Site Planning and Selection

Successful land-use planning adds value to property and to the community. SAIC develops functional and affordable site planning and selection project solutions designed to augment natural site features and endure the test of time.

The Site - Know It, Respect It, Master It

SAIC's approach to site planning and selection starts with the natural characteristics of the site, the effect of human imprint, and what those two things tell us. This is the base for building a solution framework. Gaining an understanding of the site has a significant impact on the cost of both design and development. A plan building on facts rather than assumptions can avoid costly backtracking and rethinking during the design phase. Costs can be geometrically greater during construction if the basic understanding of the site has not been incorporated into the design. The site plan must meet the basic requirements of functionality and affordability. In our approach, there is no separation among those basic requirements and the further requirements inherent in aesthetics and community needs. We have found that an elegant plan woven into the community fabric is not a cost issue; it is a skill issue. This approach, coupled with our experience, knowledge and creativity will give our customer a plan that exploits the full potential of the site. The immediate objectives can then flow seamlessly into the long-term objectives. Fundamentally, SAIC's site planning and selection services balance both art and science, tying together landscape, buildings, environment, and movement.

Site Selection

In the site selection process, we evaluate the proposed sites for achieving the customer objectives. These include documenting the same elements we apply to an individual site; suitability, geotechnical aspects, geographic information systems (GIS), foundation requirements, environmental issues, location, mapping, traffic patterns, utility access, and sustainability issues. A matrix is developed to compare advantages and disadvantages of the sites, including a cost associated with development of each site. We work with the customer to analyze the matrix data and select a final site. Once site selection is made, we initiate a design process that develops alternative approaches to the site. Our thorough approach can provide our customers with the site that works best for them.

Comprehensive Site Planning and Selection Services

SAIC has developed site planning and selection for a variety of land use purposes. Our capabilities and project scope include:

  • Comprehensive land-use plans
  • Mapping
  • Geographic information systems
  • Assessment of ground and soil conditions
  • Environmental and sustainability assessments
  • Location modeling
  • Traffic pattern analysis
  • Community planning
  • Real-estate development
  • Public and private campus planning
  • Parks/trails/lakes
  • Urban renewal planning
  • Transportation corridors
  • Anti-terrorism/force protection planning