Geo-referenced, relational databases are a good place to start. AutoCADD artistry can begin with an arbitrary 100’ elevation benchmark whether a coastal garden or mountaintop arboretum. Talented architects then spread colorful plant symbols around the sheet and doesn’t the place look pretty? Geo-referenced relational databases combine spatial analysis to insert design and planning ideas into a relevant ecological and regional context. Combine ecological principles, scientific rigor, human psychology—design principles—sustainable plans emerge naturally.

Tresala designs begin with a base map full of delightfully revealing contour lines and other existing conditions, history, and use for context. Ian Mc Harg developed this wonderful overlay concept for land-use planning. Jack Dangermond built ESRI in Redlands, CA inserting McHarg’s ideas into a bright green, layered-mapping digital matrix. Now, rather than being independent from the region, sites are connected to the whole system. Geo-referenced plans and designs are not only two dimension layers but 3-D (height) and 4-D (time/ history & future).

Of course, planning in the multi-dimensional, geographically referenced digital world eventually must connect like mycorrhizal fungal mycelia to plant roots for maximum benefit to the site as a system. Applied to various aspects of any place, overlays always yield surprising insight. Site analysis overlay drawings may study: views in & out, slope, soil and drainage, access and circulation patterns, micro-climate, existing vegetation, natural and cultural history. These attributes, inserted into related tables, become geo-referenced relational databases.

Benefits sprout immediately following the nurturing rain of site study. Architectural footprints root down into and accentuate the site’s most charming hidden or obvious elements. Wind, sun, fire, cold air, precipitation and waste become valued assets on an intellectually cultivated site. Fertile soil, hard pan and rock outcrop, weeds and trees, lawns and shrubs, orchards and windbreaks all make perfect sense when thematically group and unified in a well comprehended master plan.

When the site is clearly understood and client needs prioritized into bubble diagrams or concept drawings. Concepts are developed into the most intriguing schematics which are more detailed than conceptual bubble, more to scale and site relevant. Together we piece together details into a coherent whole system: flesh-out the bones, test range-of-motion, realize design is driven by constraint. This is the yoga of ecologically sustainable design.

Site appropriate design takes time. Once preliminary design exploration is complete, remember that there is always a better design. Proceed sanely. Phased master plans wonderfully keep big ideas within reasonable financial and time constraints while directing task energy toward cohesive goals. Master plans connect sites thematically, place-make with integrity. Sustainability feels good.

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