Learn the Land: a Fresh Approach to Site Analysis
Understanding the land on which we will interject our ideas offers the very information needed to make ecologically sound design choices. How we arrive at this understanding goes well beyond our traditional approach in collecting data about soil type, moisture retention, light exposure and grade change. Building upon the basics, we can attain new insights by weaving together the elements of purpose, observation, discovery and analysis. Tapping into the conditions a site can reveal about its current state, and what may have been present beforehand, has the potential to open a different door to the future. Taking the time to dig deeper can yield a significant pay back in ecological benefits, resource requirements and the long term success of the project.