A site survey aims to collect all the information from a site, the owner and the environmental context which will inform and guide the design process.
Some of the main goals from this survey are to:
In the design of any system it is critical to take time to understand the context well, the dynamics of the environment, the outcomes expected by stakeholders and to research different approaches to delivering value and address problems or create new opportunities.
There are a number of different frameworks that can assist with this reviewed below:
Some of the main goals from this survey are to:
- Identify climate patterns.
- Identify topographical features, rainfall and volumes of water movement through the property.
- Identify areas on the landscape that are seasonally dry or wet.
- The capability and resources available to the landowner.
- The desired outcomes of the landowner and their and their nature.
- The soil conditions at the site.
- The influence of previous land uses.
- The influence of existing structures and land uses.
- The influence of surrounding land uses.
- Identify a range of suitable plant and animals species to include in the design (based on performance in similar landscapes and interest of landowner and/or market opportunities).
In the design of any system it is critical to take time to understand the context well, the dynamics of the environment, the outcomes expected by stakeholders and to research different approaches to delivering value and address problems or create new opportunities.
There are a number of different frameworks that can assist with this reviewed below:
| client.pdf |
A Typical Permaculture Questionnaire
Below is a questionnaire that acts as a helpful guide in collecting the necessary information for a site. It can be used (as is) or adapted to suit your needs.
| permaculture_design_questionnaire.pdf |
Land Use Capability
This is more technical - but it is a useful resource for identifying a standardised approach to classifying different landscape, soil types and act as a means to differentiate between different context. It is a particularly useful starting point for an aspiring permaculture consultant who will be exploring many different landscape context and will need a more robust system to match landscape types to suitable plant and animal species.
| land_use_capability_classification.pdf |
Value Proposition Canvas
This is a template to help organise your thoughts around trying to better understand what our the main drivers of what you client wants (their pains) and what opportunities you can provide in your design to relieve those pains or provide new opportunities that would enhance their lives.
| value-proposition-canvas.pdf |
PESTEL Analysis
This framework is good for identifying what factors from the environment would impact the design you wish to implement. It gets you thinking more about the context of social, political, legal, economic and environmental factors that may influence your design and the outcomes you are planning for.
