Ecological Design Team of Beforest visits the Mumbai Collective with architecture consultants for a preliminary site study.

‘Observe & interact’ is the first basic principle of permaculture.

As we take our first steps towards the landscape development of the Mumbai Collective, we are taking ample time to observe and make sense of the 122-acre landscape. Our initial interactions with the landscape have just begun. We first try to look at the landscape from a zoomed-out lens and then trickle down to details. 

Located in the northern Western Ghats in Khopoli, Maharastra, the Mumbai Collective has a combination of diverse ecological habitats – from grasslands to gently sloped plains to pockets of forested areas. Where does one begin to start designing on a land so vast and abundant? Here’s where the process of site analysis becomes indispensable.

What is Site Analysis?

Site analysis is a crucial phase in architecture, urban planning, and landscape design and development that involves an orderly examination of a specific location to collect relevant information and insights. It is a must-do for making informed and calculated decisions about the design and development of a site. The site analysis process entails many aspects, and a thorough understanding of these factors helps the professionals create design strategies that are functional, sustainable, aesthetically-sound and well-integrated with the surrounding environment.

Aspects of a Landscape Essential to Conduct A Site Analysis

1. Climate

Temperature – Assess average and extreme temperatures for building design and user comfort.

Humidity – Understand air moisture levels, considering material durability and indoor comfort.

Precipitation – Examine rainfall patterns to address drainage, erosion, and flooding concerns.

Wind Patterns – Study prevailing wind directions and speeds for optimised building orientation and natural ventilation.

2. Topography

Slope Analysis – Evaluate the steepness and direction of slopes to determine potential water runoff, stability, and accessibility.

Landform Features – Identify natural features such as hills, valleys, and ridges that can impact views, aesthetics, and site planning.

3. Vegetation

Ecological Impact – Consider the environmental importance of existing vegetation for supporting wildlife and maintaining biodiversity.

Tree Canopy Analysis – Evaluate tree canopies for shade, aesthetics, and ecological benefits.

Health of Vegetation – Assess plant and tree health to gauge soil quality and environmental conditions.

4. Water Bodies

Hydrology – Study water flow patterns, drainage pathways, and flood-prone areas.

Water Quality – Assess water bodies for landscaping, ecosystem health, and human use impact.

Regulatory Considerations – Investigate local water-related regulations influencing design and construction.

5. Soil

Soil Type – Identify soil type (e.g., clay, sand) for understanding characteristics and construction challenges.

Soil Suitability Analysis – Evaluate soil suitability for proposed structures, considering load-bearing capacity and settlement potential.

Percolation Test – Determine soil’s water absorption ability for effective drainage system design.

6. Services 

Water Supply – Assess local water sources’ availability, quality, and reliability, incorporating water conservation practices.

Electricity – Evaluate the electrical grid’s capacity and reliability to meet the proposed development’s needs for drainage infrastructure and address stormwater runoff and flood risk issues.

7. Socio-cultural Context

Community Needs – Understand the local community’s lifestyle and needs, housing preferences, and recreational space requirements.

Historical and Cultural Significance – Identify historical and cultural elements influencing design, preservation, or adaptive reuse.

8. Resource Availability

Building Materials – Evaluate local construction material availability to minimise transportation-related environmental impacts.

Availability of Labour – Consider local workforce availability and skill level for construction and maintenance.

Transportation Access – Assess transportation infrastructure for efficient material and personnel movement.

Site Analysis: What Is vs. What Can Be

When studying a site, it is not uncommon to confuse or mix up the ‘data gathering’, and the ‘analysis’ part of the process is not uncommon. Site data (what is) is gathering facts about a place, and site analysis (what can be) is about using those facts to make smart decisions when designing or planning for that place. 

Site Data/Observations:

What it is – Raw information about a place, collected by measuring, looking, and noting things.

What it includes – Facts about the size, features, weather, and other site details.

Why it’s collected – To have a solid base of information for making decisions in the design process.

Site Analysis:

What it is – Making sense of the collected data. It’s like putting puzzle pieces together to understand the bigger picture.

What it involves – Looking deeper into how different things in the data connect and affect each other.

Why it’s done – To figure out the best ways to design and plan based on what the data is telling us. It helps find opportunities, deal with challenges, and make smart design choices.

Site analysis also depends on the outcomes you wish to achieve with the given site. The points of analysis, as well as the depth of study, rely on the objective. At Beforest Collectives, the aim is to build a self-sustaining community in harmony with nature and the local biodiversity and gradually move towards complete food, water & energy security for generations to come, making site analysis lengthy and meticulous.

How Different Are the Site Analyses of Beforest Landscapes (100+ Acres)?

While the above-stated aspects are common for sites of all scales, large–scale sites, like the 100+ acre landscapes of Beforest Collectives, require a much broader and deeper understanding of the site owing to the potential impact a design intervention has on the adjoining sites as well as the interlinked ecosystem web. While the site analysis for a small plot focuses on the specific details of that confined space, the study for a large landscape involves a broader and more intricate exploration of the extensive area’s diverse features and potential uses, especially the ecological, infrastructural and community considerations.

Large-scale sites also include the study of the following:

• Studying the micro and macroclimates across the vastness, considering factors like elevation & natural features
• Exploring how landform variation impacts water flow, availability, habitats, and potential land use.
• Studying diverse ecosystems, biodiversity, and potential habitats for wildlife.
• Examination of soil suitability for various purposes, including agriculture or construction.
• Studying multiple access points and circulation pathways to connect different parts of the immense landscape efficiently.

A Big Team for a Big Dream

Needless to say, site analysis for vast landscapes involves the collaboration of various professionals with diverse expertise. For the sustainable growth of Beforest Collectives, we collaborate with the following professionals. 

Ecological & Permaculture Designers – Being one of the first few to explore permaculture farming on a large scale in India, we work with a set of ecological and permaculture designers. They study ecosystems and assess biodiversity to formulate short and long-term design strategies for the sustainable development of the collectives.

Architects & Planners – Provide input on building design, collaborate for integration with landscape, and contribute to the development of a master plan. We are glad to have Biome Environmental Solutions, one of India’s leading firms for sustainable architecture, design the houses of the members of each of our Collectives during the housing phase.

Civil Engineers – Our civil engineering and architecture consultants analyse topography, soil, and water flow design roads, drainage, and utilities to lead the construction front.

Hydrologists – To study water bodies, drainage, and flow; assist in planning water management strategies.

Surveyors – Consulting local surveyors to accurately measure and map land features, providing essential data for site planning. We recently carried out the drone survey of the Mumbai Collective and the LiDAR survey of the Poomaale 2.0 Collective.

Wildlife Biologists – Study wildlife presence, recommend conservation measures and suggest wildlife corridors. Biodiversity surveys are one of the initial stages of building a Collective, led by Dr Shekhar Kolipaka (a biosocial conservationist) and team.

Energy Consultants:

Assess renewable energy opportunities and contribute to energy-efficient design. Although we rely on grid electricity during the initial phases, we are slowly leaning towards renewable energy sources and a renewed ecosystem to combat non-renewable energy use.

What After Site Analysis?

After completing the site analysis for a landscape, the team typically proceeds with planning the following, keeping in line with permaculture ethics & principles.

Zoning and Land Use Planning

Define specific farming, housing, restoration areas, and biodiversity conservation zones.

Allocate appropriate space for each activity. To learn more about the zoning of Beforest Collectives – read our blog on Sensitive Landscape Zoning: Key to Forest-friendly Development.

Farm Layout and Design

Plan the layout of agricultural fields, considering factors like crop rotation, irrigation, and sunlight exposure. Design efficient pathways, access points, and storage areas for farm equipment.

Restoration Strategies

Develop a restoration plan that outlines methods for re-establishing native vegetation, managing soil erosion, and improving ecosystem health. 

Housing Design and Placement

Determine the location of residential areas, considering views, privacy, and proximity to community amenities. 

Biodiversity Conservation Measures

Identify and protect critical habitats for wildlife based on the site analysis.

Incorporate wildlife corridors or buffer zones to promote biodiversity and facilitate the movement of species.

Water Management

Develop a water management plan that includes efficient irrigation systems for farming, rainwater harvesting, and strategies to prevent water runoff and soil erosion.

(Get into the depths of how we manage & secure water for the dry landscape of our Hyderabad Collective. Watch our video on YouTube – Water Management on a Dry Landscape – Hyderabad Collective | Beforest)

Infrastructure Planning

Plan roads, pathways, and infrastructure to connect different landscape areas. Ensure accessibility while minimising environmental impact, especially in conservation zones.

Sustainable Practices

Integrate sustainable practices such as organic gardening, food forest farming, renewable energy sources, and green building techniques.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure the design aligns with local regulations and permits related to land use, conservation, and construction.

At Beforest, we aim to create a harmonious and sustainable environment that accommodates farming, restoration, housing, and biodiversity conservation to balance human needs with ecological health and resilience—landscape development projects span years. Hence, you can find our Collectives at different stages of their planning & development. The Mumbai Collective is in its site analysis stage; we have the precedence of 3 other collectives, Hyderabad Collective, Poomaale 1.0 Collective & Poomaale 2.0 Collective, making the process familiar to our team.