Architectural design is not the application of discrete knowledge bases, but the integration of cumulative sequences of knowledge into a design including social, programmatic, technical and aesthetical issues.

Design decisions can be the easier based on “judicious steps” the more parameters are already fixed and thus the less complex a decision becomes. 

For this reason, environmental issues must be investigated and explored within the schematic design stage. Environmental conditions are inherited ‘facts of life’ which may be harmful or beneficial, ugly or attractive, dangerous or safe. Site and climate analysis stand at the very beginning of a design, followed by daylighting, natural ventilation concepts and material choices. A good provided site analysis can be viewed as a conclusion of the study of the first.

Site Information Data: 1. Boundaries (in urban context), 2. Neighborhoods (in urban context), 3. Access; existing and potential (in urban context), 4. Orientation, 5. Vegetation, 6. Topography, 7. Overshadowing

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