismic design & correct use of construction materials.
Building byelaws classify standard by use & apply different standards to each
classification.
Objectives of BYE-LAWS
To make it easier to pre-plan the building activities. Gives guidelines to the designing Architect or engineer. Prevents haphazard development without any resemblance to the development of the area as a whole.
gives safety (to humans who work & most importantly live in the buildings) against fire, noise, health hazard, structural failure (may be due to natural calamity).
These buildings Bye Laws Are Drawn Up By A Panel Experts In Various Branches Of The Building Industry Such As: Town Planning Architecture Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering Air-conditioning fire-fighting and administration etc. Theses building bye-laws when formulated, are enforced on all buildings whether constructed by government, local bodies, private persons or agencies.
Minimum standards should be properly laid down and they should be strictly made to be adhered to by all concerned. minimum floor space and cubic space per member should be insisted upon. Room should receive direct light and air from exterior open space on at least two sides to satisfy ideal conditions of air circulation. The size of any room should not be less than a specified minimum. taking into consideration the number of inmates in the building the minimum window space and sanitary conveniences should be insisted upon. At least one window of the specified size/area should be provided in each room to open either on a street or open yard.
The width and extent of the open space depends upon the height of
the structure.
The height of the building is fixed as per the zone in which it is built. The width of the street should never be exceeded by the height of the building there.
The openings admitting light and air should bear a prescribed ratio to the floor space.
The set backs should be correctly followed.
SETBACKS (called as BUILDING LINE)
Roads can be widened due to presence of setbacks.
Constructs one line parallel to axis of road, resulting in improvement of road.
Results in better condition of air, light & ventilation of building. Reduces danger of fire.
setback setback
building
building
Main road
The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) or Floor Space Index (FSI) is the ratio of
the total floor area of buildings on a certain location to the size of the
land of that location, or the limit imposed on such a ratio.
The Floor Area Ratio is the total building square footage (building
area) divided by the site size square footage (site area).
Floor Area Ratio = (Total covered area on all floors of all buildings on a certain plot)/(Area of the plot)
