/site-analysis

name: site-analysis
description: >-
  Conduct comprehensive multi-scale site analysis from regional to neighborhood
  to site scale. Generates structured analysis reports covering physical context,
  infrastructure, demographics, environmental conditions, regulatory framework,
  and design opportunities and constraints. Use when the user asks to analyze a
  site, understand site context, assess a location for development, conduct
  due diligence on a parcel, evaluate site conditions, create a site analysis
  report, or study the urban context of a project area. Covers topography,
  hydrology, vegetation, solar and wind analysis, noise mapping, infrastructure
  audit, zoning review, circulation analysis, visual assessment, SWOT analysis,
  and stakeholder mapping.

Site Analysis Skill

Comprehensive multi-scale site analysis for urban design and architectural projects. This skill guides the systematic evaluation of a site and its context across three nested scales, twelve analytical layers, and a structured synthesis framework that translates raw data into actionable design implications.

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1. Three-Scale Analysis Framework

Every site exists within nested contexts. Effective analysis moves from the broad regional frame down to the specific parcel, ensuring that no critical external force is overlooked before design begins.

Decision Tree for Analysis Depth

START
  |
  v
Is the project a masterplan, new neighborhood, or infrastructure project?
  YES --> Conduct FULL three-scale analysis (Regional + Neighborhood + Site)
  NO  --> Continue
  |
  v
Is the project an infill building, renovation, or single-parcel development?
  YES --> Conduct TWO-SCALE analysis (Neighborhood + Site)
  NO  --> Continue
  |
  v
Is the project an interior renovation or tenant fit-out?
  YES --> Conduct SITE-SCALE analysis only (immediate context + parcel)
  NO  --> Default to TWO-SCALE analysis

Regional Scale (5 km - 50 km radius)

Purpose: Understand the site's position within metropolitan systems.

• **Transportation networks**: highways, rail corridors, airports, ports, and

their capacity/planned upgrades. Identify the site's travel-time isochrones to major employment centers (15 min, 30 min, 60 min by car and transit).

• **Economic clusters**: major employers, industry sectors, university and

hospital anchors, innovation districts, and economic development zones.

• **Environmental systems**: regional watersheds, river basins, protected

landscapes, green belts, agricultural land, air quality zones, and climate risk areas (sea-level rise, wildfire, seismic).

• **Governance**: municipal boundaries, special districts, regional planning

authorities, tax increment financing zones, enterprise zones.

• **Regional position**: Is the site in a growth corridor, a stable suburb, a

declining industrial area, or a rural fringe? What regional plans affect it?

Neighborhood Scale (500 m - 2 km radius)

Purpose: Map the immediate urban fabric the project must integrate with.

• **Street network morphology**: grid, organic, cul-de-sac, superblock. Measure

intersection density (target: >100 per km2 for walkable areas), block size distribution, and connectivity index.

• **Land use patterns**: dominant uses, mix ratio, distribution of commercial

frontage, location of institutional anchors, vacant or underutilized parcels.

• **Demographics**: population density, age pyramid, household composition,

income brackets, ethnic diversity, education attainment within the walkshed.

• **Amenities and services**: schools, parks, healthcare, grocery, transit

stops. Map 5-minute (400 m) and 10-minute (800 m) walksheds to each.

• **Character areas**: identify distinct sub-areas by building typology, street

character, era of development, and perceived identity. Name each area.

Site Scale (The Parcel)

Purpose: Document every physical and perceptual attribute of the land itself.

• **Physical attributes**: area (m2 and hectares), dimensions, shape regularity,

elevation range, slope and aspect, soil type, bearing capacity.

• **Edges and boundaries**: describe each edge (street, party wall, open space,

water body). Note edge conditions: hard/soft, public/private, active/passive.

• **Access points**: existing vehicular curb cuts, pedestrian entries, potential

new access points, visibility from approaching routes.

• **Microclimate**: on-site sun/shadow patterns at winter solstice, equinox,

and summer solstice at 9:00, 12:00, and 15:00. Wind exposure vs. shelter. Identify frost pockets, heat traps, and comfortable outdoor zones.

• **Views**: catalog views OUT from the site (desirable and undesirable) and

views IN to the site from public vantage points. Note landmark visibility.

• **Existing structures**: buildings, walls, fences, paving, underground

structures, foundations, contamination history, demolition requirements.

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2. Analysis Workflow

Follow this 10-step sequential workflow. Each step builds upon the previous. Do not skip steps; mark any step "Not Applicable" with justification if data is unavailable.

Step 1: Define Study Area Boundaries at Each Scale

• Draw the site boundary (red line) from cadastral/parcel data.
• Define the neighborhood study area (typically 800 m walkshed from site

centroid, adjusted for barriers like highways or rivers).

• Define the regional study area (typically the metropolitan statistical area

or the commuter catchment, whichever is more relevant).

• Document the coordinate reference system (e.g., WGS 84, UTM zone).
• Record site area in both metric (m2, hectares) and imperial (sq ft, acres).

Step 2: Physical Context

• **Topography**: obtain DEM or contour data. Calculate slope in percent.

Classify: 0-2% flat, 2-5% gentle, 5-10% moderate, 10-15% steep, >15% very steep. Map aspect (N/S/E/W facing).

• **Hydrology**: map water bodies, watercourses, flood zones (100-year and

500-year), drainage direction, wat