Criterion-4

Design to include
existing site
features

Introduction

Site features can also be approximated into natural, macro, planning and micro
related in the specific case, planning and design may be used interchangeably.

Environmentally, several construction projects give little or no consideration to

existing site features. Natural site features would include site features such as:
1. Existing landscape
2. Wind and solar path
3. Hydro-geological conditions
4. Rainfall patterns
5. Existing biodiversity
6. Buffer zones and green belts

These are ignored and built forms failed to take into account any of these aspects

GRIHA specific information

Objectives

Minimize the disruption of the natural ecosystem and design to

harness the maximum benefits of the prevailing micro climate.

The building design has also included the existing site features such
as visual linkages with historical monuments, solar geometry etc.

The natural functions of a plot of land can be disrupted by

placement of building on it.

The design of green building will factor in ways in which in which

the natural site features can be protected or even restored.

Layout the site activities and building requirements after carrying

out detailed site analysis so as to ensure sustainable site
development in tune with its topographical, climatic and ecological
character.

Commitment

Carry out a comprehensive site analysis to identify site

characteristics that can be used to harness the natural resources
i.e. solar energy , wind , water etc.

To maintain the potential qualities of the land forms that could

contribute to making different areas of site visually and thermally
more comfortable for the user.

Locate various activities of the scheme after careful site analysis

and assessment so as to protect ecologically sensitive areas and
reduce damage to the natural ecosystem.

Identify areas of the site that were damaged during construction.

Compliance

The following documents need to be submitted:

1.

Provide drawings along with a narrative to

demonstrate that the zoning of areas on-site is
appropriate to existing site features. Support
these with visual documentation such as
photographs and sketches.

2.

Carry out detailed site analysis and provide

narrative to demonstrate sustainable site
planning

Solutions
Building design element

Site design element

Site inventory characteristic 01- Geographical latitude factors,

1.Building
layout for
solar
orientation

The ideal case

Location of
would be to have
green and
a compact, square pave area
plan with perfect
alignment with
the cardinal
directions. At a
site level
orientation for the
buildings in
tropics is with
their longer axes
along east-west. It
is judicious to
avoid the
orientations with

Green areas such as

trees and shrubs
should be planted
in response to
climate and site
requirements. Trees
can serve as filters
to cool prevailing
hot winds.
They can also be
used to shelter a
building from harsh
wind. Conversely,
gravel could be
used as against
tar/asphalt to retain

Solutions
Building design element

Site design element

2.Location
of windows

Biodiversit
y

windows should
be located along
the southern and
northern
Facades with
adequate
provision for
shading to
prevent heat gain.
Well shaded
windows on the
southern facade
can enable
passive heating in
winter and
shaded daylight
spaces in
summers

An existing green
area shall have
several species of
flora and fauna
living in a delicate
balance with
nature. This
contributes to
several aspects
such as automatic
disease control
through natural
food chains, as well
as checking pests.
This should be
retained and an
attempt should be
made to enhance

Solutions
Building design element

Site design element

3.Entrances
and loading
docks

Selection
of
vegetation
and
integration
with the
native
landscape

Building
entrances should
be positioned
away from the
direct impact of
the local site and
climatic
conditions.

Vegetation is the
key element that
supports the
biodiversity of an
area. Exotic species
actually contribute
to the mass
extinction of
several native
species of flora and
fauna.

Solutions
Building design element

Site design element

4. Location
of air inlets

Use of
landscape
elements
as buffer
zones

These are the

global winds and
localised winds,
both should be
studied before
providing air
inlets for
ventilation
purposes. And air
quality study must
also be conducted
to see whether
the air is suitable.

Trees can act as

buffers for hot
winds, noise,
pollution and so on,
Landscape strategy
should account for
this. Water bodies
can also be used for
evaporative
ccooling.

Solutions
Building design element
Architectura
l elevations

Elevations must
respond to the
local conditions.
Elements such as
balconies,
verandahs, and
external corridors
can serve
efficiently as
external shading
device and
prevent heat gain

Site design element

The CESE building in IIT, Kanpur

The building has been designed to maximise tree preservation and proper orientation

Thank You