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PAN 44: Fitting New Housing Development into the Landscape

ANALYSIS H - VISUAL ASSESSMENT

i A visual analysis would seek to identify the dominant characteristics in the various parts of the site's location. Although in loose diagrammatic form, this simplified assessment can distil a clarity that helps identify the essential nature of the place to help assess future impact upon the site.

ii The site can be conceived as a variety of spaces; places that enjoy some enclosure or corridors defined by natural or man-made features. Such identification of 'place' can be formative in helping guide the development layout

iii Photographs from strategic locations and approaches to the site would be employed to assess the visual environment and the impact of the proposed development on it. In normal circumstances for 'real' sites, aerial photographs would also be utilised.

ANALYSIS I - PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT 1

i A photographic record of the site and its environs is essential. The locations should be recorded on an identification plan, and selected key viewpoints assessed for their visual impact.

ii Making the photographic record is in itself a valuable exercise, requiring the designer to walk around the site and to study it from many view points, thus absorbing its intrinsic character.

ANALYSIS J - PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT 2

i The photographic assessment may be supplemented by on-site drawings and panoramic sketches to further explore seasonal colour changes, relative importance of certain landscape elements, relationship between landscape and built environment etc.

ii Other photographic sources and any historic views of the site environs can be informative, revealing previous site uses and sometimes interesting precedents.

ANALYSIS K - CLIMATE

i Climate is a dominant factor in shaping the landscape and in the success and character of its vegetation.

ii It is necessary to identity and analyse the climatic data of a site to maximise benefits such as solar gain on south facing slopes and to minimise any adverse conditions such as exposure to prevailing winds. It may also be possible to improve building durability, reduce energy consumption, encourage growth of plants and generally provide more attractive, useful spaces around buildings for outdoor activities.

iii Climatic conditions can vary considerably over a short distance within a site and these variations must be identified and addressed.

iv Many recent developments have ignored the inevitable climatic constraints of a site, but there is a growing recognition of the importance of energy conservation and the contribution of shelter planting in the siting of buildings. Recent publications by the Property Services Agency and Building Research Establishment are invaluable in this respect.

v Much of this information can be obtained from the Meteorological Office which can also advise on detailed studies.

vi The microclimate of a site is significantly modified by the development features. Consideration needs to be given to such factors as wind dynamics, the effects of funnelling, the sun path at different times of day and year. A good design will utilise buildings, land form and planting to create comfortable external spaces particularly for outside activities in courtyards and play areas, at shops or a long footpaths

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