Designing with Landscape: Using Site Conditions to Shape Better Buildings

Many projects treat landscape as something to be accommodated once a building has been designed. Yet site topography, hydrology, solar orientation, vegetation, microclimate, views, ecology, and movement patterns often have a greater influence on long-term building performance than decisions made later in the design process. As architects respond to increasingly complex environmental, planning, and user requirements, site-responsive design is becoming a critical tool for improving both project outcomes and placemaking quality.

This session examines landscape-led architecture from a practical design and delivery perspective. The webinar explores how natural systems, environmental analysis, and site-specific conditions can inform building form, orientation, spatial organisation, and user experience. Participants will gain practical insight into how architects can use landscape as a design generator to improve building performance, strengthen place identity, and create more resilient and enduring projects.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Landscape-led design methodologies
• Reading and analysing site conditions
• Topography, landform, and building placement
• Solar orientation and environmental response
• Water movement, drainage, and site hydrology
• Ecology and biodiversity considerations
• Courtyards, thresholds, and outdoor room strategies
• Daylight, views, and spatial sequencing
• Integrating architecture and landscape systems
• Designing for ageing communities and wellbeing
• Planning benefits of site-responsive design
• Lessons from rural, residential, hospitality, and community projects