PLANNING 1 Human Impact on Site Ecology

▪ Urbanization and habitat destruction

LESSON 3: ECOLOGICAL SITES CONSIDERATIONS
▪ Land use changes and their environmental effects
Key Ecological Considerations
▪ Climate & Microclimate: Understanding temperature, ▪ Industrial and agricultural impacts
humidity, wind, and solar exposure ▪ Climate change considerations
▪ Topography & Landform: Slope, elevation, and drainage
patterns
Strategies for Ecological Site Planning
▪ Soil Characteristics: Soil type, fertility, erosion potential, and
▪ Site Selection & Impact Assessment- Conducting
permeability
Environmental Impact Assessments
▪ Vegetation & Biodiversity: Native species, invasive species, ▪ Conservation & Restoration Approaches- Protecting
and habitat preservation
ecosystems and rehabilitating degraded lands
▪ Water Resources: Watersheds, aquifers, surface water bodies, ▪ Sustainable Design Strategies
and water management
Green infrastructure - (green roofs, permeable
▪ Air Quality & Pollution: Identifying sources of pollution and pavements, urban forests)
mitigation strategies
Water-sensitive urban design - (rainwater harvesting,
wetland conservation)
Why Consider These Factors in Site Planning? Renewable energy integration - (solar, wind,
▪Ecological site planning ensures that developments are geothermal)
environmentally sustainable, resilient, and harmonious with ▪ Biophilic Design- Enhancing human-nature connections in site
nature.
planning

1. Climate & Microclimate

Case Studies & Best Practices
▪ Determines energy efficiency, heating/cooling needs, and 1. Singapore: The "City in a Garden" Approach
overall comfort.
▪ The “garden city” vision was introduced by then Prime
▪ Wind patterns affect ventilation and pollution dispersion. Minister Lee Kuan Yewon 11 May 1967 to transform Singapore
▪ Solar exposure influences daylighting and passive solar design. into a city with abundant lush greenery and a clean
2. Topography & Landform environment in order to make life more pleasant for the people.
▪ Garden City: A movement pioneered by English town planner
▪ Affects drainage, erosion control, and foundation stability.
Ebenezer Howard as a response to the need for improvement
▪ Steep slopes require special construction techniques to in the quality of urban life, which had become marred by
prevent landslides. overcrowding and congestion due to uncontrolled growth since
▪ Natural landform can be utilized for passive cooling or wind the Industrial Revolution.
protection. Key Strategies:
3. Soil Characteristics • Integrated greenery through vertical gardens and green roofs
▪ Determines load-bearing capacity for structures. e.g. Parkroyal on Pickering Hotel
▪ Influences vegetation growth and water infiltration.
▪ Poor soil conditions (e.g., high clay content) may lead to
flooding.
4. Vegetation & Biodiversity
▪ Native vegetation stabilizes soil, prevents erosion, and
improves air quality.
▪ Biodiversity ensures ecosystem resilience and reduces the
impact of invasive species.
▪ Urban greenery reduces heat islands and enhances human
well-being.
5. Water Resources
▪ Protecting natural waterways prevents flooding and erosion.
▪ Groundwater recharge is crucial for long-term sustainability.
▪ Wetlands act as natural filters for pollutants. ▪ Climate-responsive planning to mitigate the urban heat island
6. Air Quality & Pollution effect.
▪ Polluted sites require remediation before development. ▪ Extensive rainwater harvesting and sustainable drainage
systems
▪ Ensuring clean air reduces respiratory diseases and improves
quality of life. ▪ (ABC Waters Programme) - The Active, Beautiful, Clean
Waters (ABC Waters) Programme aims to create inviting
▪ Vegetation can help mitigate urban air pollution.
waterscapes for all to enjoy. It offers both residents and visitors
many features like lookout decks and pedestrian bridges, and
attracts walking, jogging and cycling enthusiasts too.
 ▪ Biodiversity conservation through urban parks and corridors
(e.g., Singapore Green Plan 2030)

2. Masdar City, UAE: A Net-Zero Energy Community

Masdar city’s main aim is to maximize the usage of renewable
energy to fulfill its energy needs. Masdar city depend 100 % on
renewable energy to cut carbon emissions and to improve the
efficiency of its buildings.

Key Strategy:
▪ Designed for extreme desert climate with passive cooling
techniques.
▪ Fully pedestrianized core with shaded walkways to reduce
heat exposure.
▪ 100% renewable energy use (solar farms and building-
integrated photovoltaics).
▪ Water-efficient landscaping with native plant species

Sustainable development goals related to site ecology: