Report In

Site Planning
And
Landscape
Architecture
CONCEPT
PLAN
GRAPHICS AND
EVALUATION Gonzales, Mark Daniel L. (BSA-3B)
Archt. Videl Mendoza, uap
 CONCEPT PLAN GRAPHICS

The concept plan is a relatively simple diagram

that shows how a projects major program
elements relate to each other functionally and,
potentially, visually. Concept plans often provide
contextual information about the sites
biophysical and cultural featuresor design
determinantsthat will be integrated into the
development or redevelopment project.
Concept plans are spatially explicit,
which simply means that the
projects components are shown
approximately where they are to be
located on the site. Information
regarding the dimensions of streets,
buildings, or other site elementsas
well as the types of materials
needed to build these structuresis
not typically conveyed on the
concept plan. These more detailed
design decisions occur during the
subsequent design development and
construction documentation phases.
Concept plans convey information
graphically with text and, typically, three
basic geometric objects: polygons, lines,
and points. Notes, or annotations, are
also useful in conveying information about
the intended functional and visual
relationships among the proposed site
uses. Effective graphic communication
enables the efcient review of concept
plans by colleagues as well as by public
planning staff, elected ofcials, and other
stakeholders.
 Ad Showdown

Who grabs more attention?

Who will sell?

Whos understandable?
 Zones

On a concept plan, major uses of the site

are typically portrayed diagrammatically as
zones or bubbles. As the concept plan is
rened, these activity or land use zones
may be further subdivided to show building
locations and minor circulation patterns. As
the planning process moves further into
the design development phase, these
zones or development pods are then
subdivided into smaller areas and
eventually each area is designed in detail .
In addition to showing the locations of
proposed development zones, concept
plans show the open spaces that will not
be developed.
 Paths and Edges

Proposed activities on a site may relate to each

other both functionally and visually. Desired views
between locations on the site, or between
locations on and off the site, for example, can be
depicted graphically with arrows and/or
annotated labels. Conversely, screening of
undesirable views may be warranted, and this
also can be portrayed graphically. Linear
elements on a concept plan may represent the
following:

Axial relationships
Circulation systems (for example, pedestrian,
bicycle, and vehicles)
Storm water drainage patterns
Utility lines (above ground and subsurface)
Views (favorable and unfavorable)
Edges (for example, abrupt changes in
topography)

Color, texture, and lineweight help to distinguish

these disparate types of site information
 Nodes and Landmarks

The concept plan also may identify nodes and

landmarks. These may be locations of either
proposed buildings or other site features, or
signicant existing buildings that will remain on or
off site. Nodes may be highlighted graphically and
typically include the following:

Entrances to the site or buildings

Intersections of pedestrian and vehicle
circulation systems& Scenic high points or
scenic overlooks

Landmarks include the following:

Specimen trees
Bridges
Unique buildings
Hilltops or other topographic features
 Sections and Other Graphics

On some projects, especially urban

projects, the vertical organization of a
projects uses is expressed at the
conceptual design phase. Conceptual
sections or aerial perspectives maybe
used to explain the type and arrangement
of uses within buildings and in nearby
areas outside of the building. Concept
plans also may be supplemented with
image boardsan organized set of
photographs or sketches that convey the
desired character of the proposed
development or redevelopment. Typically,
these are photographs of comparable
projects or precedents. A projects
character results, in part, from building
massing, scale, and placement. It also
stems from the choices of forms and
materials and how they are combined (i.e.,
design style).
Tips for a better Concept Plan Graphics
Lettering Tips
Symbols
CONCEPT EVALUATION AND REFINEMENT
As communities and regions increase in population, undeveloped sites become
increasingly important ecologically and hydrologically. Concern for environmental quality
and community sustainability is leading to greater scrutiny, by local governments and
citizens, of the potential development impacts. The design review process at local levels
of government examines the potential negative
impactsofproposeddevelopmentprojectsonpublichealth,safety,andwelfare.Someofthe
questions posed by planning department staff who review site plans include the following
(Wyckoff, 2003, pp. 6164):

Is the proposed use of the site consistent with the existing zoning classication of the
parcel?
Have any risks of natural hazards from ooding, erosion, slumping of steep slopes or
sandy soils, subsidence or other natural event been adequately considered?
Are the proposed locations of structures and uses relative to wetlands, groundwater
recharge areas, and oodplains adequate?
Would any endangered plant or animal habitat be affected?
Have any signicant views and/or unique natural features been adequately
considered?
Does the proposedplanminimizenegativeimpacts(especiallynoise,dust,odor,light,
vibrations) on adjoining land uses?