Overview
Developing an underutilized property into a retail center is a process that involves several steps.
First, the developer needs to examine the land, to see what is possible and what is not. This involves checking the zoning, the environmental effects, the local demand and the potential businesses (such as retail, hotel, convenience stores or gas stations.
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Next, the developer has to buy the land, which means agreeing on the price and terms, and getting the funding. This also means doing careful research on the land limits, such as how far the buildings can be from the boundaries, what rights other people have on the land, what problems the soil might have, and what services are available. This step needs the help of experts, such as surveyors, engineers, or lawyers, to do the necessary tests and evaluations.
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To get permission for the development (which often needs applying for and getting approval from the relevant authorities) may need showing architectural drawings, site plans, and other papers that explain why the permission is needed and reasonable.
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Architectural drawing exhibits are very important for asking for a building permission that will give the best return on investment (ROI). These exhibits show how the site is now and how it will be after the development, including the size, location, and materials of the buildings, pavements, roofs, and most importantly… the space that can be rented out. They also show why the permission is needed and reasonable, such as the challenges of the site, the goals of the design, or the economic benefits. "
Design Concept
Site planning is the process of arranging the buildings, infrastructure, landscape, and other elements on a site, in order to achieve the desired functional, aesthetic, and environmental outcomes.
The design concept for the retail property aims to transform a vacant land into a vibrant and attractive destination for shoppers and travelers. The property consists of a convenience store, a gas station, and a retail space that can accommodate various tenants.
The site planning also considers the adjacent retail project across the street and the city's architectural requirements. The convenience store is located at the corner of the site, facing the main road and the intersection. It has a modern and sleek facade, with large windows and a canopy that extends over the entrance. The gas station also has a drive-through car wash and seating area for customers who want to grab lunch or take a break from the road.
The retail space is located at the back of the site, parallel to the adjacent retail project across the street. The retail space can host different types of businesses, such as clothing, electronics, furniture, or fitness. The site also has a landscaped areas, with benches, planters, and various landscaping.
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One design concept includes a potential hotel that serves as a landmark, a small coffee shop that has a drive-through service, and a strip of greenery that separates and connects the nearby community.
Motif Architects - Developer Site Study
Motif Architects - Developer Site Study
Motif Architects - Developer Site Study
Motif Architects - Developer Site Study
Motif Architects - Developer Site Study
Motif Architects - Developer Site Study
Motif Architects - Developer Site Study
Motif Architects - Developer Site Study
Motif Architects - Developer Site Study
Architectural Site Studies
Architectural site studies are important for the development of land use, specifically for impervious coverage limits, topography, building set backs, utility easements and storm water drainage, because they help to evaluate the impact of the design on the environment and the regulations that apply to the site.
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Impervious Coverage - The site area has a certain percentage that is covered by surfaces that block water from seeping into the ground, such as roofs, pavements, or buildings . Zoning or stormwater ordinances set limits on this percentage to manage the runoff amount and quality from the site and to avoid flooding, erosion, and waterway contamination. Site studies can help to estimate the current and planned impervious coverage of the site and to find solutions to lower it or lessen its impacts, such as using pavers that let water pass through, roofs that have vegetation, or gardens that collect rainwater.
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Topography - The shape and features of land surfaces, such as height, steepness, direction, and form, are the focus of topography. Topography affects the design of the site in terms of its location, alignment, shape, materials, structure, and environmental performance. Site studies can help to examine the topography of the site and its surroundings using lines of equal elevation, digital models of terrain, or field measurements. Site studies can also help to discover the advantages, limitations, and possibilities of the site based on its topography, such as scenery, sun exposure, water flow, or natural risks.
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Building Setbacks - The site and its surroundings require adequate light, air, privacy, fire safety, and aesthetics, which are ensured by zoning or building codes that regulate the minimum distances between a building or structure and the property lines or other features on the site. These are the building set backs. The site may also have utility easements, which are legal rights given by a property owner to another party to use part of the property for a specific purpose, such as utility lines or equipment. These easements may limit the property use by the owner or influence the site design. Site studies can help to find out the set back and easement requirements for the site and to design the building or structure without any conflicts or encroachments.
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Site studies analyze the site and its context for land use development. Such exercises help guide the design of projects - like this project, by considering its physical, environmental, legal, and social aspects. They reveal the site's opportunities, constraints, potential, and community needs.
