Site
planning in architecture, refers to the overall
organization of the site elements and the building, with
an understanding of the specific planned use. At the
initial stages the process may even define the highest and
best use for the site. The process involves the
organization of land use, considering zoning, access, circulation, privacy,
security, shelter, land drainage, noise, orientation to the sun, and other such
factors. This is done by arranging the compositional elements of landform,
planting, water, buildings, utilities, paving and building.
Site planning generally begins by assessing a potential site for development through site analysis. Information about slope, soils, hydrology, vegetation, drainage, parcel ownership, orientation, etc. are assessed and documented. By determining areas that are poor for development (such as floodplain or steep slopes) and better for development, the architect can assess optimal location and design a structure that works within this space. The architect may employ a registered land surveyor, a structural engineer, and a civil engineer, to assess the site, and definitively develop solutions for the specific issues.
Master Planning in architecture normally refers to the organization, just positioning, adjacencies, and relationships between multiple buildings that will be implemented over a period of years. Phasing of the buildings is commonly defined, and the master plan can therefore allow the long-term coordinated solution, yielding an integrated solution for the initial phases.
