Section 2b - Observation And Research
Climatic Factors
What is the Koppen climate classification which applies to the region?
What is the plant hardiness zone? USDA, UK, AU, etc.
Average annual rainfall
Highest recorded annual rainfall
Lowest recorded annual rainfall
Highest recorded 24-hour rainfall occurrence
Highest recorded temperature
Lowest recorded temperature
Average summer temperature (low)
Average summer temperature (high)
Average winter temperature (low)
Average winter temperature (high)
What extreme weather is likely on this site? (select all that apply)
Drought
Flood
Hurricane
Tornado
Cyclone
Wild fire
Ice storm
Other (specify) Blizzard
What direction do the weather systems that bring precipitation approach the site from? Are their seasonal variations of this? (the following prompts aim to answer this more broad question - this question does not require a direct answer)
Prevailing (Which direction seems most frequent/reliable?)
North
Northeast
East
Southeast
South
Southwest
West
Northwest
Seasonal variations: Explain seasonal anomalies if any that differ from the prevailing pattern.
Storms: Do particular storms or weather events defy the above pattern and normal seasonal variation? If so, please describe this briefly.
Geography
What is the site's prevailing orientation?
North
Northeast
East
Southeast
South
Southwest
West
Northwest
Are any of these present on site? (select all that apply)
Erosion
Wetland
Flatland
Hills
Valley
Rock
Slip zones
Other (specify)
What is the most severe slope on the site?
What is the topographic position? (select all that apply)
Mid-Slope
Hillcrest
Valley Floor
Other (Specify)
What is the highest point? (Altitude)
What is the lowest point? (Altitude)
Is this area prone to slumps and landslides? (Yes or no)
What areas of the site will require special care and attention due to the possibility of landslides?
Water
Are there any of these naturally (or currently) present on the site? (select all that apply)
Spring
River
Lake
Pond
Stream
Marshes
Seasonal/Temporary Flows
Other (Specify)
Describe the temporary flow situation if there is one.
Access
This design adds or modifies: (Select all that apply)
Driveway
Farm Tracks
Walking Tracks
Path or Footpaths
Animal Laneway
Other (Specify)
Provide some details for each type of access you are adding.
Paved
Dirt
Gravel
Other (Specify)
Flora and Fauna
Are any of these present?
Special design considerations may be required. (Select all that apply)
Animal Species of Concern
Forest Regrowth
Native Grassland/prairie
Old Growth Forest
Plant species of special concern
Problematic non-native animals
Problematic non-native plants
Special conservation restrictions
Wetlands
Other (Specify)
Are there pests, diseases, or varmints of note? (list as appropriate)
What plant species are on site?
Common name, species name, description, useful, uses, current circumstances.
Soil Types
What are the soil types on site? (select all that apply)
Clay
Sandy Clay
Silty Clay
Clay Loam
Sandy Clay Loam
Silty Clay Loam
Loam
Sandy Loam
Silt Loam
Loamy Sand
Sand
Silt
Volcanic
Caliche/Limestone
Peaty
Other (Specify)
What is the soil pH?
Test different areas
Are there any known toxins in the soil?
How well do the soils drain? (Select One)
Quickly
Moderately
Slowly
Imperceptibly
Draining too fast or too slow? Outline a summary of your plan to address this.
Are there areas/soils in need of repair/remediation? (Yes or No)
Describe the area where the work is needed, the needed work, and your plan to address this both as part of the short term design implementation and as part of the long term design maintenance.
Has there been heavy soil disturbance recently? (Yes or No)
Describe the disturbance, how it affects the design work, and your plan to address this.
Infrastructure
What building types are already present on site? (select all that apply)
Barn/Livestock Housing
Coop/Poultry Housing
House
None
Outhouse
Shed/Outbuilding
Tower
Water Tank
Other (Specify)
What buildings are we adding or heavily modifying in the design? (select all that apply)
Barn/Livestock Housing
Coop/Poultry Housing
House
None
Outhouse
Shed/Outbuilding
Tower
Water Tank
Other (Specify)
Does the site include any of these? Special care or attention may be needed. (Select all that apply)
Buried Pipes
Culverts
Earth Banks
Fences
None
Ponds and Dams
Power Lines
Terraces
Walls
Other (specify)
Are we adding or heavily modifying any of these to the site as part of the design? Select all that apply.
Buried Pipes
Culverts
Earth Banks
Fences
None
Ponds and Dams
Power LInes
Terraces
Walls
Other (Specify)
Energy Components
Is this site "off-grid"? (Yes or No)
Is energy being harvested on site? (Yes or No)
What methods of power collection are being utilised? (Select all that apply)
Solar
Hydro
Wind
Other (Specify)
Are there any additional technologies, innovations, infrastructure, or actions that will affect plans for energy use on site? (Yes or No)
List and describe these as appropriate.
Social Components
Does this site currently serve in a larger social context which will need to be updated or maintained to continue serving the community? (Yes or No)
Describe the current social context of the site.
If Yes is chosen above, How is this existing social context reflected in your design?
Does your design include ways in which the site will serve in a larger social context than it currently does? (Yes or No)
What is the larger social context?
If Yes is chosen above, How will this new situation be achieved and supported by your design?