Okuzeka
Architecture vocabulary · Design Process

Site analysis

Meaning in architecture, with examples

nounCore term

In architecture, site analysis means: A study of a site before design starts, looking at its size, slope, climate, sun, wind, views, access, surrounding buildings and planning rules.

In Turkish: alan analizi, arazi analizi

How it is used

Usually the first task in a studio project or office job, presented with diagrams, maps and photos. Architects carry out or do a site analysis, then use its findings to justify massing and orientation in front of a jury or client.

Example sentences

  1. Our site analysis showed that the strongest winds come from the north-east.

  2. Start with a site analysis before you draw any plans.

Common collocations

  • carry out a site analysis
  • site analysis diagrams
  • detailed site analysis
  • climate data
  • site visitA trip to the site of a project to observe and record its conditions, or, during construction, to check the progress and quality of the work.
  • orientationThe direction a building, room or facade faces in relation to the sun, wind, views and the street.
  • site planA drawing that shows the whole plot from above: the building's position, boundaries, access roads, landscaping, levels and its relationship to neighbouring buildings.
  • massingThe overall three-dimensional shape and arrangement of a building's main volumes, without details such as windows or materials.

More terms: Design Process

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: