Create Stunning Portfolio Site Analysis Pages

Why Site Analysis Matters in Portfolios

Site analysis pages demonstrate that you:

• Understand context
• Research before designing
• Think systematically
• Can communicate complex information clearly

Many portfolios skip this. Don't. It sets you apart.

The Anatomy of Great Site Analysis

1. Location Context

Start with orientation:

• Country → City → District → Site
• Progressive zoom levels
• Clear labeling

2. Figure Ground

The essential base map:

• Shows urban fabric
• Identifies your site
• Reveals patterns and voids

3. Analytical Layers

Build upon the base:

• Circulation (vehicular, pedestrian)
• Green space and water
• Building heights
• Land use
• Historical development

4. Site-Specific Studies

• Sun path and shadows
• Views and vistas
• Noise and pollution
• Microclimate

5. Synthesis

Bring it together:

• Key opportunities
• Main constraints
• Design drivers

Visual Hierarchy Tips

Consistency is Key

• Same scale across all maps
• Consistent north orientation
• Matching color palette
• Uniform line weights

Less is More

• One main idea per diagram
• Remove unnecessary information
• Let the analysis breathe

Guide the Eye

• Use color to highlight key elements
• Size indicates importance
• White space is your friend

Using ArchiKEK for Portfolio Work

Choose the Right Theme

• Figure Ground: For urban morphology spread
• Minimal: For base maps you'll annotate
• Blueprint: For technical portfolios
• Warm/Atmospheric: For mood-setting pages

Build Your Layers

Generate multiple exports:

• Base figure-ground
• Roads only
• Water and green
• Transit

Combine in Illustrator for custom diagrams.

Customize Colors

Match your portfolio palette:

• Generate with any theme
• Open SVG in Illustrator
• Select layers
• Apply your colors

Layout Suggestions

The Classic Grid

4-6 small maps showing different analyses, equal size, strong alignment.

The Hero Map

One large figure-ground with smaller analytical diagrams around it.

The Process Sequence

Left to right progression from research to synthesis.

The Layered Build-up

Sequential pages that add information progressively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Information Overload

Don't show everything at once. Spread across pages.

Poor Scale Choice

Too zoomed in = no context

Too zoomed out = no detail

Find the balance.

Inconsistent Style

Your site analysis should feel like it belongs with your design pages.

Missing Synthesis

Raw analysis isn't enough. Show what you learned.

Generic Analysis

Every site is unique. Show what's special about yours.

Stand Out Strategies

Show Your Process

Include sketches, notes, photos from site visits.

Tell a Story

Connect analysis findings to design decisions.

Be Selective

Show the analyses that mattered most to your design.

Beautiful Execution

Even analytical work should be visually engaging.

Create Your Base Map →