SITE ANALYSIS. Environmental Analysis.

The climate in Cernusco sul Naviglio is warm temperate, with an average annual temperate of 13°C. The temperate can drop to as low as 1°C in the winter months, and can reach a top of 29°C in the summer months (World Weather Online, 2023).

The maximum UV index in Cernusco sul Naviglio is 6 in the summer months, increasing from a minimum of 2 in winter, plateauing bimonthly from January, before gradually declining again between July and December (World Weather Online, 2023).

Cernusco sul Naviglio sees significant rainfall throughout the year, even in the drier months. Averaging between 5 and 10 rainfall days each month, the average annual rainfall is 1162mm with May, September and November receiving the highest precipitation (World Weather Online, 2023).

The environmental context of Cernusco sul Naviglio and its effect on the site may influence the design proposal. The area receives predominant prevailing winds from the north, with secondary breezes from the north-east and south-west. The relevant sun paths could create shading issues from neighbouring buildings throughout the year, affecting the level of sun exposure to new planting.

Industrial environmental constraints include noise pollution from the nearby vehicle bypass to the west, and railway line to the north. Meanwhile, sources of odour pollution include the fumes from the vehicle bypass, fertiliser from the neighbouring agricultural site and any lingering odours from the sewerage line on site.

The summer months in Cernusco sul Naviglio receive the strongest winds, with an average speed of around 6km/h, and average gust of between 12 and 14km/h (World Weather Online, 2023).

SITE ANALYSIS. North + east direction.

Accessibility from Back-entrance

North and East Views

Looking North the railway and dual carriageway overhead are very visible. It will be important to improve the feeling of being in the forest to include taller trees with evergreen fuller foliage in order to act as a visual and acoustic barrier to the train line and road.

Looking East the full length of the site can be seen, this will be the main entrance point to the site and so it key this elevation is both welcoming, rich in colour and with some gaps in the foliage to allow glimpses into the site.

SITE ANALYSIS. South + west direction.

South and West Views

Looking West the overpass of the main road is again very distinct and visible. There is an opportunity to use the blank face of the concrete wall as a space for a mural associated with the forest which will bring some colour and vibrancy to the area and advertise the adjacent forest to passers-by or passengers of the metro.

Looking west, the adjacent industrial office building is visible. This provides a visual eyesore on the sight and efforts to include some taller trees should be done. These trees however should be tall with lower foliage in order to prevent blocking southern sunlight onto the site.