General Principles of Planning

What is site planning?

• The process of designing and organizing buildings, structures, and landscapes on a given piece of land.

• The selection of a specific plot of land to construct a building or structure.

• The preparation of blueprints and technical drawings for a construction project.

• The installation of electrical, plumbing, and other systems in a building or structure.

What is the primary goal of site planning?

• To design buildings that are aesthetically pleasing

• To organize buildings and landscapes on a given piece of land

• To develop long-term plans and strategies for a particular area or community

• To evaluate the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project or development

Answer explanation

Site planning involves the process of designing and organizing buildings, structures, and landscapes on a specific piece of land. The primary goal of site planning is to ensure that the site is organized in a way that maximizes functionality, efficiency, and safety while also considering factors such as zoning regulations, environmental impacts, access to utilities, and site constraints such as topography and soil conditions.

Which of the following statements about site planning is true?

1. Site planning is only concerned with the aesthetic appearance of a site.

2. Site planning is a one-time process that does not involve ongoing maintenance or updates.

3. Site planning involves the process of organizing buildings and landscapes on a specific piece of land.

4. Site planning considers factors such as zoning regulations, site topography, access to utilities, and environmental impacts.

• 1 and 2

• 2 and 4

• 3 and 4

• 3 only

• 1 only

Answer explanation

False Statement 1: While site planning does consider aesthetic appearance, it is only one of many factors that are considered during the planning process. Other important factors include functionality, efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

False Statement 2: Site planning is an ongoing process that involves ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure that the site remains functional and meets the changing needs of the community.

True Statement 1: The primary goal of site planning is to organize buildings, structures, and landscapes on a specific piece of land in a way that maximizes functionality, efficiency, and safety.

True Statement 2: During the site planning process, a variety of factors are considered, including zoning regulations, site topography, access to utilities, and environmental impacts, to ensure that the site is developed in a sustainable and responsible manner.

What is the main goal of urban design?

• To create functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings

• To organize buildings and landscapes on a given piece of land

• To design sustainable and livable urban environments

• To maximize profits for developers

Answer explanation

The primary goal of urban design is to create urban environments that are sustainable, livable, and enjoyable for people to inhabit. This involves considering a range of factors, such as access to transportation, green space, and public amenities, as well as ensuring that the built environment is visually attractive, functional, and safe.

The process of designing and organizing buildings, structures, and landscapes on a given piece of land. It considers factors such as zoning regulations, environmental impacts, access to utilities, and site constraints such as topography and soil conditions.

• Comprehensive Development Planning

• Physical Planning

• Site Development Planning

• Urban Design

A process that involves the development of long-term plans and strategies for a particular area or community. It typically includes the analysis of economic, social, environmental, and physical factors, as well as stakeholder engagement and the identification of priorities and goals.

• Site Development Planning

• Comprehensive Development Planning

• Master Development Planning

• Subdivision Planning

Type of planning that focuses specifically on how land is used and developed in a particular area. It often includes the development of zoning regulations, land use policies, and other regulations to guide the use and development of land.

• Subdivision Planning

• Land Uses Planning

• Master Planning

• Space Planning

A city is experiencing rapid population growth and is struggling to accommodate increased demand for housing and transportation. What planning approach would be most sustainable and interconnected?

• Building more highways and parking lots to accommodate increased car traffic

• Encouraging developers to build large, single-use developments on the outskirts of the city

• Implementing transit-oriented development (TOD) strategies, such as building mixed-use developments near public transportation

• Allowing developers to build high-rise buildings throughout the city center

Answer explanation

TOD strategies are a sustainable and interconnected approach to urban and regional planning that prioritize the development of mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods located near public transportation. By encouraging compact, mixed-use developments that allow for easy access to public transportation, TOD strategies reduce reliance on cars and promote sustainable, environmentally-friendly modes of transportation.

A region is experiencing increasing demand for water resources due to population growth and climate change. What planning approach would be most sustainable and interconnected?

• Encouraging the construction of large, water-intensive developments, such as golf courses and water parks

• Encouraging the development of large, single-use residential neighborhoods that rely on individual wells for water

• Implementing water conservation strategies, such as promoting low-water landscaping and implementing water-efficient building codes

• Encouraging the development of large, water-intensive industrial uses, such as factories and manufacturing plants

Answer explanation

Water conservation strategies are a sustainable and interconnected approach to urban and regional planning that prioritize the responsible use of water resources. By promoting water-efficient landscaping and building codes, cities and regions can reduce water consumption and ensure that water resources are used in a sustainable and responsible manner.

The city council is considering a proposal to build a new highway through a residential neighborhood to alleviate traffic congestion. What is an alternative approach that would promote interconnectedness, complexity, and sustainability?

• Build the highway as proposed to reduce traffic congestion.

• Implement a congestion pricing system to encourage the use of public transportation and reduce the number of cars on the road.

• Develop a bike-sharing program to encourage cycling and reduce the number of cars on the road.

• None of the choices

Answer explanation

Building a new highway through a residential neighborhood would likely have negative impacts on the community, including increased noise and air pollution, and would not promote interconnectedness or sustainability. Implementing a congestion pricing system, on the other hand, would encourage the use of public transportation and reduce the number of cars on the road, promoting interconnectedness and sustainability.