The Seven Laws of Nature

1. Nature knows best.

One natural process that needs serious attention is nutrient cycling. In nature, nutrients pass
from the environment to the organisms and back to the environment. Any disruption in the
cycle can bring about imbalance. Our nature knows everything. Sometimes, it knows what is
best for us.
2. All forms of life are important.
Each organism plays a fundamental role in nature. Since such occupational or functional
position, otherwise known as niche, cannot be simultaneously occupied by more than one
specie, it is apparent that all living things must be considered as invaluable in the
maintenance of homeostasis in the ecosystem.
3. Everything is connected to everything else.
This principle is best exemplified by the concept of the ecosystem. In an ecosystem, all biotic
and amniotic components interact with each other to ensure that the system is perpetuated.
Any outside interference may result in an imbalance and the deterioration of the system.
4. Everything changes.
It is said that the only permanent thing is change. our world is constantly changing and
nothing is permanent anymore. Even each day humans try to change their living to fit in to
the world.
5. Everything must go somewhere.
When a piece of paper is thrown away, it disappears from sight but it does not cease to exist.
It ends up elsewhere. Everything goes somewhere and nothing goes nothing it has its own
way to go.
6. Ours is a finite earth.
Just how long would the earth be able to sustain demands on its resources? This is a question
that needs serious reflection. Unless the factors of population growth, lifestyles, and
polluting technologies are checked, the collapse of the earth might be inevitable.
7. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God's creation.
Among all creatures, humans are the only ones made in God's image and have been given
the right to have dominion over all His creations. Being the most intelligent and gifted with
reason, humans are capable of manipulating creation to their own advantage. We are made
not to rule the world but to help the world. Humans are God's creation and we need to take
care of everything..

SITE PLANNING

INTRODUCTION TO LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Design Considerations
-environmental psychology, hierarchy of space, circulation

Circulation
-visible landscape (the view, design treatment of a view, power of suggestion,
concealment and revealment, vista, the terminus, axisetc.)
-circulatory elements in Landscape Architecture

Socio-Psychological Factors

Sensuous Form and Temporal Aspects of Perception

Landscape Meanings

Views/ Visual Quality

SITE PLANNING definition

A location-specific, problem-solving endeavor

The art of arranging the physical environment to support human behavior
Must be INFORMED, therefore, by a thorough understanding of the Sites Character and
Context

The process in which the ANALYSIS OF THE SITE (Ecological Requirements) and the
REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAM (Social Data) for the use of the site are brought
together in creative synthesis, resulting in either a LAND USE POLICY or a DETAILED
DESIGN FORM

A means for preparing for action

SITE PLANNING significance

1. ANALYZE THE SITE OF ITS POTENTIALS & CONSTRAINTS
TO ANALYZE THE SITE OF ITS POTENTIALS & CONSTRAINTS

Using the Overlay Method, a composite map would show critical site features as
opportunities or constraints.

Identify areas most suitable for development and areas for preservation

SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

SITE PLANNING BASE MAPS
Topographic Map
Road Maps
Property boundary
Existing structures and utilities

2. FRAMEWORK FOR DECISION-MAKING

- Program Formulation
- Technology of Construction and Implementation
3. EVALUATION
- to record the results of the decisions

SITE ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING PROCESS

A. SITE SELECTION
- involves identifying and evaluating alternative sites and selecting the best location for
the intended program
B. SITE INVENTORY
- map important physical, biological and social or cultural attributes
C. SITE ANALYSIS
- summarizes the sites suitability for the programmed uses
- integrates site attributes (physical, biological and cultural) with land use suitability, also
considering regulatory constraints

1. SITE CHARACTERISTICS
- Land Use, Circulatory System, Site Structure Relationships
2. SITE DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
3. SITE-STRUCTURE RELATIONSHIPS

SITE PLANNING: SITE CHARACTERIZATION

Overlay Method of Thematic Maps
A.
1. Topography slope, slope length, altitudinal range/ elevation and visual quality, aspects
2. Hydrology drainage patterns, flood-prone areas, delineation of catchments
3. Geology soil, bedrock
4. Vegetation/Wildlife
5. Climate macroclimate, microclimate, ventilation & light
B. Vicinity
1. Land use
2. Restrictions
3. Roads and other improvements

SITE PLANNING: APPLICATIONS

1. Site Selection for Structures
- relatively flat areas are better due to the stable condition of the ground
- appropriate technology for sloping development
- selection of suitable sites for structures
Note:
1. Energy efficient buildings may still be damaging to the environment.
2. Suitability of site to the particular development.
2. Alignment of Roads and Utilities
- Design human-scaled streets
- Design street patterns that conform to the topography
- Reduce the area of impervious surfaces through alternative parking lots.
Note:
1. Traffic flow
2. Land use adjacent to the road
3. Spatial Determinant: Site Structure Relationship
- Factors that help in the analysis of the site (Its Implications):
a) Proximity to and from site with roads and other related structures.
b) Accessibility to potable water supply.
c) Accessibility to utilities and energy resources.
d) Determine: cultural, historical, and archaeological features for its
preservation.
e) Detailed inventory of natural resources available
f) Understand its micro-climate
g) Consider the communities within the vicinity