First, it gives the designer the ability to see the entire site from multiple vantage points, many of which are not possible from the ground. A Google SketchUp model has three benefits for site analysis. One is the use of photographs that can convey information about a site in ways that are usually more
-IWTBSRATE І КІТO DESIGM
WILLOW BEKID RQ4D
DUNCAN RESIDENCE
4140 WILLOW BEND ROAD EUGENE, OH
DESIGN RESPONSE II
Landscape Designers
2047 Bedford Ct. Eugene, OH 10548
understandable to a client than a graphic site analysis. Such a model can often be assembled fairly quickly by someone experienced with the program, especially if it does not attempt to show every architectural or site detail. One can very quickly see where the sun and shade areas are on the site throughout the year. This can be done directly on
Figure 7-10
Use of photographs to record site analysis notes for the Duncan residence. Furthermore, photographs are potentially beneficial to site inventory and analysis because they can (1) record existing information (downspout locations, types and conditions of plant materials, views, and style and materials of the house), (2) provide visual reminders of what the house and site look like as design ideas are being generated, and (3) document specific details of the house and site that may be useful during later phases of design (pavement patterns, fence character, architectural detail, and patterns of windows, doors, etc.). Second, shadows can be cast in the model for a range of geographic locations during different months of the year. photographs printed on paper with an inkjet printer, with a tracing paper overlay, or in a computer program such as Photoshop. Third, the computer model can be used to record site analysis notes and can serve as a base for exploring design ideas.
