Environmental planning

Sustainable site layout Rama & Leena Birzeit university 22.02.2022

In󰇢roduction Sustainability: a word that has become a trend in the last few years, it came as a counterattack for all the industrial waste that has been produced in the past, in order to achieve that, sustainable development focused on the environmental aspects of planning.

Sustainability site planning: This approach offers to reduce any negative effect on the environment while also increasing the economic value of any project, saving energy usage, use of raw materials, minimizing water consumption, and meeting the client’s project goals. Sustainable design was proposed to create and sustain a high quality of community values and environmental responsibility in the design and construction of buildings, infrastructure, transport, and landscape to reduce consumption of non-renewable energy resources, minimize waste, and create healthy and productive environments.

There are 5 main environmental principles one must follow: ● Optimize site potential ● Optimize energy use ● Protect and conserve water ● Optimize building space and material use ● Optimize Operations and Maintenance Practices

1. Whether designing a new building or retrofitting an existing building, site design must integrate with sustainable design to achieve a successful project and begins with the proper site selection, including the existing building rehabilitation. The location, orientation, and landscaping of a building all affect local ecosystems, transportation methods, and energy use.

2. Improving the energy performance of existing buildings is important to increasing our energy independence. Operating net-zero energy buildings is one way to significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuel-derived energy.

3. A sustainable site should use water efficiently, and reuse or recycle water for on-site use, when feasible.

4. As the world population continues to grow; the use of natural resources (and the demands for them) continues to increase. A sustainable site is designed and operated to use and reuse materials in the most productive and sustainable way across its entire life cycle.

5. Planners can specify materials and systems that simplify and reduce maintenance requirements; require less water, energy, and toxic chemicals and cleaners to maintain; and are cost-effective and reduce life-cycle costs.

How can it be achieved ?

There are 6 steps to achieve sustainability: ● ● ● ● ● ●

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Site selection Site/Building layout Impervious surfaces Grading considerations Stormwater management Landscape design

Site selection:

It can greatly affect the environmental impact of a project, and can determine whether a project can be successful or not. So there are some specific parameters to consider when choosing a site: 1.

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Avoid flood plains Provide buffers for bodies of water Avoid greenfields Keep transportation in mind

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Continued development in natural floodplain areas has contributed to increased flooding, decreased flooding, and increased soil loss.

Development around bodies of water such as streams and wetlands should be limited and include buffers.

Greyfields and brownfields are often less expensive to develop, place less stress on infrastructure, and limit the environmental impact of developing previously undeveloped sites.

The transportation of people and goods to a site can have significant effects. Try to select sites accessible by public and non-motorized transportation.

When selecting a site, the team must study many things including: What is the local climate of the project?

Has the site been previously developed?

Is it connected to local infrastructure and public transportation?

What species in the area might use the site as habitat and be affected?

What is the nature of the street life in the area, and how can the project contribute to community?

Where do people in the area live and work, and how do they get back and forth?

Can the site be easily accessible by the public?

How can it be achieved ? ❏

Site/Building Layout:

In this step, as little as an eight-degree rotation can have an impact on energy saving, so the following should be considered here: ● ● ● ●

Elongate the plan on the east/west axis.

Maximize north and south exposure for daylighting.

Minimize east and west facing windows.

Orient most populated areas to the north and south.

These are generally good guidelines but during harsh climates, such practices can differ.

So if a site cannot accommodate the design and size of a building, it should not be forced on it. This will help minimize impacts from grading and erosion issues and will better allow for maintaining the sites natural resources.

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Impervious surfaces:

Increasing the imperviousness of a site can have a tremendous effect on the water cycle. Impervious surfaces limit groundwater recharge, increase pollutant loads and runoff, and create a heat island effect. It is important to limit the impervious areas on site to a minimum. Doing so often improves the aesthetic appeal of a site, reduces the environmental impact, and saves money.

Below are some ways to reduce site imperviousness: • Minimize parking areas by adhering to the minimum zoning code or less, incorporating compact car spaces when possible, and reducing lane sizes.

• Provide plantings in and around parking areas.

• Implement green roofs.

• Implement pervious paving options such as pervious pavement/asphalt, pervious concrete, permeable pavers, and "grass pave" systems.

How can it be achieved ? ❏

Grading considerations:

The environmental impacts of mass grading a development or building site is often overlooked. Site grading destroys the natural ecosystem present within the soil. This ecosystem provides systems to break down pollutants, provide nutrients for biota, support insect and animal life and numerous other benefits. Whenever possible we should try to limit grading operations to the distances beyond constructed items as shown below.

• Less than 10' beyond surface walkways, patios, surface parking, and utilities.

• Less than 40' beyond the building perimeter.

• Less than 15' beyond primary roadway curbs.

• Less than 25' beyond constructed areas with permeable surfaces (such as pervious paving, stormwater detention areas, and playing fields).

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Stormwater management:

Stormwater runoff is one of the most significant environmental impacts of a developed site, but it also provides one of the greatest opportunities for sustainable design.

All of the items listed above help to limit the amount and speed of stormwater leaving the property and also contribute to improving the water quality. However, developing a site can significantly alter the hydrologic cycle for the property and surrounding area Steps can and should be taken to maintain the pre-development hydrology or even to improve it. The low-impact development (LID) techniques shown below can be used to mimic the pre-development hydrology.

Many municipal regulations require that the post-development runoff rate does not exceed the pre-development rate but does not address runoff quantity. These regulations are largely flood control-based and do not address groundwater recharge and the hydrologic cycle

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Landscape design:

A list of items to consider during the site planning phase and throughout the design process: • Limit potable water use to native species, place landscape areas to receive runoff, and use captured rainwater.

• Shade large hardscapes.

• Shade buildings in summer and allow sunlight in during winter.

• Place and design landscape areas to filter and clean stormwater.

• Site rain gardens in parking areas.

• Dig bioretention, rather than retention, ponds.

Protect the landscape : Landscape design is often ignored in the initial planning stages and is tacked on at the end of the project. This practice is unfortunate and discounts the many benefits that proper landscape design can have, beyond aesthetics. On the other hand, improper landscape design can have significant negative effects such as excessive use of potable water for landscaping and erosion.

LEED Sustainable sites The Sustainable Sites (SS) credit category of LEED was created to ensure that a project’s natural environment would be valued and respected throughout every step of the building process .Projects that comply with SS credits can protect sensitive ecosystems by completing an early site assessment and planning the locations of buildings and hardscape areas.

LEED goals are organized into seven categories: • • • • • • •

Sustainable Sites Water Efficiency Energy and Atmosphere Materials and Resources Indoor Environmental Quality Innovation and Design Process Regional Priority

Conclusion Through sustainable site planning and design it becomes possible to balance the social, environmental and economic needs of the developer, the community, and the individual, such effort could actually be achieved in any place. One important and effective way to create sustainable designs is by taking a collaborative approach.

The reality, however, is that this collaboration between all project’s stakeholders rarely happens, especially on smaller-scale projects. And if community participation can be achieved, then literally the perfect project can be made.

References ●

Faulhaber, Bob 2011. Sustainable Site Planning Basics.

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Khoshnava, m., Ahankoob, A., & Rostami, D. (2022). Sustainable Site planning and Design. Retrieved 20 February 2022, from https://www.academia.edu/2104522/Sustainable_Site_planning_a nd_Design

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2015, Energy Engineering Company Unveils 6 Fundamental Principles of Sustainable Building Design. From https://www.kmbdg.com/news/energy-engineering-company-sust ainable-building-design/

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Mitchell (2011), Sustainable Site Planning and the Architect’s Role.

New York: Academic Journal of Science

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U.S. Green Building Council. LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction. 2009.

Next is the design proposal for an environmental-friendly housing project >>>

PROPOSAL

Site Analysis & Selection Justification

Location : The site located north of Ramallah, in Birzeit on the way to Jifna, so it forms a connection between the two towns, and it is close to Birzeit mall, Birzeit grand mosque, and Abu Jassar center.

site

ramallah

TO JIFNA Birzeit Mall Abu Jassar Roundabout Birzeit Grand Mosque Map (1)

Map(2)

Topography & Drainage:

map(3)

The highest part in the area is counted to be 730m high and the lowest part is 701 m high, so the drainage runs from the north to the center of the site.

Agricul󰇢ural cla󰇚ification :

map(4)

This shows that the area we chose is on land that has low agricultural value, which is suitable to built on without damaging it.

Microclimate : In winter

map(5)

In summer

map(6)

Openspaces : There are many open spaces in the area, one of them is a garden or playground for the school but anyone can play in it at any time.

Famous busy center, connects the main streets of Birzeit.

Also serves as a public events square.

Photos : Researchers,2022 Private yard Abu jassar Square Public garden Playground

Map (7)

Public garden , serves the in neighbourhood and the surrounding Photos : Researchers,2022

Services / facilities: 1: 12 min. Walk radius 2: 20 min. Walk radius 3: 25 min. Walk radius

1

LEGEND PACU farmers market Jafra restaurant Majida high school State park

2

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company Mr. Pizza restaurant Garden Bayyara Lana pharmacy Birzeit mall The Housing bank Latin school of Birzeit Sami salon for men Birzeit modern bakery Birzeit post office Al-wakaleh school Birzeit orthodox school

3

Map (8) This shows us how far the basic utilities is from the site by walking distance. This encourages people to walk more and avoid using automobiles on a daily basis, which by turn lowers the gas emissions coming from them.

S󰇢reet pa󰇢tern:

Parcels pa󰇢tern:

Map (9) Street pattern in the study area is a carvery grid pattern! goes with the contour lines in which makes it aligned with the nature there.

Map (10) The plot pattern here is close to a grid pattern, mostly perpendicular to the streets. Although the plot sizes are not equal and more random.

Block pa󰇢tern :

When nearing the old city the block pattern becomes more clustered

Map (11) Random block pattern in surrounding site due to random buildings and the lack of urban planning development.

Public 󰇢ranspo󰇠ation:

Photos :google ,2022

Map (12)

Photos :google ,2022

The study area has a public transportation system, there is a service that connects to all areas and main streets, which allows most of the residents to have access to it and is not expensive, There are two type of public transportation in the site : Taxi service

How we chose the site?

The site selection was based on the previously explained site analysis, it focused on the proximity to community services and goods, the agricultural classification if it is high, medium, or low, if the site has no risk of endangered species to be found in it. Also according to the solar orientation and the wind direction, and the existing transportation lines and main stops and stations.

All this to ensure lower green gas emissions, and encourage people to live a greener more sustainable life.

Why we chose the site?

The site is close to the old city of Birzeit within radius 400m, which allows people to easily walk on the streets, since the old city has narrower roads that does not encourage the use of automobiles.

It is also close to schools, mosques ,and churches about 500m radius, which also encourages people to walk there instead of taking their cars. The transportation also is accessible and easy to reach, which produces less green gas emissions, and encourages a more sustainable routine.

Vision & Goals

Vision An attractive more eco-friendly environment, that enhances the social and economic aspects of Birzeit, to ensure a healthy, safe, sustainable area, that is easier to interact and socialize with tourists as well as the locals between themselves.

Goals ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Encourage recycling.

Encouraging people to walk more and socialize.

Enhancement of the site’s greenery.

Interconnect parks & green open spaces.

Reliance on renewable energy resources.

Providing affordable housing units.

Treatment of wastewater and solid waste.

Higher indoor building quality.

Conceptual Design & Description

Zoning:

Open spaces Leveled Apartment buildings 4 floors Mixed use buildings 3 floors

Map (13)

Master plan:

Map (15)

Map (14)

S󰇢reet pa󰇢tern :

Local street section

Map (17)

Streets are designed to match with the contour lines in the area, and it is shaping the block pattern also affecting plot orientation.

main streets in the area will allow the pedestrians to have good accessibility and movement all around the area.

Sidewalks have more green coverage, and wider area to give a space for everyone Main street Secondary street Pedestrian Paths

S󰇢reet pa󰇢tern :

Map (18)

Map shows green path for pedestrians, for a safe walk around the neighborhood without worry of being hit by automobiles, as well as a better socializing experience.

Plot pa󰇢tern :

The plots were designed on medium density land classification, with average area of 750-1200 donum.

Smaller areas were used as green spaces for people to socialize.

Map (19)

Building 󰇢ypology :

In plan

In section

Map (20)

In plan

In section

The direction and height of buildings help in allowing more sunlight entering and air circulation, which leads to a healthy and good quality life. The chosen types creates open spaces and courts to create a semi private spaces

Green s󰇢ruc󰇢ure/ na󰇢ural spaces :

3D sketch showing the green roofs

Map (16)

Roof gardens is applied in this housing project, the landscape in the area can support this idea, ! having a lot of green spaces but not being able to plant on made the planting process hard, so the alternative would be the garden roofs

Green s󰇢ruc󰇢ure/ open spaces : Green infrastructure protects life below water and life on land while promoting sustainability. The ability of trees to reduce the pollution to human health and wellbeing

The enclosure between the the buildings creating the courts that gathers the neighbours together and focuses on the green plantation

Map (21)

Open space is located near to the green path, and it's a playground for the children.

Map (22)

Lost Space Management : Such spaces are perfect opportunities to use as pocket gardens and open spaces within the site, for more greenery and socializing chances.

Map (24)

Map (25)

Plantation : Plant more trees Planting more trees and plants has many environmental, economic, and! social benefits.

Trees improve the air quality of the place we live in by absorbing carbon dioxide and! releasing oxygen, and giving us food and shade. A regular-sized tree can clean about 330 pounds of carbon dioxide while producing oxygen for the whole I community every year. Trees also combat the greenhouse effects, reduce the pressure on heating and cooling, and therefore save energy. Trees also save us from climatic changes, natural disasters, and | catastrophes

Map (26)

Plantation :

Jacaranda Jacaranda is a deciduous tree with spreading branches that form a light crown; It can grow 10-20 meters in length, It gives beauty, spirit, and energy to the place.

Salix it Gives beauty and green color to nature and an aesthetic look and is useful for decoration. It absorbs sewage, and reduces bad odor

Plantation :

Cypress The cypress is a perennial tree belonging to the cypress family of the conifer family, and it is often used as an ornamental tree, as a windbreak, or for its wood.

Almond tree It gives beauty and green color to nature and an aesthetic appearance. It is fruitful and its fruits are eaten, and its flowers add beauty to the place.

Renewable Energy - Solar Panels :

Map (23)

The use of solar panels gives us access to the renewable energy of the sun, to produce energy and absorb the heat, it has positive effect environmentally and financially.

Conclusion :

To conclude our research, we can be confident that we managed to establish an environmental-friendly housing project. We further expanded our knowledge in sustainability through a practical project, to be eco-friendly is not easy with all the bad practices that are used these days, it needs deep planning and understanding of the site in the selection stage, as well as the analysis of the elements in it and the ones surrounding it.

THANK YOU