Learn how to use smart growth principles to design a site plan that reduces environmental impacts, enhances public health, and fosters social equity.

Implementing smart growth principles in a site plan involves optimizing land use, promoting walkability, integrating green spaces, and promoting mixed land-use developments.

Last updated on Mar 15, 2024

How can you incorporate smart growth principles into a site plan?

Smart growth is a planning approach that aims to create livable, efficient, and resilient communities that balance environmental, social, and economic needs. It can help engineers design site plans that reduce environmental impacts, enhance public health, and foster social equity. In this article, you will learn how to incorporate smart growth principles into a site plan using six steps.

1 Identify goals and vision

Before you start designing a site plan, you need to identify the goals and vision for the project. What are the desired outcomes and benefits of the development? How does it align with the local context and community needs? How does it support the broader sustainability and resilience objectives of the region? You can use tools such as stakeholder analysis, SWOT analysis, and visioning workshops to define the goals and vision for the site plan.

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Engr. Waqas Toru

Researcher | Climate Change Activist |Worked at @DurshalKP |
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Implementing smart growth principles in a site plan involves optimizing land use, promoting walkability, integrating green spaces, and promoting mixed land-use developments.

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2 Assess site conditions and constraints

The next step is to assess the existing site conditions and constraints that may affect the design. You need to collect and analyze data on the natural features, topography, hydrology, soil, climate, vegetation, wildlife, and cultural resources of the site. You also need to consider the legal, regulatory, and infrastructural aspects of the site, such as zoning, permits, easements, utilities, and transportation. You can use tools such as GIS, site surveys, and environmental assessments to evaluate the site conditions and constraints.

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3 Apply smart growth principles

In order to guide the design of a site plan based on goals and vision, as well as site conditions and constraints, smart growth principles can be applied. These principles emphasize the development of compact, mixed-use, walkable, and transit-oriented spaces that preserve open space and natural resources while enhancing livability. For example, the development should be located near existing or planned infrastructure and services to limit sprawl and costs. Additionally, the design should fit the site's natural features and minimize disturbance and grading. Furthermore, a variety of housing types and densities should be included to meet different needs and preferences. Moreover, a mix of land uses and functions should be incorporated to create a vibrant community. Additionally, a network of streets, sidewalks, trails, and bikeways should connect the development to the surrounding areas to promote active transportation. Additionally, green infrastructure and low-impact development techniques should be used to manage stormwater, reduce runoff, and improve water quality. Furthermore, energy-efficient and renewable energy sources should be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. Moreover, water-efficient practices should be implemented to reduce water demand and wastewater generation. Lastly, durable materials that are recyclable and low-emitting should be used in order to reduce waste while improving indoor air quality. Open space areas such as parks, plazas, or other amenities can also enhance the aesthetic value of the development.

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katlego Thomo

Design engineer at A CONSULTANT Founder of AFRICANS DEVELOPING CONSTANTLY A platform where I showcase Engineering innovation threw research.
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In my experience it is always important to plan for future designs on that specific site plan this makes it easy for future additions to the site and also gives you a good reference as a company because you saved the client by thinking of the future too and not just designing based on your scope only

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4 Evaluate alternatives and impacts

After applying smart growth principles, you need to evaluate the alternatives and impacts of the design. You need to compare the different design options and scenarios based on their performance, feasibility, and acceptability. You also need to assess the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of the design on the site and the surrounding areas. You can use tools such as cost-benefit analysis, life cycle assessment, and impact assessment to evaluate the alternatives and impacts of the design.

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5 Select and refine the preferred option

Based on the evaluation of alternatives and impacts, you need to select and refine the preferred option for the site plan. You need to consider the feedback and input from the stakeholders, clients, and regulators, and make adjustments and improvements to the design as needed. You also need to prepare the detailed drawings, specifications, and documents that describe the site plan and its components. You can use tools such as CAD, BIM, and 3D modeling to select and refine the preferred option for the site plan.

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6 Implement and monitor the site plan

The final step is to implement and monitor the site plan. You need to coordinate and supervise the construction, operation, and maintenance of the site plan and its components. You also need to monitor and measure the performance, outcomes, and impacts of the site plan over time. You can use tools such as sensors, meters, and indicators to implement and monitor the site plan.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you incorporate smart growth principles into a site plan?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Identify goals and vision

2 Assess site conditions and constraints

3 Apply smart growth principles

4 Evaluate alternatives and impacts

5 Select and refine the preferred option

6 Implement and monitor the site plan

7 Here’s what else to consider

Engineering Design

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How can you incorporate smart growth principles into a site plan?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify goals and vision

2 Assess site conditions and constraints

3 Apply smart growth principles

4 Evaluate alternatives and impacts

5 Select and refine the preferred option

6 Implement and monitor the site plan

7 Here’s what else to consider

Engineering Design

Rate this article

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