Site Analysis and Reflection - Toowoomba - Example

SITE ANALYSIS AND REFLECTION by Student’s Name       Code+ Course Name Professor’s Name University Name City Date Natural features Generally, the Toowoomba region has a number of landforms including the basaltic uplands, the Toowoomba plateau and the alluvial plains (Maphill, 2015). The natural features that are evident in the site under analysis include vegetation, soil and rock types and drainage lines. Other natural factors that would be highlighted in the site analysis plan include the direction of the prevailing winds, the movement pattern of the sun in winter and summer, areas of ecological value, degree of slope at the site and the surrounding areas as well as view sheds and ridgelines. The natural vegetation at the site has been significantly altered by man. The vegetation is limited to a number of trees and grass. The surrounding areas, including the parks and the West Cree Reserve contain dense vegetation, some of which have been modified by man and others which remain unmodified (Qld.gov, 2015). The natural vegetation adds an aesthetic value to the site and also sheds the sight from the prevailing wind and unwanted sunlight and heat. The few tress surrounding the site have stand at an approximate height of 20 feet and would thus provide ample shed from both strong winds as well as unwanted heat from the sun. The vegetation surrounding the site is not dense enough to limit sunlight. The site has ample lighting and can thus benefit from solar energy. A large portion of the soils in Toowoomba region were formed from basalt rock through direct weathering or as a product of rock weathering transported to lower levels. Soils in the region are broadly categorized into red and black soils. The soil at the current site under analysis is black soil. This type of soil has a high water storage capacity. The soil is sticky when wet and hard when dry. The soils are well drained and fertile enough for different species of plants as well as grass to grow. For most of the year, the prevailing wind direction is south to south east (Department of Meteorology, 2015). The velocity of wind at the sight is generally slower near the ground due to friction with the ground as well as well as the vegetation. The site has gently sloping topography, with an elevation of approximately 3 degrees (Queensland government, 2015). The gently sloping terrain contributes to the good soil drainage at the sight and also makes the site ideal for construction of different array of structures. The topography and elevation of a sight plays a significant role in the sitting of the building. The slope at the current site is stable enough to permit construction (Toowoomba.org, 2015). Man Made features The manmade features at the site and within the surrounding areas include buildings, roads, telephone lines, power lines, gas lines, parks, as well as walkways. The area is well covered with basic utilities such as water supply, gas and a sewer line. The availability of these utilities means that the site is ideal for construction of a residential building. Easy access to these basic amenities does not only reduce the overall cost of connecting to the said utilities, but also increases the overall attractiveness of the area. The site is covered by a rich network of roads and walkways, which make it easily accessible by road as well as on foot. The rich network of roads also offers an advantage in that construction materials can easily be transported to the site. The adjacent spaces have been put under a variety of uses including residence, business facilities, schools, a playground, as well as a reserve (Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme, 2015). The absence of heavy industries means that the source of pollution is limited to the traffic and household waste. The surrounding is fairly covered by trees and other vegetation that contribute to the fresh air and the serene breeze. The adjacent noise sources include traffic as well as the parks and the playground. There are no archeological sites or any buildings of historical significance around the site. The Northwest view towards the New England Highway and the West Creek Reserve offer a prominent vision linkage. The streets and alleys in the surrounding areas are well lit. There are no underground tanks within the site. Additionally, there are a couple of parking areas and bays in the areas surrounding the site. The presence of a bus stop within a few blocks of the site offers an advantage to those who prefer public means of transport. Most of the adjacent buildings are fenced, an indicator that those who reside in them mind their privacy. The number of neighborhood windows facing the site is relatively few. Most of the buildings are single storey. There are no tall buildings surrounding the site, meaning that the site is open to a wide view of the surrounding areas and that it can be seen from far off. There are numerous entry points for vehicles within the area. However, heavy vehicles are restricted from accessing certain streets. The presence of walkways within the area means that residents can safely take a walk. There are numerous social facilities in the area surrounding the site. They include a school, hospital, malls as well as a college. These facilities are easily accessible, thereby giving the residence the convenience of saving time. They also offer various employment opportunities. Reflection In this report, I prepared a site analysis plan and discussed it with reference to the specific site under analysis. I found the task to be quite challenging and exciting at the same time. I was able to learn many things about site analysis and preparation of a site analysis plan by taking part in this assignment. I learnt that there are various factors that should be taken into consideration when developing a site analysis plan. These factors are those that main influence the management and operations of the site under analysis. Additionally, a plan that is not well developed may hinder the operations of the site. I was also able to note the various advantages of site analysis and developing of a site analysis plan. Apart from making it possible for the developer to limit site disturbance, a site analysis plan makes it possible for the developer, applicant and the municipality to decide on how the available resources at the cite can be incorporated into the site. The site analysis process was not smooth. I encountered a number of a challenges including limited time to carry out detailed research. A site analysis plan requires additional research by the developer as well as close collaboration with the municipality to access some information. However, I was still able to make a detailed site analysis. The analysis allowed me to identify the important features of the site that would have an impact on the design of the structures to be constructed at the site. Reference list Bureau of meteorology, 2015. Climate statistics for Australian locations. [online] Bom.gov.au. Available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_041103.shtml [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015]. Maphill, 2015. Detailed Terrain Map of Toowoomba. [online] Maphill.com. Available at: http://www.maphill.com/australia/queensland/toowoomba/detailed-maps/terrain-map/ [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015]. Qld.gov, 2015. Soil survey types | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government. [online] Qld.gov.au. Available at: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/soil/soil-data/survey-types/ [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015]. Queensland government, 2015. Land Systems of the Nogoa-Belyando area, Central Queensland - ZCQ2 - Geology and soils map - Publications | Queensland Government. [online] Publications.qld.gov.au. Available at: https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/land-systems-nogoa-belyando-zcq2/resource/d2fb213b-aee7-4a19-8e24-9d6ff5e823b3 [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015]. Toowoomba Region Planning Scheme, 2015. Planning scheme. [online] Tr.qld.gov.au. Available at: http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/planning-building/planning-development/planning-scheme [Accessed 06 SEP. 2015]. Toowoomba.org, 2013. TOOWOOMBA.ORG - TOOWOOMBA'S HOMEPAGE!! – Home [online] Toowoomba.org. Available at: http://www.toowoomba.org/ [Accessed 6 Sep. 2015]. Read More