Chapter 1
Introduction
1-1. Purpose.
This manual describes the site planning and design process used to develop a project which fulfills facility requirements and creates the optimal relationship with the natural site. The manual also provides specific guidance for design of on-site vehicular circulation and parking on military installations. The manual is intended for use by those individuals given the responsibility for developing contract site plans.
1-2. Scope.
Site planning is the art of evaluating a site, determining an appropriate program of activity and organizing that activity on the site. Site design is the art of arranging facilities on the site in support of the desired activity. Site design shapes the site to accommodate facilities with the least negative impact to the natural environment and the greatest benefit for the users. The manual provides guidance for developing a site plan from preliminary planning through the conceptual or 35 percent design phase. The manual provides general site design guidelines. It provides criteria for design of on-site vehicular circulation and parking.
1-3. References.
Appendix A contains a list of references used in the manual.
1-4. How to Use the Manual.
The manual focuses on the site planning and design process as it leads from program and site analyses to the preparation of a concept site plan. The manual is organized to follow the process as it would ideally occur during a project’s development.
a. Chapter 2 provides a brief overview of the site planning and design process to familiarize the user with the steps necessary to produce a complete and integrated site plan. Because the planning and design process is often segmented and interrupted within the military system, the manual describes an idealized process to which all participants may refer in order to make their appropriate contributions. Chapter 2 relates the planning and design of individual sites to the larger planning and design efforts of the installation as a whole.
b. Chapter 3 addresses the planning stage of the process. It describes the preparation of program and site analyses and their initial synthesis into a concept.
c. Chapter 4 provides general site design guidelines to be used as background for the preparation and evaluation of individual site designs.
d. Chapter 5 addresses the design stage of the process. It describes the refinement of the initial concept into sketch and concept site plans, resulting in the completion of the 35 percent design Phase.
e. Chapter 6 provides specific criteria for the design of on-site vehicular circulation and parking.
1-5. Design Team.
An interdisciplinary team should accomplish site planning and design. This helps assure that all aspects of the man-made and natural site are properly and thoroughly considered. An interdisciplinary team is better equipped to recognize opportunities as well as constraints. It can develop designs which do not create additional problems. The interdisciplinary team should be identified at the beginning of a project so that its expertise can be applied from the outset. The makeup of the team will be determined by the functional requirements of the project. The leader of the team will be determined by the type of project. The team leader should represent the primary discipline for the project. The landscape architect may take the lead role due to the expertise and experience required for site planning and design.-