Introduction

Weather has the largest effect on a building's overall form and exterior design. Active systems are able to overcome any shortcoming a building may have— heating it in extreme cold, or cooling when needed. However, it is best practice to allow the context of the site to influence the building's design. This means taking heed of the cardinal directions, solar exposure, wind direction, etc; in order to allow the weather and conditions to influence the site design.

One of the main starting points is to understand where the site is and what energy requirements will influence the design of the building by code.

Site Plantings

General Overview and Strategy

All types of plants and vegetation are considered in “site plantings”; including grass, shrubs, ground cover, as well as trees and flowers. The planting should be looked at as a functional component to the overall design and enhance the design and experience of its users. In addition to providing purely aesthetic qualities, landscaping can improve energy conservation, moderate noise, block (increase privacy) views, frame views, create outdoor rooms, provide shade, retard erosion, and visually help a building situate better into its site, or purposefully accentuate it.