DG 1110-3-106
b. Terrain Configuration.
d. Climatic Conditions.
The site planning process requires analysis of the scale
Skillful utilization of natural environmental controls
and character of the geographic and topographic
can significantly increase building economic efficiency.
features of the site. Large scale features, such as site
Factors to be considered include prevailing winds,
slope characteristics, require specific architectural and
topography, and vegetation. Facilities located in areas
planning responses, while smaller scale features should
subject to extreme climatic conditions shall be designed
be considered from the standpoint of their potential
so as to minimize heating and cooling requirements. In
value in enriching the school environment. Wherever
general, this is accomplished by designing multi-level,
possible the design shall minimize environmental
compact buildings which minimize heat transfer gains
impact while maximizing ease of construction. For
and losses (Figure 2-5). The siting and orientation of
example, the facility should be designed so as to cross
facilities must take into account the velocity and
as few elevation contours as practical (Figure 2-3). If
direction of prevailing winds. These data will be used
other considerations, such as solar orientation, dictate
in planning for the dispersal of emissions (smoke,
that the facility must cross major variations in slope
fumes, dust) and in designing building shapes and
contour, the building should utilize a vertical, rather
configurations so that winds and drifting snow do not
than horizontal, spatial organization (Figure 2-4). Such
disrupt vehicular and pedestrian circulation. The
designs minimize the amount of earth-moving
exploitation of natural controls may require a less
necessary for site preparation, thereby reducing
compact building shape, or an orientation other than
environmental disruption and enhancing ease of
north-south. When programing for a particular
construction.
project, the advantages of compactness and north-
south orientation must be weighed against the
increased efficiency to be derived from a full
c. Surfaces and Subsurface Soil Characteristics.
The organic composition and drainage characteristics
exploitation of natural controls.
of the soil determine the landscaping potential of the
site and must be considered during the site selection
e. Vegetation.
process. The drainage characteristics and compressive
Landscape planting is one of the most effective
bearing strength of the soil are critical in foundation
methods of adapting a school to its site. As far as
design and must be determined in accordance with TM
possible, indigenous vegetation will be preserved
5-818-1, Procedures for Foundation Design of
throughout the facility complex. This natural growth
Buildings and Other Structures. The determination of
should be supplemented with planting that employs
soil drainage characteristics will also include assessing
locally occurring plant species. This technique of
the effects of the facility and its adjacent paved areas
preserving indigenous vegetation and planting with
on the ground water level.
local species is one of the simplest means of
developing the regional character of the site.
A three story school is enclosed with
45% less exterior surface area than a
single story school for equal floor
areas.
Wrong:
Correct:
Figure 2-5
Building Type/Climate Impact
2-8
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