Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
there are no alternatives for an entrance onto the property. The result
may require significant grading to accommodate the entrance road
and entrance feature. Regardless of the circumstances, grading will be
required—minimally, when matching program elements with site suit-
ability, or substantially, when the match is less achievable.
The devil, however, is in the details. While an experienced designer
may be successful in matching the design elements with site topogra-
phy, the actual grading requirements will not be fully appreciated until
the designer launches the phase of design that comes after the client
has approved the schematic design (SD) phase, and the design develop-
ment (DD) or detailed design phase is begun. A preliminary site-grad-
ing plan is usually the first step of the design process after the client
approves the schematic design. It is during the detail design phase that
a more precise, accurate site design plan is developed. Using the site
design plan as a base, a grading plan is developed at a level of detail
pretty close to the final grading plan. During the design development
phase, a planting plan, early detail sections and construction details,
and selection of materials will be developed. A staking or layout plan
is created, whereby horizontal control is provided for the contractor,
demonstrating how to locate and lay out all construction elements,
including buildings and structures, paved and planting areas, roads and
walkways, and all the elements to be constructed. Material selection for
paving and walls is also a part of what is detailed in the design develop-
ment phase. Decisions on other material and equipment selections are
also made, such as for lighting, site furnishings, and irrigation.
GettinG from the Site and the deSiGn to
GradinG the Site
Grading is a creative process informed by an understanding of sim-
ple geometric concepts used to manipulate an existing topography to
achieve a set of landform design intentions. The grading design intent
might be as simple as creating a series of earthen mounds to given
another layer of form and interest to a landscape planting. Grading
