Movement and Views

An introduction to the site analysis process in garden design

 

Analysis

Depending on the scope of the project the windows and door locations and views can be quite important. It can be necessary to have these record so that you can utilise the views, lines of site, movement, and desire lines that they determine.

Borrowed landscape

The borrowed landscape is what you can see from your site that doesn’t fall within its boundaries. If you are on the beach-side this could be a view out to the water and the cliffs. If you are in the city, it could be a view to a half-finished wall painted bright red and someone’s bedroom.

Movement

How does the site currently get used? Where do people move to and from?

Views

What views around the site are good and what would you prefer not to see?

Sun path

What is the path of the sun over the year? How does it change?

Sunny and Shady areas

Where are shadows cast throughout the days?

Wind

Where are the predominant winds coming from? What are the windiest areas? Are there protected areas?

Zoning

Are there zones throughout the site where certain functions are undertaken?

Noise

Is there noise pollution across the site? Are there noises which add to the ambience?

Example of a drawing capturing the way in which a site can be used, views, noises, sun path and wind


Session Outline

Presentations

Activities

Definitions

Desire lines / path - Often the shortest path between two elements. It could also be the path that someone would take if there wasn’t something blocking their way.

Borrow Landscape - The borrowed landscape is what you can see from your site that doesn’t fall within it’s boundaries. If you are on the beach-side this could be a view our to the water and the cliffs. If you are in the city it could be a view to a half finished wall painted bright red and someones bedroom.