Site Design Concerns

During initial conversations with a client, it is easy to begin visualizing the kind of building that could potentially meet their requirements, perhaps even going so far as to speculate about its outward appearance. However, it is prudent not to become overly attached to potential solutions until we have acquired information about, or the owner has made a decision regarding, the precise location where their building will be situated. The selection of the project site for the project will greatly impact nearly all subsequent decisions made throughout the design process. The design of a site must adhere to various constraints and conditions. These include the specifications outlined in the program provided by the owner, considerations related to building codes and zoning regulations, documented limitations on the use of certain areas, societal factors, understanding the character of the neighborhood and surrounding context where the project will be situated, existing neighboring structures and previous enhancements, as well as the need to align with the local surroundings and microclimate. Determining the way we will adhere to all these limitations, swiftly limits our options for how and where we will place the project, narrowing them down to the most practical and feasible alternatives.