A Framework for Site Analysis with Emphasis on Feng Shui and Contemporary Environmental Design Principles

This research proposes a new site analysis methodology in the form of an integrated framework. The framework separates the site analysis process into different models, incorporates each model, and considers the interaction between them. The most important models are the environmental models (climate, geology, hydrology, topography, and vegetation models), social-cultural models, economic models, and infrastructure models. Each model also contains several important factors. The study identifies and organizes environmental factors within the framework that influence site analysis and design. Based on the applicability of feng shui principles and their interpretations into measurable factors, this research compares and incorporates feng shui and contemporary environmental design theories, and summarizes essential environmental factors. The emphasis on environmental factors from these models may lead to a better understanding of the relationships between humankind and the natural environment. The proposed framework is implemented into a computer simulation program, titled SiteOne, to demonstrate the concepts and ideas, with an emphasis on environmental factors. This research uses the town of Reston in Fairfax County, Virginia, as the study area because of the availability of information. SiteOne analyzes a range of alternatives and then derives solutions from the suggested site conditions in the form of GIS maps. There are various modules that make up the prototype system: namely an analysis module, a database module, and a result generation module. SiteOne helps professionals collect a wide range of information and select corresponding criteria in the early stages of design. It also provides visual analysis based on selected criteria and models. Therefore, it can act as an educational knowledge component for professionals as well as the general public.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Environmental Design and Planning

Department dc:contributor.department

Environmental Design and Planning

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2003

Author dc:creator

• Xu, Jun

Chairs dc:contributor.committeechair

• Jones, James R.
• Schubert, Robert P.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Dymond, Randel L.
• Koebel, C. Theodore
• Wang, Joseph C.
• Jones, Dennis B.

• environmental design
• site analysis
• decision-support
• GIS
• feng shui

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-10172003-101905

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/29291