Base information, Site Survey and Analysis
Before designing your garden you will be asked to provide an appropriate level of base information.
Typically this will be in the form of the building Architects site layout drawings and floor plans. For
larger gardens or gardens with complicated terrain a site survey may have to be carried out by a
qualified surveyor. We will advise you of the appropriate level of information required.
A good knowledge of the geographical and climate conditions of the site is vital in producing an
appropriate design for your garden. The checklist following shows the type of information we look for in
analysing the site, to produce suitable sketch designs. This checklist is normally for the Landscape
Architects benefit, bringing to light the characteristics and problems of the site, before the design process
begins.
Site Survey and Analysis
S & A is the first stage of the design process and should be thorough,
recording and analysing all the environmental aspects affecting the
site. The more comprehensive the S & A, the more effective the
solutions to be incorporated into the design.
Often times a photographic survey can be the most important for a
Landscape Architect, helping identify plant material, and visual
aesthetics, views and aspects for analysis back in the office.
Survey
The survey is the information normally requested of you the client. The
Landscape Architect may have additional information to add to this, but we
will only present further Survey drawings when specifically requested.
Additional information recorded by us is normally represented on the
Garden Layout Plans, showing what is to be retained or removed.
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Survey Checklist
Surfacing SOFT Ped / vehic. circulation around site
HARD Trees – Age / height / width of Location of site, within town / city
Tarmac (type, condition) canopy / health / diameter of trunk / county
Slab paving (type, colour, size) Species Location of residential, commercial,
Block paviours (type, colour, Deciduous / evergreen etc
pattern) Planted in paving / grass / border Location in relation to similar sites
Cobble setts Trees to be removed Orientation
Gravel (grade) In need of surgery Geology / soil type
Granite slabs (texture, colour) Autumn / Spring colour Transport method to site
In-situ concrete Multi-stemmed Origins of users
Timber decking Areas of woodland (type, species) Catchment area
Reclaimed stone (Colour, size) Underplanting CLIMATE
Crushed stone (grade, colour) Landform Areas of sun / shade
Safety surfacing Slope Windy / sheltered areas
SOFT Steepness (gradient) Direction / strength of wind
Grass (length, type) Direction (aspect) No. hours sunlight
Scrub (condition, species) Uniformity Annual temp. variation
Ornamental planting Elevation above S.L.- Rainfall over site
Herbaceous Spot heights Frequency / location of frosts
Bulbs Contours (spacings, units) Extent of growing season
Deciduous shrubs(species, size, etc) Colour coding Tracking of sun
Evergreen Shrubs Direction of drainage Sensory impact
Autumn/Spring interest Steps (threads, risers, dimensions) SIGHT
Ground cover planting Ramps (gradient, direction) Views of / from site
Wildlife value Cliffs / Ridge / Outcrop (geology, Views within site
WATER height) Interesting/pleasant views
Pond (natural, man-made, depth) Kerb (height) Eyesores / ugly views
Stream (depth, speed of flow) Ditch / gully Areas of light/dark
River (water quality, direction) Cutting / embankment Positive / negative features
Ornamental pool Hill/valley Extent of views
Weir (height) Function / ownership Controlled views / vistas
Waterfall (height, construction) Site boundary Enclosed / open areas
Speed of water flow ownership boundary Viewing points
Edge treatment (hard, soft) Planting boundary Patterns / textures / colours
Water qualities (reflective, clear) Function (label or key) TOUCH
Wildlife value (scale) Intended / actual function Textures affecting user
Elevated form Commercial / residential / Planting texture (prickly. lush)
HARD educational / religious / retail / Paving textures (riven, coarse,
Walls (material. height, condition) industry / open space smooth)
Fences (type, material, height) Pedestrian / vehicular / equestrian Rough / smooth / jagged / sharp
Railings / cycle / disabled route ways features
Telegraph poles (height, spacings) Pedestrian / vehicular access points SMELL
Pylons (line of wires, visibility) Focal points / points of Interest Sources of pollution / smells
Gates (swing, height, material) Gathering areas Air currents
Baffiers/screens (height, function) Toilets / information / car-park / Planting as air filter
Street furniture visitor Odorous features (bins, tips)
Sculpture/focal points Function at different times of day Level of pollution / smell (scale)
Sheiters/canopies (height) User groups Type of smell
Pergolas/arbors User time schedule SOUND
Buildings - height, facade, User distribution Sources of noise (roads, factories,
function Context river), obtrusive / pleasant
Access points, views of/front, Land ownership around site Noisy / quiet areas
profile Land / building function around Sound barriers
site Extent / level of noise (scale?)
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Analysis
The analysis takes the form of an interpretation of the information collected during the survey. It
usually takes the form of a diagram, using bold symbols and shapes to divide the site into analytical
areas. One may comment on the design of the site or features within it, suggesting areas where further
design is needed to satisfy the brief; the way spaces or features interact with one-another; the way the
site functions within it’s context; the 'success' of areas of the site or the site as a whole; the possible
location of extra features to combat problems noted during the survey; the highlighting of spaces
features or views to be enhanced....
The Analysis often takes the form of an overlay presented as an extra 'layer' to the hard information of
the Survey. It will bring to light those issues to be tackled during the next stage of the Design Process –
the drawing up of a Concept Sketch Design. Again as in the Survey but we will only present Analysis
drawings if specifically requested. Vital information that arises is normally represented on the Garden
Layout Plans, developing the opportunities and tackling constraints that arise from analysis.
Some examples of Analyses
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