Modelling

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A model high-value, low-impact housing development was planned for the English Company's cattle ranch.

Together with geological, climatic and soil studies, the contour maps and photo-interpreting data were our primary sources of information.

As usual we start by looking at the configuration of the terrain. In this case we use the summer morning sun to highlight the shape of the landforms.

Our modelling system allows us to combine different factors, such as for example slope and orographic contact to gain an understanding of the surface runoff pattern.

From this, we infer the soil distribution pattern which point out the areas of higher biological potential. The same areas get less ventilation, which makes them favorable for trees, but not so much for housing.

With aerial photography we were able to map the ground cover on to the landforms, and thus get an idea of which areas were best suited for the different uses: housing, education, recreation, parks and ranching.

On-site biological studies of the local species communities is an integral part of the process; a necessary complement to the other information which is more theoretical in nature.

We then proceed to examine in mors detail the areas which are targeted for housing development, such as this peninsula jutting out into the lake. Shown hear at greater resolution with its slope gradient.

Morning light on the Eastern slopes can be most welcome after a cool damp night. On the other side of the ridge, the Western slopes receive too much heat on the summer afternoons when the low sun can be quite detrimental.

This slope and soil map gives us a clear picture of where the cattle grazes (the flat basin), where it is best to preserve the natural tree cover (by the gullies) and where we ought to site the houses (upper slopes).

A combination of slope and orographic contact with the trade winds (greater moisture), shows us where the higher biological potential will be and helps us site decide the location of the parks.

On the other hand, morning sun and exposure to better ventilation make the higher slopes on the side that's facing East more suitable for housing development.

Modelling the Environmnet; Guataparo.